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HISTORY 

OF 



DUBUQUE COUNTY 

IOWA 



Being a General Survey of Dubuque County History, 

Including a History of the City of Dubuque and 

Special Account of Districts throughout the 

County, from the Earliest Settlement 

to the Present Time 



FRANKLIN T. OLDT 

Editor-in-Chief 

P. J. QUIGLEY 

Supervising Editor 
CATHOLIC HISTORY 



/Q 




FACSIMILE SIGNATURE OF JULIBN DHBUQUB 

GOODSPEED HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION 
CHICAGO 






PREFACE 



AN examination of this volume by subscribers will reveal that 
a vast extent of original research for material has been 
made in newspaper files, public documents and private rec- 
ords of various kinds. The object has been to compress 
into the pages, even at the partial expense of finished literary style, 
interesting and valuable data concerning the county so far as space 
would allow. In addition, though the subscription list is small, 
the number of pages has been extended over two hundred beyond 
what was contemplated at the outset, in order still further to save 
from permanent loss thousands of interesting items usually over- 
looked or disregarded by local historians. Thus a permanent foun- 
dation for a future perfect historical work, which can be elaborated 
and improved by subsequent writers, has been laid. Generally, 
statistical tables have been avoided and a narrative form has been 
adopted. The book necessarily contains errors, though it is believed 
they will be found comparatively few. The publishers stand ready, 
as is their custom, to correct all such by a special errata sheet to be 
sent to subscribers to be pasted in the books. As a whole we feel 
confident that subscribers will appreciate this fine volume. 

The Publishers. 



3i^ 



i^iP 



TABLE OF CONTENTS 



HISTORY 

CHAPTEK PAilE 

Geology, Lead and Ziac Mining, etc 17 

Dubnque 's Settlement, the Indians, etc 31 

City of Dubuque, 1788 to 1849 46 

City of Dubuque, 1850 to 1859 88 

City of Dubuque, 1860 to 1869 131 

City of Dubuque, 1870 to 1911 167 

Boating, River Commerce, etc 204 

Eailway Projects 240 

Military Kecord 251 

PoUtics 324 

County Affairs 391 

Practice of Medicine, Dentistry, etc 421 

Protestants 431 

Bench and Bar 447 

Townships, Settlement, etc 467 

Catholics 871 

Education 903 

Miscellaneous Events 935 



BIOGRAPHY 



PAQX 

A 

Abeln, Frank G 818 

Adams, Shubael P 773 

Aitchison, Albert Wallace 783 

Aitchison, William C, Jr 811 

Allen, Leonard P 699 

Allison, James Emerson 797 

Altman, Franc W 647 

Andres, Glaus 679 

Arendt, Charles F 699 

Armstrong, David 593 

Armstrong, David W 823 

Armstrong, James 592 

B 

Baird. William 537 

Baldwin, Charles Dunn 530 

Baldwin, Isaac W 529 

Barker, W. T 455 

Barmeier, Harry 752 

Barry, Rev. Michael 852 

Baumann, Rev. Father John S. . 515 



FAOB 

Beattv, James W 512 

Beaubines, The 501 

Beck, Guido 651 

Becker, August 619 

Beiler, Frank A 644 

Benton, Charles 572 

Benton, Curtis D 568 

Berg, Christopher H 704 

Beringer, John F 771 

Bevan, James W 533 

Bigelow, Dr. Isaac S 861 

Bisenius, Nicholas John 695 

■ Blocklinger, Dr. Albert Herman 755 

Blocklinger, Benjamin Franklin 684 

Board, Charles L 812 

Bockensted, Anton 737 

Boeckensted, Frank 741 

Boldt, Gustav H 703 

Bonson, Richard 643 

Bonson, Hon. Robert 650 

Brede, John F '. 710 

Brede, Louis H 749 



TABLE OF CONTENTS 



PAOE 

Briggs, Thomas G 551 

Briggs, Thomas Howard 552 

Brinkman, Herman 693 

Broell, John C 582 

Brouillard, Henry 784 

Brownson, Dr. Orestes A 752 

'i Brueekner, Edward. (304 

Brummer, John W 647 

Brunkow, Ferdinand W 837 

Buckley, Henry L 850 

Bueehele, John Paul 777 

Bueehele, Theodore E., Sr 777 

Bullinger, Francis Xavier 864 

Bunker, Horace F 847 

Burdt, Frederick C 846 

Burlage, Simon, Sr 620 

Burns, John F 502 

Byrne, John M 861 

C 

Campbell, Edmond H 791 

Carey, Eugene C 793 

Carey, Eev. Michael H 851 

Carkeek, Thomas T 708 

Carney, Frank 501 

Chestermau, Caleb C 606 

Christman, Charles 630 

Christman, Mrs. Christiana 857 

Clancy, Mathew C 843 

Clark, Alfred L 845 

Clark, Eev. Arthur M 514 

Clarke, Dr. E. Lincoln 560 

Clarke, Frederick M 565 

Collis, George 691 

Conlin, James L 535 

Conlin, Thomas J 556 

-Connell, Charles W 566 

^onzett, Arthur M 847 

Coolej', Mrs. Clara Aldrieh 762 

Cooley, Hon. D. N 761 

Cooper, Augustin A 499 

Cox, Walter G 584 

Craft, George W 538 

Craft, William 689 

Crawford, Hon. Phineas W 770 

Crawford, Theophilus 656 

D 

Dehn<'r, Henry L 532 

Dell, Charles H 824 

Dement, Herman 676 

Deming, Judson Keith 566 

Denison, John D., Jr 728 

Denlinger, Martain 807 

Dersch, Francis H 701 

Deyen, George B 823 

Dickinson, George F 526 

Doerr, Phillip 522 

Doerrmann, Fred 686 

Dorr, Col. Joseph B 532 

Dreher, Joseph .T 648 

Drexler, Anton 735 

Drexler, Frank L 820 



PAGE 
Dubuque Academv of Music. . . . 742 
Dubuque, Julien.".19, 31, 43, 46, 391 

Duffv, James J 618 

Dyer, Judge J. J 452, 453 

E 

Ede, David F 678 

Eighmev, Charles H 653 

Elmer, Mrs. Phoebe 857 

Ellwanger, Andrew 719 

EUwanger, John 631 

Ellwanger, Otto 720 

Emerson, .J. Hannibal 661 

Emerson, James M 657 

Erschens, Peter F., Jr 639 

Even, Peter 605 

Evers, Henry 586 

F 

Fagan, .lames 527 

Faha, Frank 604 

Fanning, James 664 

Fanning, Timothy 664 

Farrington, Earl J 834 

Feigner, Emil 736 

Feugler, Edwin A 520 

Feugler, Leo M 521 

Ferring. Anton W 841 

Finn, John J 516 

Fitzpatrick, Thomas J 623 

Flick, Arthur R 524 

Fober, Joseph L 702 

Foulke, H. B 459 

>CFrantzen, J. P 665 

Freeman, L. P 814 

Freking, Ferdinand 863 

Friedman, Anton 694 

Friedmann, George 711 

Friedman, Jacob 713 

Frith, Eugene E ■ 737 

Fromm. Dr. Lawrence 588 

Frudden, Hon. A. F 652 

Fuhrman, Edward 720 

Fuhrmann, Frank P 774 

G 

Ganfield, Henrv 789 

Ganfield, Samuel 788 

Garrigan, Matthew 816 

Gebhard, John B 820 

Gehon, Gen. Francis 251 

Gehrig, Joseph 692 

Gehrig, D. A 869 

Gerken, Prof. George F 580 

Gerken, Henry 580 

Giegenrich, Albert 636 

Glab, Adam 581 

Glab, John 579 

Glab, Nicholas 581 

■ Glaser, August L 545 

Goetzinger, Nicholas 641 

Gorman, Verj- Eev. Daniel M., 
LL.D 664 



TABLE OF CONTENTS 



P 



PAGE 

Gosden, Henry 789 

Uraffort, Thomas 665 

Graham, William 744 

Gregoire, Charles Hypolitte 501 

Gregory, E. James 775 

Guthrie, James E., M.D 663 

H 

Haas, Hou. Daniel J 640 

Ham, Mathias 799 

Ham, Moses M 673 

Hammel, AugTist 771 

Hamil, Andrew Preston 792 

Hamil, Thomas A 783 

Haiiiilton, Judge William W.... 665 

Hammond, William A 528 

Harkett, William A 636 

Harragan, Joseph F 717 

Harrington, Cornelius Daniel... 578 

Harris, Capt. D. S 205, 218 

Harris, James H 666 

Hartmann, Anthony A 833 

■Hartmann, Leo. L 834 

Haudenshield, Jacob 836 

Hauer, Lorenz 626 

Hawkins, Benjamin 718 

Hawkins, Reuben 750 

Hay, Robert 621 

Heald, Burton D 548 

Healey, Mrs. Elizabeth 857 

Heale.y, George W 662 

Iheb," Anthony F 611 

lleer, Fridolin Joseph, Sr 597 

Heer, Rev. George W 650 

Ueerv, William 814 

Hefferuan, Thomas Henry, M.D. 603 

Hein, George L 540 

Heim, John L 655 

Heisey, David J 719 

Heitzman, William 668 

Heles, John B 587 

Hempstead, Gov. Stephen 497 

Henderson, Col. D. B...377, 384, 386 

Herod, Joseph 664 

Herdmaun, Thomas A 830 

Heyne, Gustavus A 838 

Higbee, Herbert G 510 

Higgins, Eugene 803 

Higgins, Warren 804 

Hillyard, Lorenzo 610 

Hinds, Franklin 639 

Hirons, Harvey 551 

Hodgdon, Gen. .John 661 

Hoefer, Adam J 576 

Hoerr, Peter 671 

Hoffman, Mathias M 724 

Holmes, Dr. Harry Lowell 511 

Hollnagel, Charles H 683 

Holscher, Bernard, Sr 732 

Honerbaum, Barnard 809 

Horchem, B. J 781 

Hnelshoff, Bernard H 645 



PAGE 

Huntoon, D. C 866 

Hyde, Lucien R 517 

J 

Jaeger, Frank M 753 

Jackson, Dr. Edward R 605 

Johnson, A. C 523 

Jonas, Dan J 763 

Jones, Gen. George W' 865 

Jones, Rudolph 689 

Jungk, Philip 825 

K 

Kapp, John 572 

Karrick, Capt. George 252 

Kearney, Frank J 687 

Kearney, William S 812 

Keckevoet, John 831 

Kehoe, John G 557 

Kelly, Thomas 540 

. Keniine, Henry Charles 749 

Kenneally. Daniel J 669 

Kennedy, Michael 815 

Kenter, Clemens 818 

Kerper, Jacob 575 

Kerper, John A 539 

Kessler, Jacob 634 

Kiene, Emil 559 

Kiene, Henry 538 

Kiene, Peter, Jr 501 

Kiene, Peter, Sr 501 

Kies, John L 777 

Kifer, John H 805 

Kingsley, Thomas 681 

Kinsella, John A 677 

Kirchen, John P., Sr 751 

Klauer, Peter 617 

Klauer, William H 834 

Kleis, Charles E 507 

Kluesner, John 765 

Knapp, Dr. Horace G 505 

Knight, William J 465 

Knoll, Dr. Oscar A 800 

Knowlton, Henry A 676 

Koch, John Adam 705 

Kohlmann, Henry W 527 

Koick, Richard 531 

Kremer, George 716 

Kretschmer, Prof. Charles G 627 

Kretschmer, Frederick N 577 

Kretschmer, Herbert C 576 

Kuhn, Prof. Albert 799 

Kumpf , Edward E 795 

Kutsch, Frank P 844 

Kutsch, Joseph P 504 

L 

Lange, Dr. Frank X .582 

Lange. Otto Fernando 734 

Langel, Adolph 868 

Langel, John 869 

Langworthy, Edward 507 

Langworthy, Dr. Henry Glover. 658 



8 



TABLE OF CONTENTS 



PAGE 

Langworthy, James L 513 

Langworthy, James Lyon 696 

Langworthy, Lucius H 498 

Lattner, Samuel B 746 

Leary, James 860 

Leffert, Daniel 806 

Leigh, Charles E 758 

Leman, Adolph Warburg, M.Th. 738 

Lemper, Henry P 730 

j^Lenz, Nicholas Martin Phillip. 733 

Levens, Capt. Thomas 532 

Levi, James 588 

Lighteap, Leonard L. 702 

Limbach, Joseph H 596 

Linehan, Dr. Charles M 591 

Linehan, Edmund A 860 

Linehan, J. J 591 

, Linehan, Dr. Mathias D 633 

y Link, James F 822 

Loetscher, Christian 725 

Loizeaux, Charles, E., M.D 603 

Lorimier, Peter A 497 

Lubck, Louis C 782 

Luchrsmann, Dr. Bernard H... 596 

Luchterhand, Fred L. M 709 

Lusk, William H 523 

Luther, William C 622 

Lyon, Col. D. E 550 

Lyons, Michael Edward 722 

Lyon, George T 550 

M 

MacHogan, William 819 

Maguire, Daniel D 842 

Maguire, John E., M.D 552 

Maiers, Peter J 856 

Manson, John W 525 

Manson, Walter 632 

Martin, William B 843 

Martin, Moses H 546 

Martin, Robert 790 

Massev, Frederick 1 695 

Mason, Dr. Timothy 636 

Mathes, Lee Dandrige 657 

Mathiesen, Julius H 837 

Matthews, Alphons 722 

Matthews, Hon. Matthew C 794 

McCoIlins, John J 713 

McCraney, Thomas 646 

McEnany, Michael 835 

McFadden, Prof. John A 729 

McGee, George 573 

MeGee, Isaac L 569 

McXamara, C. B 766 

McNamara, .John F 726 

Menke, John W 884 

Merkes, Thomas 707 

Mescher, Henry J 817 

Metcalf , George 643 

Meuser, Joseph A 542 

Meyer, Joseph L 549 

Mihm, John .T 717 

Moes, Dr. M. J 706 



PAGE 

Moes, Mathias 707 

Moloney, Lawrence 754 

Monger, Shubael A 727 

Monroe, Thomas M 455 

Mueller, Dr. Emil F 594 

Mueller, Henry 546 

Mulgrew, Thomas J 851 

Mulkern, Hon. M. B 453,4.54 

Mullany, John 1 624 

Mullen, Richard D 544 

Muntz, Samuel E 774 

Murphy, John Stanford 766 

Murphy, William C 687 

Murray, P. C 796 

Myers, Dorrance Dixon, Sr 602 

N 

Nabor, Bernard A 585 

Newburgh, Joseph W 858 

Newton, Rev. Isaac 571 

Neyens, John 784 

Nightingale, George L 517 

Noel, John B 712 

Norman, J. J. E 639 

Norton, John W 829 

Norton, Patrick 854 

O 

Ovel, John G 583 

O'Neill, .John 810 

O'Neill, John H 456, 459 

Oneill, William B 543 

O 'Malley, Rev. Peter 848 

O 'Farrell, James 832 

Otto, Prof. Rudolph Franz 719 

Oberbroekling, Rev. Frederick 

William 671 

Orvis, Rev. Gurney Mahan 648 

,*t;^,Ott, Joseph John .' 660 

P 

Palmer, William A 728 

Pape, Rev. Frederick W 629 

Perkins, Solon B 787 

Pond, Dr. Alonson M 801 

Plamondon, Isidore J., Jr 555 

Pitman, John .\ 564 

Pottebaum, Henry 508 

Patterson, Samuel 519 

Pitschner, Charles 840 

Palen, Dr. Charles 849 

Preston, Gustavus V 828 

Poole, Horace 697 

Pfersch, Philip C 633 

Q 

Quinlan, Robert W 859 

Quigley, Patrick J 654 

B 

Rankin, John .547 

Ranson, Franklin Adelbert 571 

Rath, George 510 



TABLE OF CONTENTS 



PAGE 

Redding, James E 560 

Keinold, John F 680 

Benier, Philip J 798 

Reynolds, Joseph 238 

Rhomberg, Alphons L 534 

Rhomberg, Alphonse J 535 

Rhomberg, Frank M 574 

Rhomberg, Joseph Andrew 532 

Rhomberg, Joseph H 574 

Rhomberg, Titus E 536 

Rider, Peter 615 

Rittscber, John A 616 

Roberts, Thomas C 458 

Robinson, Frederick C 634 

Roche, Michael 674 

Rodgers, Robert W 802 

Boedell, Alfred T 868 

Rose, George De Forest 616 

Roshek, John Jerome 867 

Rowan, Joseph J., Jr 553 

Ryan, the Rt. Rev. Roger 848 

Ruete, Theodore W 656 

S 

Samuels, Ben M 635,451 

Sanner, John P 816 

Sauer, Daniel 747 

Sauser, J. P 813 

Sauser, Michael H 685 

Schaetzle, Joseph W 740 

Schaul, Adolph 855 

Schemmel, Theodore 736 

Schemmel, Joseph 587 

Schemmel, William 588 

Seherr, Bernard C 613 

Scherr, Franz 613 

Schick, Arthur D 559 

Schollian, Alexander 672 

Schmid, George, Jr 518 

Schmid, George, Sr 517 

Schmitt, Paul J 521 

Schroeder, Frank N 637 

Schrup, Nicholas J 592 

Schrup, John 592 

Schrup, Dr. Joseph Henry 715 

Schublin, August 828 

Schulte, Bernard 756 

Schulte, George G 757 

Schulte, John J 757 

Schultz, Daniel 786 

Schunk, Henry A 746 

Schwind, Benjamin J 619 

Schwind, John W 612 

Schwinn, Phillip 669 

Sebo, Nicholas 808 

Segur, James F 705 

Seippel, Peter J 667 

Shaffer, Nicholas M 541 

Shiras, Hon. Oliver Perry 778 

Simplot, Alexander 690 

Singrin, William 827 

Skemp, Charles P 612 

Skemp, Charles W 608 



PAGE 

Sleator, Col. David 665 

Slocum, Prof. Perkins S 554 

Smead, John S 556 

Smith, Albert Hugo 614 

Smith, George P 842 

Smith, Prof. Harry B 72}. 

Smith, Thomas 548 

Spahn, Charles J 714 

Speilman, Jacob 862 

Spencer, John 688 

Spenslej', Harker Brent... 849 

Spoden, John N 764 

Spoden, Peter 765 

Staheli, Christopher E 852 

Stampf er, Joseph Frederick .... 594 

Stedman, Benjamin F 585 

Steffens, Dr. Cornelius M 731 

Steuck, Carl A 854 

Stichler, George W 553 

Strief, Samuel L. . . 562 

Stronck, Michael 626 

Stronck, Peter 627 

Stuber, John William 514 

Sullivan, Timothy 756 

Summerfield, Adolph G 682 

Sumpman, Dr. Hubert Anton... 595 

Sweeney, Dr. Robert J 727 

Swift, Samuel T 578 

T 

Taylor, Stanley Morgan 607 

Taylor, Thomas J 830 

Tegeler, Henry 743 

Tegler, Bernard 821 

Tibbals, William R 698 

Tingley, Patrick 643 

Traub, Eugene 735 

Traufler, George 730 

Traut, Paul 780 

Tredway, Alfred 570' 

Tredway, Harry E 570 

Trexler, Adolph M 567 

Trombley, Robert H 853 

Tschudi, Fred 709 

Tucker, Edward 80? 

U 

Utt, Anna M 824 

Utt, John B 824 

Urbach, Abe 670 

Urbach, Milton 670 

V 

Van Horn, Charles 590 

Van Vors, Jason F 839 

Voelker, Christian Anthon.... 638 

Von Der Heide, John Henry... 733 

Vorwald, Henry 624 

Vorwald, John and Annie 609 

W 

Walker, Marshall M 563 

Waller, John R 629 



ro 



TABLE OF CONTENTS 



PAGE 

Walsb, James M 589 

Walter, John B 748 

Walton, Charles Wesley 658 

Waples, Peter 517 

Weaver, Gassoway S 503 

Webb, Capt. N. P 204 

Weigel, Frederick 758 

^Wieland, Dr. Frank W 678 

Wieneke, August W 840 

Williams, John B 615 

Willner, Milton F 589 

Willv, Ulrich 506 

Wilberding, Henry 827 

Wilson, Judge David 8 452, 462 



PAGE 
Wilson, Mrs. Frances P. (Stoke- 

ly) 498 

Wilson, Judge T. S 453, 463 

Wiltse, Gen. Henry A 660 

Wise, Benjamin C 509 

Wood, Fernando H 642 

Wright, William Scott 682 

Wunderlieh, Henry J 529 

Wunderlich, Henry 529 

Y 

Young, Robert 700 

Z 

Zumhoff, William 683 



ILLUSTRATIONS 



Name Facing page 

Allison, William B 369 

Asylum 113 

Beck, Guido 651 

Birdseye View of Dubuque 257 

Boldt, G. H 703 

Christman, Mrs. Christiana 857 

Cooley, Hon. D. N 761 

Cooley, Mrs. Clara Aldrich 762 

Cooper, A. A 499 

Cooper, Mrs. A. A 500 

Country Club 129 

Dubuque, 1846 65 

Dubuque 's Monument, Julien 177 

Dubuque in Early Days 33 

Dubuque Club 113 

Dubuque Boat Yard 161 

Dubuque Views 471 

Eagle Point 145 

Eagle Point High Bridge 225 

EUwanger, John 631 

Elmer, Mrs. Phoebe , 857 

Fitzpatrick, T. J 623 

Frantzen, John P 665 

Glab, John 579 

Guthrie, Dr. J. B 663 

Ham, M 799 

Ham, M. M 673 

H^ley, Mrs, Elizabetli , . ^ 857 

Heeb, A. P 611 

Heer, F. J 597 

Henderson, Hon. David B 385 

Herod, J 664 

High and Railroad Bridges 241 

Hollnagel, Charles 683 



TABLE OF CONTENTS ii 

Name Taoing page 

Hollnagel, Mrs. Charles 683 

In and around Dubuque 193 

Jones, Gen. George W ■. 49 

Keane, Archbishop John Joseph 896 

Kiene, Peter, Sr 501 

Kiene, Peter 502 

Klauer, Peter 617 

Kleis, C. E 507 

Kretschmer, Charles G 627 

Linwood Cemetery 97 

Matthews, Alphons 722 

Matthews, M. C 794 

Mazzuchelli, Fr. Samuel 871 

Mouth of Catfish Creek 161 

Mississippi River View 225 

Oldt, F. T 903 

Pape, Rev. Frederick W 629 

Park and Country Views 273 

Patterson, Sam 519 

Picturesque Dubuque 289 

Quigley, P. J 654 

Rhomberg, F. M 574 

Rockdale, Street Scenes, etc 321 

Roman Catholic Church, Dyersville 455 

Ruins of Old Mill 97 

Schwind, Jacob 612 

Smith, H. B 721 

Steps to Cemetery HiU 257 

St. Boniface CathoUc Church 423 

St. Joseph 'a Sanitarium, Dubuque 390 

The J. S. and W. W 209 

Thole, Rev. A. J 629 

Trexler, A. M 567 

Trinity Catholic Church, Luxemburg 671 

Waller, John R 680 

y. W. C. A. Building 129 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 



GEOLOGY, LEAD MINING, ETC. 

DUBUQUE COUNTY lies only partly within the driftless 
area of this region; this area extends down from the north 
along the Mississippi in varying widths to about seven miles 
below the city of Dubuque, where it runs to a point. It 
extends up the Catfish some ten or twelve miles and up the Little 
Maquoketa about twenty miles. This region is represented by the 
Pre-Cambrian system and the remainder of the county by the 
Ordovician system. 

The valley at Dubuque lies about 600 feet above the sea, and 
above the valley tower the bluffs a few hundred feet higher. The 
plain back of the bluffs is an important feature of the county. This 
plain is cut by abrupt ravines and valleys, the principal streams 
draining Dubuque county being Turkey, Big and Little Maquoketa 
and Tete des Mort rivers and Catfish creek. The Mississippi flows 
through a narrow valley bounded by steep bluffs or mounds. This 
narrow valley and high bluffs are exceptional. Between two long 
tributaries of one of the smaller streams the upland reaches out in 
a long, finger-like promontory ; between two tributaries of the 
Mississippi there is instead a sharp canyon wall, as if there had 
existed promontories which later were truncated half or three- 
quarters of a mile back from the main stream. Thus the valley 
reverses the normal habit of rivers, becoming narrower here than 
farther up stream. Certain other streams show this same tendency 
in a less marked degree, and in addition Maquoketa river and 
Catfish creek now join the Mississippi through new valleys up 
stream, having deserted old open valleys having the normal down- 
stream course usual for tributary valleys. These and other pecu- 
liarities are unusual in the formation of water courses. 

"This region is one of unmetamorphosed, little disturbed, sedi- 
mentary rocks of the Paleozoic age and there are no igneous rocks 
in it or recent ones near it. It has been at least once worn down by 
erosion to mature topographic development and afterward uplifted 
and is now being redissected. The rocks have a very gentle dip to 

17 



i8 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 



the southwest, superimposed on which are numerous shallow folds 
of local extent. Within the ore-bearing district only Ordovician and 
Silurian beds occur." The principal exposures of rock at Dubuque 
are the Galena formation. The Maquoketa shale and Niagara dolo- 
mite are seen elsewhere in the county. The lead and zinc deposits 
lie within the well-known driftless area. 



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The Pre-Cambrian rocks lie i.ooo to 1,500 feet below the sur- 
face ; they do not outcrop in Dubuque county. The Cambrian rocks 
are represented by about 1,000 feet of sandstone with minor por- 
tions of shale and dolomite. The Pre-Cambrian and Cambrian 
rocks slope gently toward the southwest. The Ordovician rocks 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 19 

are the only ones of importance in the mining operations of 
Dubuque county. Where this formation is fully developed it 
embraces (i) a dolomite at the base; (2) a sandstone in the middle; 
(3) a second dolomite. Above the latter lies the St. Peter sand- 
stone; then the Platteville limestone; then the Galena dolomite, and 
then the Maquoketa shale. Above this are the quaternary deposits. 

Lead ore was discovered at Dubuque by the Indians as early as 
1780, and about four years later Julien Dubuque, then at Prairie 
du Chien, was informed of the existence of that mineral at Dubuque 
by the Fox Indians. From 1788 to 1810 he worked these mines 
with hoe, shovel, crowbar and pick, but sank no shafts. He had a 
furnace at the mouth of Catfish creek and another at Eagle Point. 
In 1805 Lieutenant Pike learned that Dubuque mined from 20,000 
to 40,000 pounds of lead annually. 

After his death the Indians burned Dubuque's house and fences 
and destroyed all traces of his mining operations so far as possible 
in order to keep out other white men. The Indians themselves 
continued to work the mines intermittently and sold the ore to 
traders who had furnaces on the islands in the river. In 1830 
J. L. Langworthy and others, having previously obtained the con- 
sent of the Indians and the Dubuque heirs, crossed the river and 
began work in the mines. The Eagle Point crevice, it is said, was 
located at this time. Troops drove out the miners and burned their 
cabins. Evidently the Durango diggings were worked before 1820, 
because Schoolcraft, who visited this locality in 1820, says they 
were known and called "Mine of Maquanquitons." 

"Very likely Dubuque himself worked these mines, because so far 
as known no others were permitted to do so. The ore in this 
locality is the common sulphuret of lead, with a broad foliated 
structure and high metallic luster. It occurs massive and dissemi- 
nated in a reddish loam, resting upon limestone rock. It generally 
occurs in beds or veins which have no great width and run in a 
certain direction 300 to 400 yards. . . . The lead ore at these 
mines is now (1820) exclusively dug by the Fox Indians, and as 
usual among savage tribes the chief labor devolves upon women — 
also old and superannuated men ; they use hoe, shovel, pickax and 
crowbar. . . . When a quantity of ore has been gotten out it 
is carried in baskets by the women to the banks of the Mississippi 
and then ferried over in canoes to the island, where it is purchased 
by the traders at the rate of $2 for 120 pounds, payable in goods. 
The traders smelt the ore upon the island in furnaces. Formerly 
the Indians were in the habit of smelting the ore themselves, upon 
log heaps, by which a great portion was converted into what are 
called lead ashes and thus lost. Now the traders induce them to 
search about the sites of the ancient fires and carefully collect the 
lead ashes for which they receive $1 per bushel delivered at the 
island payable in merchandise." — (Schoolcraft.) 



20 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

When the Blackhawk Purchase was made in 1832 the settlers 
again crowded into this county, but again they were forced to leave 
by the soldiers because the treaty had not been ratified. After 
June, 1833, they were no longer opposed. 

The first geological survey of this region was made by D. D. 
Owen in 1839. In 1846 the system of leasing mineral land by the 
government was abolished and much of the mining land was thrown 
into market. 

The early mining at Dubuque was for lead ores. Pockets of this 
ore are yet found and individual pockets sometimes contain over 
500 to 1,000 tons. Since 1S80 zinc carbonate or "dry bone" has 
been more extensively mined than galena or lead ore. Neither has 
been mined except above high water of the river. In 1898-00 
mixed carbonate and sulphide of zinc were worked at the Alpine 
mine. At the same time several carloads of mixed blende-galena- 
marcasite ore were taken from the Pike's Peak mine just below 
water level by the Dubuque Lead Mining Company. The ore at 
Dubuque occurs almost entirely in crevices and openings and within 
the corporate limits of the city. It is also found at Durango and 
in Jefferson, Table Mound and Mosalem townships. The crevices 
are vertical and are nearly always found extending east and west 
and in the long, finger-like ridges reaching out toward the river. 
There are "top," "middle" and "third" openings. The first is 
worked at West Dubuque. The "middle" is forty to fifty feet 
farther down. The "third" is twenty-five to thirty feet below the 
"middle." The richest deposits have been found at the crevice 
crossings. 

There was no market for zinc ore previous to i860, in which 
year the La Salle smelter began operations ; later the ones at Mineral 
Point, Waukegan and Peru were built and buyers were sent here. 
The rise in the price of zinc ore in 1887 caused miners here to begin 
operations. 

John P. Sheldon, register of the Dubuque District previous to 
1838, in his report to the General Land Office said : "The mining 
country on the west side of the Mississippi in the Wisconsin Terri- 
tory was opened to the miners in June, 1833, under my superin- 
tendence as sub-agent ; the duties of which office I continued to 
perform until the month of September, 1834, during which time 
rent lead to the value of about $30,000 was collected. The regula- 
tions were in all respects like those which had been in force on the 
east side of the river, and permits were given to those who had 
subscribed to them, to mine, to build cabins, to make gardens, and 
in several instances to enclose and cultivate fields and raise grain 
for their teams. The number of permits given I cannot recollect, 
but they were numerous, perhaps over a thousand. . . . On the 
west side of the Mississippi lead ore has been discovered in the tract 
of country extending north and south about thirty-five miles and 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 21 

lying between the waters of Turkey and Big Maquoketa rivers. 
The main diggings, however, are adjacent to the Mississippi and 
near the towns of Dubuque and Peru." He further said that the 
mining lots embraced ten acres each, had been more or less dug up 
and cultivated, and now the claimants wanted the benefits of pre- 
emption. "When the act of June 24, 1834, was passed, there were 
many valuable mining lots in the possession of miners who had a 
legal vested right in them, because they had complied with the 
terms required by the government ; and in law this right could not be 
invalidated unless it could be shown that the President had no right 
to suffer the lots to be occupied. In the eye of justice certainly the 
rights of the miners were sacred. These lots may be considered a 
species of grant, and if they be not so considered the act alluded to 
must be characterized as improvident, unjust, and, in view of the 
previous laws and proceedings of the government in relation to the 
lead mines, illegal." The land office at Mineral Point was opened 
October 21, 1834. "It is necessary that provision be made for 
settling the claims of the miners (in Dubuque county on the west 
side of the Mississippi) simultaneously with those of the other 
settlers who may claim under the pre-emption law." 

In 1835 several very promising mineral leads were discovered 
near Durango. These discoveries caused many miners in this 
vicinity to flock to that locality and as a result thirty to forty houses 
were erected there, two general stores, five groceries, shops, etc., and 
the growth of the place seemed assured. But the mineral was soon 
exhausted and the miners went elsewhere. The four or five families 
that remained turned their attention to farming. — -(Iowa Nezvs, 
quoting the Peoria (111.) Register, November 18, 1837.) 

In the neighborhood of Dubuque in November, 1836, there were 
five blast furnaces that smelted seventy pigs per week each. Of 
these the one owned by Mr. Hulett smelted 70,000 pounds per week ; 
a cupola furnace conducted by Mr. McKnight smelted about the 
same ; the one owned by Mr. Lorimier at Rip Row smelted 60,000 
pounds per week ; several log furnaces smelted each week seventy 
pigs of seventy pounds each. Mr. O'Ferrall's furnace smelted 
100,000 pounds per week ; it was 70 x 33 feet and new. Although 
there were five sawmills and two grist mills in this vicinity, the bulk 
of the supplies of all sorts still came from the river. Morrison & 
Prentice bought and shipped mineral in 1836, paying about $23 per 
1,000 pounds. "The Maquoketa mines situated in the neighborhood 
of Peru (a handsome village a few miles above us) we are glad to 
learn continue to yield large quantities of mineral." — (Visitor, May 
II, 1836. ) At this date valuable leads were being discovered almost 
weekly by O'Farrall, Saucier & Morrison half a mile from Du- 
buque; Taylor, Nix & Co., near Center Grove; another was on 
Rocky Mount Lot, three miles distant ; Van Buren Diggings, five 
miles north, and many others. It was noted that many of the best 



22 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

leads were found in east and west crevices and that the mineral 
often appeared in blocks. 

■'A few months ago times were so good that many heretofore 
industrious miners had acquired a considerable quantity of the 
ready and seated themselves down to enjoy it as gentlemen of 
leisure, but the Iiard times and constant complaints of those around 
them have brought them to the conclusion that by industry is the 
most secure mode of obtaining a living and have accordingly taken 
up the pick and shovel and gone to work like good fellows. Mineral 
is now selling at $15 per thousand pounds and we understand the 
miners are beginning to draw it out in fine style." — (Iowa Nezvs, 
July 29, 1837.) 

"We are glad to perceive the fair prospects of better times in the 
lead mines. Mining operations are greatly increased and we under- 
stand that many more lately made discoveries likely to prove val- 
uable. At the Snake Diggings the times are much better. Mineral 
is sold at about $18 per thousand pounds." — (Iowa Nezvs, August 

19. 1837-) 

"We observe general activity in mining. All the smelting fur- 
naces are actively engaged in making lead and large quantities of 
ore are being raised. Though money is very scarce and the pressure 
severe, the energy of our citizens remains unabated." — (Iowa Nezvs, 
Augu.st 26, 1837.) 

In August, 1836, a new and very valuable mine two miles north- 
west of Dubuque was discovered by Mr. O'Mara. Mineral was 
found on Sleator's lot, Wootton's lot. Herd's lot, and in scores of 
other places, no record of which was kept. O'Ferrall & Cox, gen- 
eral merchants, bought and shipped the mineral. Two men — Cole- 
man and Carpenter — were killed near Dubuque in May, 1839, by 
the caving in of the mine where they were working. In August, 
1837, Wilson & Wharton took out on the South Fork of Little 
Maquoketa 8,000 pounds of mineral in twenty-four hours. 
Chauncey Swan & Co. discovered near Dubuque in January, 1838, 
a valuable lead and raised over 10,000 pounds in a few days. 

In 1838, according to the Visitor, not less than six million pounds 
of lead were shipped from Dubuque. It was said in the l^isitor that 
"men are as numerous here as blackberries in summer, but females 
are quite scarce. This fact is observable in the houses of worship 
where there are five males in attendance to one female. ... In 
this county females receive from $16 to $24 per month for house- 
work and are glad to be had for that." In the autumn of 1836, 
when.the first territorial election in Wisconsin was held, there were 
polled here 621 votes, "and the entire population could not have 
doubled those figures." 

In the spring of 1841 there were many new mineral discoveries; 
it was noted by the Nezvs that there was four times as much min- 
eral raised then as at any time during the previous four years. 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 23 

New discoveries almost daily caused a sudden "boom" in this 
industry at this time. In February, 1840, lead was quoted in St. 
Louis at $4.37>^ per hundred. 

In the spring of 1843 mining was very successful — had never 
been better. The hard times drove the miners and loafers to work 
and all made money. 

According to Lucius H. Langworthy, the amount of lead ex- 
ported from the Dubuque mining district from 1833 to 1856 varied 
from 40,000,000 to 60.000,000 pounds annually. He said that this 
result was reached by "surface scratching" and "dry diggings" and 
that a greater profit would probably result from deep mining. — 
(Express and Herald, February 28, 1856.) If the average price 
during this period was $20 per thousand pounds, and it could not 
have been less, the annual receipts from this source varied from 
$800,000 to $1,200,000. In a large measure it was this mineral that 
enriched many of the first capitalists and laid the foundation for the 
prosperity of Dubuque from 1833 to 1857 and enabled the city to 
recover itself during the Civil war and ever since that period. 

The government had no authority to lease the Dubuque lead 
mines. The act of Congress did not apply to this locality. A 
government leasing agent came here in 1836, but did not do much. 
In 1842 another came, but before this date the citizens had staked 
off their claims — Langworthys, Waller, Bonson, Parker, Carter, 
Booth, Ewing and hosts of others. Two agents appeared under 
authority of John C. Spencer, Secretary of War, put up at a hotel 
and proposed to lease, and did lease, some of the mines discovered 
by the above claimants. They paid no attention to the rights of the 
claimants, but leased to whoever would pay the most. The result 
was disturbance and legal controversy. It was decided in the district 
court of the county that there existed no such right to lease the 
mines and so the controversy ended. Richard Bonson suggested 
that the development of the mines added to the value of the lands 
and that therefore the damage to the government was nominal. 
This was shown at the trial. — (Herald, March 19, 1875.) 

In the spring of 1845 there were pending in the district court 
here at one time four suits against individuals for mining lead on 
government land. The people generally were indignant at the gov- 
ernment and demanded that the mineral lands should be thrown into 
market. 

In the summer of 1849 there were seven smelting furnaces near 
Dubuque and it was estimated that they turned out a total of 30,000 
pigs during that year. The price varied from $17 to $25 per thou- 
sand pounds. In 1847 there were sent to market from Dubuque 
140,000 pigs of lead and in 1848 there were shipped 30,000 pigs. 
These figures show how the amount of ore raised per annum varied. 
The most of these shipments, but not all, were mined near Dubuque. 



24 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

At times as high as 3,000 men were thus employed, though usually 
not so many. 

From April i to July 28, 1857, West & Hopkins shipped 12,687 
pigs of lead, the aggregate weight being 913.536 pounds. 

In October, 1850, the Thomas Levins lead two and a half miles 
northwest of the city, near Booth's cave, was struck and the crevice 
was penetrated for 300 yards; from 300,000 to 500,000 pounds of 
ore was in sight at one time. This mine became renowned, and is 
said to have yielded its owner $200,000. If mineral was worth $20 
per thousand, this sum would represent about 10,000,000 pounds of 
ore raised. The shaft was 120 feet deep and horse power was used 
to raise the ore ; there were caves and chambers below where the 
walls were lined with the mineral ; in one cave were 90,000 pounds ; 
small cars on rude tracks brought the ore to the shaft from a dis- 
tance of several hundred feet. Other large leads at this date were 
owned by Nightingale, Burton, McNear, Karrick & Company, 
Fanning & Curran, Riley. The mining industry was very pros- 
perous at this date and well repaid the land owners and the lessees. 
In July, 1852, mineral was worth $26 per thousand. In the spring 
of 1853 the price reached $40 per thousand. West & Shields bought 
large quantities at that figure. This was the highest price up to that 
date. George O. Karrick and John Richmond owned rich mines in 
1853; there were a dozen others. In 1855 Hall and Whitney, 
geologists, surveyed this locality. 

Each spring, upon the opening of navigation, immense quantities 
of pigs were shipped to St. Louis by the first steamers. On March 
10, 1858, West & Hopkins shipped at one time 14,000 pigs. Old 
lodes reworked yielded handsome profits. 

"The lead mines of Dubuque have long made it like her neighbor. 
Galena, well known. The country for fifty miles north and south 
and twenty miles east and west seems underlaid with lead ore. At 
times vast caverns are found, walled, ceiled and paved with crystal- 
ized lead, so rich that it shines like silver, and so pure as to yield 
85 per cent merchantable lead. The revenue of our city from this 
source for some years back has increased from $500,000 to 
$900,000."— (£. &H., April 18, 1858.) 

In the spring of 1858, while working upon the foundation of a 
house at Caledonia and digging holes there for fence posts, work- 
men threw out lead ore. Lodes as far back as thirty miles from the 
river were discovered. The Fountain Hill Diggings near Peru were 
very productive at this date. There was a great revival of the old 
interest and excitement. 

In May, 1858, the miners assembled at the court house and organ- 
ized the Dubuque Miners' Association ; it was a joint stock organiza- 
tion and started with about 250 members. At this date many mines 
had been abandoned owing to water in the leads. There was no 
approved method of getting rid of this water. The Karrick lead 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 25 

was 250 feet above high water in the river and yet water was very 
troublesome at the depth of 130 feet; pumping was too expensive. 
The association considered horizontal shafts in order to drain ofif 
the water. With the view of reopening the old mines the associa- 
tion in May caused a complete survey of this locality to be made 
and recommended horizontal shafts just above high water mark. 
Early in the fall of 1858 C. D. Mullin struck a rich lode east of the 
Karrick diggings. At a depth of sixty feet he struck a sheet five 
feet high by two feet thick ; the prospect was estimated to be worth 
$30,000. At this time there was a distinct revival of the old mining 
spirit and enthusiasm. 

Rich and valuable new leads were struck on the bluffs back of 
Eagle Point in August, 1858. This ground had been prospected 
over and over again, but now large yields were uncovered. They 
were called "clay diggings" and were not considered so valuable as 
"rock diggings." Baxter & Company took out on Mr. Thedinga's 
land from May to August over 200,000 pounds of ore. Others with 
valuable discoveries were Michael Karrick, Matthias Ham', Starr, 
Karrick & Beckett, Horr & Brother, on whose grounds were twenty- 
five windlasses at work. Masses raised weighed 300, 400 and 600 
pounds. Thousands of pounds lay in heaps at the top of the shafts. 
On September i, 1858, the miners held a big celebration at 
Dubuque ; they came with their old mud-covered suits, carts, picks, 
shovels, sledge hammers, etc., and enjoyed the day to the utmost. 

"Mining. — We hear of several new prospects being struck in our 
vicinity and learn that a large number of persons are profitably 
engaged in mining. This is the time for miners to reap a golden 
harvest. Mineral is now bringing .$31 to $32 per thousand and in 
gold." — (Daily Ledger, September 14, 1858.) 

A reorganization of miners was effected in Dubuque during 
September, i860, for the purpose of arbitrating all minor differences 
among themselves. Connected with this association were Richard 
Bonson, John T. Everett. Joseph Herod, M. M. Hayden, W. G. 
Stewart, J. H. Bartlett, C. Childs, James Carr, B. J. O'Halloran, 
Charles Rose, S. Langworthy, Thomas Levins, Richard Waller, 
J. L. Langworthy, George Wilde, John Palmer, J. H. Emerson, 
Thomas Waters, R. O. Anderson, James Pratt, M. G. Karrick, 
William Carter, Allen Leathers, J. H. Hollingsworth, John King, 
James Thompson, H. L. Stout, P. A. Lorimier and others. They 
had a constitution, by-laws and officials and kept their affairs in 
order. A meeting of the miners was held October 2, on which 
occasion George O. Karrick served as chairman and speeches were 
delivered by himself, Solon Langworthy and others. Capt. M. M. 
Hayden offered resolutions to perpetuate the memory of Julien 
Dubuque; they were adopted by acclamation. Solon Langworthy, 
George W. Starr, George O. Karrick and T. McNear were appointed 
a committee to prepare a constitution for the society. 



26 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

In the Dubuque lead district in i860 there were four smelting 
furnaces, as follows: Wild's, at the foot of Southern avenue; 
Watters & Bronson's, a mile west of Catfish Mills; Brunskill & 
Watters', a short distance east of Center Grove, and Fern & Sim- 
son's, a mile or so west of W. G. Stewart's. All were located in 
ravines, as water was needed in the operation of smelting. Lead 
ore was composed of two parts or ingredients — lead and sulphur, 
about 84 per cent of the former and 16 per cent of the latter. 
Smelting was nothing more than a roasting process whereby the 
sulphur was consumed by the action of fire and the residue thor- 
oughly washed of dirt, ashes, etc. 

"Since last November, or at the close of navigation, the Dubuque 
lead region has yielded 4,500,000 pounds of mineral. The average 
value of this has been $30.50 per 1,000 pounds, or a total of 
$122,500. The mining interests employ about 1,000 men." — 
(Herald, June, i860.) "John Owen has taken out of his new 
discovery since last Tuesday morning 60,000 pounds of mineral." — 
(Same.) Three miles from Dubuque was Pike's Peak, a mining 
center. 

The Julien Mining Company was doing a large business in 
February and March, i860. In one day they drew out 20,000 
pounds of mineral. A new lead was struck a few miles south of 
Catfish creek, where some lumps weighed over 1,000 pounds. 

"The amount of mineral raised for the week ending June 30, 
i860, was about 250,000 pounds, and the amount smelted aggre- 
gated close to 200,000 pounds. In this connection it may not be 
out of place to remark that from 5,000 to 10,000 men can find 
profitable employment in the Dubuque lead mines. The Dubuque 
lead region is contained within an irregular semicircle of not less 
than twenty miles in diameter. Only comparatively a small por- 
tion of the ground has been 'proved,' and it is no unreasonable 
estimate to suppose that 5,000 miners would not exhaust the region 
in a period less than one hundred years." — (Herald, July i, i860.) 

"Week before last there were smelted here over 200,000 pounds 
of lead. During the last week 201,600 pounds were smelted. The 
amount raised during the same time is a little in advance of that 
figure and will probably reach 250,000 pounds." — (Herald, June 
24, i860.) 

An excursion of the "Chicago Academy of Sciences" to the 
Dubuque mining region was an event of October, i860. Several 
hundred came and were formally received and entertained by com- 
mittees of citizens appointed for that purpose. 

Two Missouri miners — John Harrington and Peter Holman — 
struck it rich in an old place near Southern avenue close to Mr. 
Kcmpf's store and only twenty or thirty rods from the point of the 
bluff. They were at first laughed at, but they found mineral withiit 
two feet of the top. By November 12 they had sold 17,000 pounds 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 27 

and had 5 000 more out. Two hundred men were now prospecting 
in the mines in this vicinity. 

The war in Missouri clrove here many lead miners, several of 
whom made big strikes. The melting of the deep snows and the 
heavy rains seriously interfered with mining in the spring of 1861, 
by flooding the mines and diggings. Near West Dubuque about 
100 pound mass of iron ore was found in April, 1861. It was 
strongly magnetic. 

On March 22, 1861, George Wharton and Joseph Brunskill went 
down into Brunskill & Waiters' diggings at West Dubuque to 
examme a cave that had just been struck. The cave was some 
3,000 feet from the bottom of the shaft and was reached by a rough 
crevice. They soon lost their supply of candles and those within 
hands were soon burned up, leaving them in total darkness and 
unable to find their way. After a reasonable time their friends went 
after them, but they had spent the whole day there in great anxiety. 

In April, 1861, it was complained that the land owners near 
Dubuque charged too high a rent for their mineral lands — that it 
worked too great a hardship on miners, particularly on those who 
had bad luck — the bad luck and high rents combined to make the 
lot of many worse and worse. The argument was that "the true 
policy of the land owner was to be liberal with the miner, for the 
more inducements that were held out for the production of any 
article the more of that article will be produced. So with the 
mineral; the lower the rent the more will engage in mining." The 
mining association should have a system that would work and be 
fair in all cases. And owners should give a bonus for big finds to 
stimulate further discoveries. Owners should ask no rent for the 
first 100,000 pounds of mineral ore. The miners at their public 
meetings passed strong resolutions against the existing currency. 
The lead caves were one of the attractions of Dubuque for visitors. 

In May, 1862, mineral was worth $37 per thousand pounds; by 
December it was $44. James Hughes built a shot tower in 1862 in 
one of the old mining shafts. Mr. Mallett at the Durango Diggings 
in 1862 made a rich strike and cleared up in less than six months 
over $25,000. The mineral raised within the city limits in 1862 was 
about 1,000,000 pounds, worth $40,000. Miners thoroughly ex- 
plored the Maquoketa, Catteese and Catfish neighborhoods. 

On February 11, 1863, mineral was worth here $48 per thousand. 
By March 2 it had reached $53. In 1863 Judge Lovell and others 
raised 150,000 pounds of mineral at Pike's Peak, this county. In 
August, 1 86 1, the Dubuque Shot Manufacturing Company were 
making drop shot of all sizes. In August, 1863, mineral had fallen 
to $40 per thousand. Prof. James Dale Owen, son of Robert Dale 
Owen, geologist, exhibited specimens at the State Fair here in 1863. 
October 10, 1863, mineral was worth $52.50. Back of the city in 



28 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

a mineral shaft ninety feet underground there were found in 1864 
the molar teeth of a mammoth in a fair state of preservation. 

In March, 1864, mineral was worth here $71 in greenbacks per 
thousand pounds; on July i, 1864, it was quoted at $84 in green- 
backs; on July 15 it was $90; this was about the highest point it 
reached. As the reserved mineral lands of the county were now in 
market and had been for some time, opportunity for fortune making 
was not lacking. 

Several very valuable discoveries were made in 1865 — one on the 
south side of Dodge street ; another, the Wootton crevice, in which 
Chapman, Ratclifif. Bunting, Peacock and others were interested. 
By August, 1865, little mineral was being raised ; it was worth from 
$53 to $55 per thousand. 

In 1866 the old Burton mine was reworked; S. P. Smith and 
General Vandever were interested in this work; out of this shaft 
there had been taken formerly 5,000,000 pounds of mineral worth 
probably from $150,000 to $200,000. In six weeks in the fall of 
1867 400,000 pounds were taken from the old Tom Kelly mines on 
the bluffs. Valuable new leads were found near Center Grove in 
1868. The famous Coakley & Faulhopper lode was discovered two 
miles northeast of town in Langworthy Hollow in 1871. The 
miners held a festival in February, 1871, and a large attendance 
enjoyed the occasion. T. C. Roberts was the principal speaker. He 
said that for forty years about $250,000 worth of lead annually 
had been taken from the mines of the Dubuque district. The fol- 
lowing is an extract from a poem read at this festival : 

"They're gone, they're gone to the unseen shore, 

Their life work is all well done, 
Brave Julien and Kelly and many more 

Have followed there one by one ; 
But why, brave knights of the giant will. 

Why not, ere you strike your tent. 
Of the limestone rock they did cut and drill 

Uprear them a monument?" 

The drybone ore from which zinc is made is found in the hills 
around Dubuque, in the old lead holes and near them, and for many 
years was mined more than the lead mineral itself. Late in the 
eighties George Perry, on the old Randall farm, took out consid- 
erable drybone ore; he had found several paying crevices. It was 
found to exist from the cap rock down to living water about si.xty 
feet below. At the termination of one drift the crevice was about 
eight feet wide and completely filled with ore. J. F. Rebman about 
the same time discovered on the old Stout farm a number of heavy 
zinc deposits ; his crevice was about forty feet wide. From Rhom- 
berg hill to the Western brewery Trieb & Company and Trieb, 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 29 

Southwell & Brunskill discovered and worked valuable deposits; 
they were considered the most extensive zinc mines west of the 
river. Burt, McNulty & Cooper worked the "Ave Top" mine on 
Julien avenue near Nevada street ; it had turned out nearly 2,000,000 
pounds of lead, but in the eighties was worked for zinc by Hird, 
Oatey & Watters, and paid. Mr. Goldthorpe mined a lot of drybone 
at Center and Fourteenth street. Many men and teams in the 
eighties were thus employed. It was thought that with a home 
reducing plant and full time worked the Dubuque drybone mines 
would yield from 100 to 200 tons per day. One mine in 1890 
offered to contract to deliver twenty-five to fifty tons a day. 

In 1899 there was a revival of zinc mining in Dubuque county. 
Considerable was found near Buncombe — Rowley mine, mill and 
roaster ; Northwestern mine and mill ; Buncombe Hill mine and 
Big Dad mine. In nearly all the old lead mining districts drybone 
has been found, often in paying quantities. 

Among other rich strikes in the sixties was one in August, 1868, 
on the hill south of the French brewery, near Langworthy Hollow. 
Lead ore to the amount of 100,000 pounds had been taken out there 
many years before. 

In 1867 there was found in the old Kelly cabin $4,000 in gold; 
later a boy in kicking over a tin can at the cabin uncovered $1,800 
in gold; search revealed $1,500 more in an old tea canister. These 
discoveries caused a thorough search to be made, but no more gold 
was found. The search, however, led to several discoveries of lead 
ore in the old Kelly mines. 

In 1875-6 Collins & Rooney shipped large quantities of lead ore, 
often from 3,000 to 5,000 pounds a day. Edwards & Luther's old 
mine, though eleven years old, seemed to grow better and better 
in 1876. 

The Dubuque Ore Concentrating Company was organized in 
1892 with the following officers : John Babcock, president ; E. E. 
Jones, vice president; S. J. Southwell, secretary; Philip Pier, Sr., 
treasurer. By this date (1892) considerable drybone was being 
mined in this county, but as yet there was no reduction plant here. 
The above company laid plans to mine drybone, black jack and 
galena on an extensive scale; its plant was on Southern avenue. 
Early in 1893 the Dubuque Zinc Company, with a capital of 
$100,000, prepared to manufacture zinc from drybone on an exten- 
sive scale. E. T. Goldthorpe, in 1891, operated one mine near 
Durango and three near Dubuque; in that year he shipped fifty 
carloads of ore, the freight charges on which were $1,600. In four 
years previous to 1892 he shipped over $100,000 worth of zinc and 
lead ore from this vicinity to Mineral Point for reduction. 



30 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

It is related on unknown authority that some time after Du- 
buque's death, an Indian fighter and pioneer, John T. Smith, took 
possession of the works and attempted to carry on mining and 
smehing, but received no encouragement, and soon encountered 
open opposition from the chief Pi-a-nos-ky, who, with a band of 
warriors, tore down his buildings and drove him and his com- 
panions across the river. 

The Avenue Top Company in recent years; their mine in Du- 
buque township yielded about $150,000 in lead ore, then $25 in dry 
bone, and later over $100,000 in blackjack. The old Rarrick mine 
yielded over $500,000 worth of lead ore ; Bartlett & Stewart raised 
about $150,000 worth; Levins, about $250,000; Burton, Jarrett & 
Glab, $200,000, and others. Many "bunches" were formed worth 
$10,000 to $20,000. The Stewart cave is about 900 feet long and 
in one place it is 100 feet wide. Sunflower cave at Kauffman ave- 
nue is forty feet wide, 800 feet long and sixty feet high in places. 
West Dubuque has numerous other caves. 

In August, 1894, Kimball Goldthorpe discovered a rich lead of 
ore in West Dubuque. At the depth of 190 feet he found two solid 
sheets. In 1895, Meehan, at the depth of 130 feet, struck a valu- 
able lead on Southern avenue. The Shearn mine was one of the 
richest ever struck here; during the summer of 1895 about 400,000 
pounds of ore were raised. The Goldthorpe, Jones & Kimball mine, 
near the old Karrick diggings, was very valuable ; at one time 10,000 
pounds were taken out daily. Three mines — Karrick's, Shearn's 
and Sloan's — have yielded a total of approximately 15,000,000 
pounds. Cheney's, Levins', Horton's, Emery's and Bartlett's mines 
have been successful. In 1896 large quantities of "ore dust" were 
shipped from Durango ; it was used for smelting purposes. J. W. 
Halpin & Company made a valuable strike in 1898; they took out 
20,000 pounds of ore in a week in West Dubuque. The Pike's Peak 
and Alpine street mines were valuable. 

The Dubuque Ore Development Company was incorporated in 
1905. Large beds of blackjack were found in 1906 at Pike's Peak. 
The Key West Mining Company had valuable mines in 1906; this 
year rich discoveries of ore were made on Southern avenue and on 
Cascade road. This year, also, the Avenue Top Mining Company 
found large quantities of pure resin jack. This company sold five 
carloads of zinc ore in January, 1908. In July the richest strike of 
blackjack yet made here was unearthed on the Miller farm. West 
Dubuque. The Harriman Company was organized in 1906. The 
Tri-State Mining Company is a recent organization. The Goose- 
born Mining made important discoveries on Grand View avenue. 

Other valuable discoveries are in progress, and the end of ore 
wealth is not in sight. 



DUBUQUE AND THE INDIANS. 

THE conveyance of the Fox Indians to Julien Dubuque in 
1788 was as follows: "Copy of the council held by the 
Foxes, that is to say, of the branch of five villages, with 
the approbation of the rest of their people, explained 
to Mr. Quinantotaye, deputied by them, in their presence, and in 
the presence of us, the undersigned: that is to say, the Foxes 
permit Mr. Julien Dubuque, called by them the Little Cloud, to 
work at the mines as long as he shall please and to withdraw 
from it without specifying any term to him; moreover, that they 
sell and abandon to him all the coast and the contents of the 
mine discovered by the wife of Peosta, so that no white man 
or Indian shall make any pretension to it, without the consent of 
Mr. Julien Dubuque ; and in case he shall find nothing within, he 
shall be free to search wherever he may think proper to do so, and 
to work peaceably without anyone hurting him or doing him any 
prejudice in his labors. Thus we chief and braves, by the voice 
of our villages, have agreed with Julien Dubuque, selling and 
delivering to him this day as above mentioned, in presence of the 
Frenchmen who attend us, who are witnesses to this writing. 

"At the Prairie du Chien, in full council, the 22d September, 
1788." 

"Blondeau, 

Ala Austin (his X mark). 

AUTAQUE. 

"Basil Teren (his X mark), T 

Blondeau D'Ouirneau, f- Witnesses." 

Joseph Fontigny." J' 

On the day this document was executed Dubuque is said to have 
delivered goods to the Indians in payment for the tract of land, 
which this writing purported to lease or convey ; and a few days 
afterward, it was also said, the Indian chiefs, in the presence of 
Dubuque, allowed monuments to be erected at the mouths of Little 
Maquoketa and Tete des Morts rivers as boundaries of the tract 
along the river. 

The petition of Julien Dubuque to Governor Carondelet was as 
follows : "The most humble petitioner to your excellency, who is 
called Julien Dubuque, having formed a habitation upon the fron- 
tiers of your government, in the midst of the savage tribes that 

31 



32 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

are the inhabitants of the country, has purchased a tract of land 
from these Indians, and the mines which it contains ; and through 
his perseverance in surmounting all the obstacles arising as well 
from dangers as heavy expenses, has at length succeeded, after 
many troubles, in being the peaceful owner of a tract of land situated 
on the western bank of the Mississippi river, to which he has given 
the name of the 'Mines d'Espagne' (Mines of Spain or Spanish 
Mines), in honor of the government to which they belong. As the 
locality of the habitation is but a point and the different mines he 
works are sparsely spread, and at a distance of three leagues from 
each other, the most humble petitioner prays your excellency to be 
pleased to grant him the peaceful possession of the said land and 
mines ; that is from the upper hills of the small river Maquauquitois 
to the Mesquabynonques hills, which is about seven leagues upon the 
western bank of the Mississippi, by three leagues in depth ; which 
demand the petitioner hopes to obtain from your goodness. I pray 
the same goodness, which makes the happiness of so many subjects, 
to excuse my style and to be willing to accept of the pure simplicity 
of my heart for want of my eloquence. With all my power I 
beseech heaven to preserve you, and to pour all favors upon you, 
and I am and shall be all the days of my life, of your excellency 
the most humble, obedient and submissive subject." 

"J. Dubuque." 

"New Orleans, October 22, 1796. 
"Let information be given by the merchant Don Andrew Todd 
on the nature of this demand." 

"The Baron de Carondelet." 

The exact language of Andrew Todd was in part as follows : 
"I have to say that, as to the land for which he asks, nothing occurs 
to me why it should not be granted if you find it convenient; with 
the condition, nevertheless, that the grantee shall observe the pro- 
visions of his majesty relating to the trade with the Indians; and 
that this be absolutely prohibited to him, unless he shall have 
consent in writing." 

The board of commissioners for ascertaining and adjusting land 
claims in the Territory of Louisiana sat at St. Louis, September 20, 
1806; it was shown, and reported as follows: 

"Julien Dubuque and Auguste Chouteau claim a tract of one 
hundred and forty-eight thousand one hundred and seventy-six 
arpents of land situated on the river Mississippi at a place called 
tlie Spanish Mines, about four hundred and forty miles from St. 
Louis, forming in superficies an extent of about twenty-one leagues. 
They produce, first, a petition by the said Julien Dubuque to the 
Baron de Carondelet, praying for the peaceable possession of an 
extent of land of about seven leagues on the west side of the Missis- 






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llill 




HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 33 

sippi, beginning at the heights of Mesquabynonques, being in front 
on said river about seven leagues by a depth of three leagues — the 
whole forming the said tract called the Spanish Mines ; together 
with a reference by the Baron de Carondelet to one Andrew Todd, 
an Indian trader, of the above demand, under the date of the 226. 
of October, 1796, with the assent of said Andrew Todd to the 
granting of the same provided the said petitioner should not inter- 
fere with his trade, the same dated 29th October, same year." 

The prayer of the petitioner was granted by Carondelet in the 
following language : "Concedido como se solicita baxo las restric- 
ciones que el comerciante Don Anstres Todd expresa en so informe, 
10 Noviembre, 1796" (Granted as it is demanded, under the restric- 
tions mentioned by the merchant Don Andrew Todd in his infor- 
mation ) . 

"I, the undersigned, William Henry Harrison, governor of the 
Territory of Indiana, and commissioner plenipotentiary of the 
United States for treating with the Indian tribes northwest of the 
Ohio, do hereby certify and declare that after the treaty which was 
made with the Sacs and Foxes at St. Louis on the 3d day of 
November, 1804, was drawn up and prepared for signing, I was 
shown a grant from the governor general of Louisiana to a certain 
Dubuque for a considerable quantity of land at some distance up the 
Mississippi and where the said Dubuque has for many years resided. 
Finding that this tract could be considered receded by the treaty as 
it then stood, the additional article was written and submitted to the 
Indians. They readily consented to it ; and the undersigned 
informed them that the intention of it was to embrace particularly 
the claim of Dubuque, the validity of which they acknowledged. 
Given under my hand and seal at Vincennes, the ist day of January, 
1806." 

"William Henry Harrison." 

The principal objection to the claim was as follows, in the lan- 
guage of Mr. Gallatin, then secretary of the treasury: "The prin- 
cipal question made on this claim is one which, perhaps, in the 
whole history of Louisiana titles, is peculiar to itself. There is no 
fraud imputed ; no want of authority to make the supposed grant ; 
no uncertainty of its location. It is not challenged for want of being 
possessed in good faith; and no exception is taken to the capacity 
of the grantee. But conceding all these facts it is objected, that, on 
the face of the papers, in their purpose and meaning, no title of any 
sort in the land xvas intended or has been created; that the whole 
transaction was but to obtain a personal privilege, or usufruct, at 
will ; and whatever of concession or stipulation there is, was but 
for a temporary personal protection and which has not been other- 
wise validated as a title" (See Vol. i. Laws United States, p. 562). 
An adverse report of the Senate committee in 1841-2 (Senate Docs., 



34 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Vol. V, No. 341) "assumes essentially the same ground as Mr. 
Gallatin and regards the Indian contract as a personal privilege to 
Dubuque to work the mines ; the governor's concession but an 
affirmance of this power; that the right was acquired without con- 
sideration, and died with the person; that the Indians had no right 
to sell the lands, and that it was the policy of the Spanish govern- 
ment not to sell its mines, etc." 

But the Senate committee found otherwise as follows : ''That 
no precedent or example can be found of such grant of personal 
privilege in the use of lands being made up between the Indians and 
the Spanish government in the whole history of the provincial 
administration in Florida and Louisiana ; that the Spanish authori- 
ties indulged the Indians with a power of sale to individual white 
men, subject to a ratification of title by the government authorities 
of the province; that such sales had already been confirmed by the 
boards of land commissioners, by Congress, and by the courts of the 
United States ; that the article of sale to Dubuque by the Indians 
contained the following language : 'That they sell and abandon to 
him all the coast and the contents of the mine discovered by the wife 
of Peosta, so that no white ni&n or Indian shall make any pretension 
to it, without the consent of the Sieur Julien Dubuque.' And the 
article further said that 'In case he shall find nothing within (the 
mine sold to him) he shall be free to search wherever it shall seem 
good to him, and to zuork peaceably without any hurting him, or 
doing him any prejudice in his labors.' 

"The committee readily acknowledge this part is but a personal 
permission. But it is a permit beyond the sale and conveyance, not 
purporting, as in the preceding, a sale and surrender of possession 
with a covenant of warranty against all pretensions of the white man 
or Indian ; that this was intended to be a sale in fee so far as the 
Indians could make it ; that Dubuque's application to Carondelet 
must have been in order to secure a confirmation of his title, because 
he already had held possession for over eight years." 

"What Todd understood to be the object of Dubuque's requete 
is too manifest to be disputed by any. Apprehending the motives 
of the petitioner to be apparent and palpable he in plain and simple 
brevity replied to the governor that 'As to the land for which he 
(Dubuque) asks nothing occurs to me why it should not be 
granted.' This information seems to have satisfied the governor; 
and hence the conclusion is irresistible — the governor understood 
Dubuque's requete as Todd did, viz. : a simple petition for a grant 
of the lands specified and which had been purchased of the Indians. 
The lead mines were an incident of the lands of so little importance 
at that time, that Todd never alludes to them." 

It was shown that on November 3, 1804, in a treaty made in St. 
Louis between the government and the Sac and Fox nations of 
Indians, "the general boundary line between the lands of the United 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 35 

States and of the said Indian tribes shall be as follows, to-wit : 
Beginning at a point on the Missouri river opposite to the mouth of 
the Gasconade river ; thence in a direct course so as to strike the 
river Jeffrion at the distance of thirty miles from its mouth, and 
down the said Jeffrion to the Mississippi; thence up the Mississippi 
to the mouth of the Wisconsin, and up the same to a point which 
shall be thirty-six miles in a direct line from the mouth of said 
river; thence by a direct line to the point where the Fox river (a 
branch of the Illinois) leaves the small lake called Sakeagan ; thence 
down the Fox river to the Illinois river and down the same to the 
Mississippi." The Indians ceded to the United States all the lands 
mcluded within the above described boundary. In this treaty the 
following language was used : "It is agreed that nothing in this 
treaty shall aft'ect the claim of any individual or individuals who 
may have obtained grants of land from the Spanish government, 
and which are not included within the general boundary line laid 
down in this treaty, pro\'ided that such grants have at any time 
been made known to the said tribes and recognized by them." In a 
letter dated Vincennes, January 4, 18 16, and addressed to Auguste 
Chouteau at St. Louis, William Henry Harrison used the following 
language: "Enclosed you have the certificate on the subject of 
Dubuque's claim. I hope it will be sufficient for your purpose. 
I have no doubt of the validity of your claim and never had any." 

On October 20, 1804, Dubuque sold to August Chouteau, 72,324 
arpents of said land for $10,848.60, the undivided half or moiety of 
which was afterward sold by the said Chouteau to John Mullanphy, 
and on September 20, 1806, they presented their title papers to the 
board of commissioners — Lucas, Penrose and Donaldson. Mr. 
Lucas dissented from the opinion of a majority of the board "upon 
the ground that it was not a perfect, but merely an inchoate and 
incomplete title." The Senate committee said: "In reviewing the 
decision of the board of 1806 in favor of the claim, the committee 
are satisfied their decision was right and just in its general result, 
but that the board erred in pronouncing it 'a complete Spanish 
title.' It is obviously but a concession of land without a natural or 
ascertained boundary. And for this reason a survey, the customary 
prerequisite, was wanting, preparatory to executing the grant in 
complete form. But the dissenting opinion of Mr. Lucas, for this 
reason, is manifestly against all legal and equitable principle applica- 
ble to the case. And regarding the claim as reported by him to be 
'an incipient or imperfect title,' it is, as such, equally with perfect 
titles, protected by the treaty ceding Louisiana, and therefore was 
entitled to his decision in its favor (Am. St. Papers, Public Lands, 
Vol. HI, pp. 586-587). 

The memorial or petition of Pierre Chouteau, J. Ferdinand Ken- 
nett and others stated "That some time in the year 1774 Julien 
Dubuque, a mineralogist, emigrated to the Province of Louisiana 



36 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

and settled among the Sac and Fox nation of Indians, on the Missis- 
sippi, near the site of the present town of Dubuque." 

In the journal of his "voyage" to the sources of the Mississippi 
in the years 1805 and 1806, Lieut. Zebulon M. Pike speaks of Julien 
Dubuque. He commences by saying: "Sailed from my encamp- 
ment near St. Louis, at 4 o'clock P. M., on Friday, the 9th of 
August, 1805, with one sergeant, two corporals and seventeen pri- 
vates, in a keel boat, 70 feet long, provisioned for four months ; 
water very rapid. * * * First September, Sunday — Embarked 
early; wind fair; arrived at the lead mines at 12 o'clock. * * * 
We were saluted with a field piece and received with every mark of 
attention by Monsieur Dubuque, the proprietor. There were no 
horses at the house and it was six miles to where the mines were 
worked ; it was therefore impossible to make a report by actual 
inspection. I therefore proposed ten queries, on the answers to 
which my report was founded (see below). Dined with Mr. D., 
who informed me that the Sioux and Sauteurs (Chippewas) were 
as warmly engaged in opposition as ever; that not long since the 
former killed fifteen Sauteurs, also on the loth of August Sauteurs 
killed ten Sioux at the entrance of the St. Peter's; and that a war 
party composed of the Sacs, Reynards and Puants (Winnebagoes) 
of two hundred warriors, had embarked on an expedition against 
the Sauteurs, but that they had heard that the chief having had an 
unfavorable dream, persuaded the party to return, and that I would 
meet them on my voyage. At this place I was introduced to a chief 
called the 'Raven of the Reynards.' He made a very flowery speech 
on the occasion, which I answered in a few words, accompanied by a 
small present. I had now given up all hopes of my two men (who 
had strayed away and become lost), and was about to embark, when 
a perogue arrived, in which they were, with a Mr. Blondeau and 
two Indians whom that gentleman had engaged above the rapids of 
Stony (Rock) river. The two soldiers had been six days without 
anything to eat except muscles (clams), when they met Mr. James 
Aird, by whose humanity and attention their strength and spirits 
were in a measure restored, and they were enabled to reach the 
Reynard village, where they met with Mr. B. The Indian chief 
furnished them with corn and shoes and showed his friendship by 
every possible attention. I immediately discharged the hire of the 
Indians and gave Mr. Blondeau a passage to the Prairie Des Chiens. 
Left the lead mines at 4 o'clock." 

Having concluded their trip to the headwaters of the Mississippi 
and been gone all winter, they returned down the river in the spring 
of 1906. On the 15th they passed through Lake Pepin. They 
arrived at Prairie Des Chiens on the i8th. Here Pike dined with 
Mr. Campbell in company with Messrs. Wilmot, Blakely, Wood, 
Rollet, Fisher, Frazer and Jearreau. 

"April 23, Wednesday — After closing my accounts, etc., at half 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 37 

past 12 o'clock left the prairie; at the lower end of it was sakited hy 
seventeen lodges of the Puants. Met a barge, by which I received a 
letter from my lady. Further on met one batteaux and one canoe of 
traders. Passed one trader's camp. Arrived at Mr. Dubuque's at 
10 o'clock at night, found some traders encamped at the entrance 
with forty or fifty Indians ; obtained some information from Mr. D. 
and requested him to write me on certain points. After we had 
boiled our victuals, I divided my men into four watches and put ofif 
— wind ahead. 

QUERIES PROPOSED TO MR. DUBUQUE WITH HIS ANSWERS. 

1. What is the date of your grant of the mines from the sav- 
ages? Answer: The copy of the grant is in Mr. Soulard's office at 
St. Louis. 

2. What is the date of the confirmation by the Spaniards? 
Answer : The same as to query first. 

3. What is the extent of your grant? Answer: The same as 
above. 

4. What is the extent of the mines? Answer: Twenty-eight or 
twenty-seven leagues long and from one to three broad. 

5. Lead made per annum? Answer: From 20,000 to 40,000 
pounds. 

6. Quantity of lead per cent of mineral? Answer: Seventy-five 
per cent. 

7. Quantity of lead in pigs? Answer: All he makes, as he 
neither manufactures bar, sheet-lead, nor shot. 

"Dubuque remained in the uninterrupted possession of the said 
land from the time of its purchase from the Lidians in 1788 until his 
death, which occurred in the month of March, 1810, during the 
whole of which time he worked the mines and cultivated a portion 
of the land. He died in possession and was buried upon the land on 
a high bluff near the present town of Dubuque; and so great was the 
veneration entertained for him by the Lidians, that for many years 
after his death they kept a fire burning upon his grave and watched 
it by day and night. Pierre Chouteau, Jr., one of your petitioners, 
having been repeatedly urged by Dubuque to join him in business 
on the land aforesaid, left St. Louis in the spring of the year 1810 
for the residence of Dubuque, where he intended to remain for some 
years at least. Upon his arrival he found that Dubuque had departed 
this life some few weeks before. Dubuque often spoke to the 
Indians of the expected arrival of his friend, the said Chouteau, and 
a short time before his death enjoined it upon them, as your peti- 
tioners are informed and believe, to receive and treat him as a friend. 
The chief of the said nation received the said Chouteau wth every 
demonstration of respect and kindness, and informed him that it 



38 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

was the request of Dubuque tliat he should take possession of his 
property and occupy his house. In compHance with that request 
the said chief gave to the said Chouteau the immediate possession 
of the home formerly occupied by Dubuque. He had frequent 
conversations with the chiefs of the said nation relative to the 
claim of Dubuque to the said tract of land and was informed by 
them that he (Dubuque) was entitled to the same. The said 
Chouteau did not remain all the time upon the said land after his 
arrival in 1810, but continued to do business there until the com- 
mencement of the war of 1812, when he returned to St. Louis. 
After the death of Dubuque, August Chouteau qualified as his 
administrator and as such obtained an order from the probate court 
of St. Charles county, in the Territory of Missouri, to sell the 
interest of Dubuque in said lands for the payment of debts. The 
land was divided by the administrator into lots or parcels and sold 
under the order aforesaid, when John P. Cobanne, Pierre Chou- 
teau, Jr., William Russell and others became the purchasers. 

"Shortly after the treaty between the Sacs and Foxes and the 
United States, concluded on the 21st of September, 1832 (by which 
the former ceded to the United States a large tract of country, 
within the limits of which the Dubuque tract of land now claimed 
is situated), your petitioners took possession of such land and pro- 
ceeded to erect houses upon and occupy the same in like manner 
as lands claimed under similar titles have always been occupied 
and held in the country ceded by France to the United States and 
believed that they were under the protection of the law in so doing, 
and that the government of the United States would not disturb 
them until it was ascertained that their title was invalid, or at any 
rate, until some provision should be made for testing its validity. 
But so far from doing this the extraordinary spectacle was exhibited 
of an ejectment bx military force under an order of the secretary 
of war." 

William Wirt, attorney general of the United States, expressed 
the opinion, February 14, 1825, concerning the removal by force 
of Mr. Henderson, one of the claimants under the Spanish title, 
"that it is not competent to the executive to remove him (Hender- 
son) by force under the Act of March 3, 1807, 'to prevent settle- 
ments being made on lands ceded to the United States until author- 
ized by law.' " 

"By the treaty of September 21, 1832, the Indians sold to the 
United States only such land as was 'rightfully claimed by them' 
for as they, at the treaty of November 3, 1804, did not only disclaim 
the ownership, but expressly recognize the Dubuque claim as a 
valid Spanish grant (the possession of which was then in Dubuque), 
the United States acquired no title to that tract of land by the 
treaty aforesaid. Your petitioners having taken possession of said 
land under and by virtue of a grant from the Spanish government, 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 39 

were not intruders upon the public lands and ought not to have 
been so regarded and treated by the secretary of war" (see Senate 
Documents, 29th Congress, 2d session. Vol III, No. 218). 

Finally, the Senate committee "are fully satisfied that justice 
demands that the report of the board of commissioners aforesaid 
should be approved and that the title to the said tract of land 
should be confirmed by the United States to the said Julien 
Dubuque, his heirs, assignees, or legal representatives; and in con- 
formity to these views they have reported a bill and recommended 
its passage." (March 3, 1847, see No. 218, Senate Documents, 
29th Congress, 2d session. Vol. III). 

The Senate committee on public lands, on July i, 1842, "thought 
it very obvious that the grant, permit, or concession, by whatever 
name it may be called of the Indians in council to Dubuque, was 
never intended by either of the parties to give any greater interest 
in tlie land or mines to Dubuque than a mere personal permit or 
privilege of working the mines as long as he pleased and of lea\'ing 
them whenever he should think proper." 

Tiiey therefore concluded that the government preemption laws 
sliould apply to the Dubuque tract. In other words that settlers 
could preempt land there as on other land owned by the United 
States. (Senate Documents, Vol. V, 27th Congress, 2d session, 
No. 341.) 

The House of Representatives committee on public lands reported 
that they felt "assured that the Indians considered the privilege 
granted by them to Julien Dubuque as a personal privilege, from 
the fact that, as early as the year 1830, and previous to the cession 
by treaty of the land called the 'Black Hawk Purchase' to the 
United States (and which includes this tract of land) and while 
all of what is now comprised within the limits of the territory of 
Iowa belonged to the Indian tribes, divers persons crossed the 
Mississippi river and commenced mining upon this tract of land 
(the Dubuque claim) ; which occupancy was resisted and com- 
plained of by the Indians, and upon proper representations being 
made the government sent a military force to expel such persons, 
which was accomplished ; and said military force was then sta- 
tioned at the place where now stands the town of Dubuque. After 
the making of the treaty of September 21, 1832 (the Black Hawk 
Purchase), and previous to the ratification thereof, the whites again 
crossed the river and commenced mining and making gardens in 
the vicinity of what is now the town of Dubuque. By the said 
treaty it was stipulated that the Indians were to retain possession 
of the lands so ceded until the ist of June, 1833. To keep which 
stipulation inviolate the government again sent a military force 
to expel its citizens, which was as far as practicable efifected ; and 
that after the due ratification of the said treaty, to-wit : On the 
1st day of June, 1833, said military force was withdrawn, and the 



40 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

settlers were permitted, cncourayed and iiniled by the government 
to occupy said tract of land under the government." (See H. R. 
Docs., 27th Congress, 2d session. No. 894.) 

Those who petitioned Congress regarding the Dubuque claim 
and title in 1835-6 were Elizabeth Mullanphy, Octavia Mullanphy, 
Ann Biddle, Mary Harney, William S. Harney, Bryan Mullanphy, 
James Clemens, Jr., Eliza Clemens, R. Graham, Catherine Graham, 
Charles Chambers, Jane M. Chambers, Cerre Chouteau (in her own 
right and as executrix of Auguste Chouteau, deceased), E. Chou- 
teau, Henry Chouteau, Gabriel S. Chouteau, Aug'te P. Chouteau 
(by Pr. Chouteau, Jr., attorney in. fact). They had been dispos- 
sessed of their property under this claim and asked to be restored to 
the possession of their property until the title should be adjudicated. 

In 1842 the citizens who had settled upon the Dubuque claim 
petitioned Congress to the following effect : That they had settled 
there after June 6, 1833, and were therefore entitled to the privi- 
leges granted by the preemption laws ; that the privilege of making 
proof and payment for their homes under such laws was denied them 
by the register and receiver at Dubuque on the ground that the tract 
was reserved from sale as shown by a letter from the commissioner 
of the general land office dated April 4, 1839. The House com- 
mittee of Congress took the position "that the privilege given to 
Julien Dubuque by the Indian tribes was the mere personal privilege 
of hunting, mining, smelting, fishing, etc., within certain limits 
(twenty-one miles front upon the Mississippi river by nine miles 
in depth) and was not intended to convey to him any further right 
or privilege." The committee showed that the government had 
"not only on all proper occasions heretofore denied the validity of 
such claim, but has since purchased this same tract of land from 
the Indians by treaty dated September 21, 1832, at Rock Island, 
and given through its agents to the settlers written permission to 
reside on and occupy said tract of land and to work at the mines 
thereon, to erect houses for their protection and enclose gardens for 
the support of the settlers, they paying to the agents of the United 
States for the benefit of the United States, certain proportions of the 
amount of mineral raised or lead ore smelted by them." For these 
and other reasons the committee reported a bill in favor of the 
relief prayed for by the petitioners. 

The Miners' Express of July 28, 1842, contained the report of 
the committee on public lands in the United States Senate, to whom 
was referred a bill extending the right of preemption to settlers, 
etc., on the Dubuque claim, denying the validity of the claim, which 
was accompanied by a bill providing that settlers might enter their 
lands as if no claim e.xi.sted ; that patents issued for lands so entered 
should be considered as a relinquishment of the title of the United 
States to the land; but, if, at any future time the claim should be 
declared valid by a proper tribunal and the patentee should be 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 4« 

lawfully ejected, the purchase money should be refunded to the 
patentee. 

Much land in the county was unentered previous to March, 1847, 
owing to the Dubuque claim, hut at this date Congress removed 
the difficulty and the land was thrown into market. 

Iowa, in the language of the Indians, means "the beautiful land." 
What is now Dubuque county was seen first by white men in 1673; 
in that vear Joliet and ]\[arquette passed down the Mississippi and 
ma}- liave landed in this county. Joliet was sent out on an expedi- 
tion to find the "great river"' and a water route to the South Sea, 
,as the Pacific ocean was then called, and Marquette was chosen to 
accompany him. The latter called the Mississippi "La Conception." 
Later La Salle called it "Colbert." In 1788 the Fox Indians pos- 
sessed the soil, the lands of the Sacs being farther down the river. 
In 1836-7 Congress ordered the town of Dubuque surveyed and 
platted, but this act did not remove the claim of Dubuque's heirs 
and for many years the land was kept out of market on this 
account. In Congress a strong delegation worked persistently in 
favor of the Dubuque-Chouteau claim. 

"Afterward when the lands were ordered to be sold and the 
proclamation of sale duly made, and when Iowa was unrepresented 
in that body, the United States Senate passed a resolution request- 
ing a withdrawal of the land from sale. This startled our people 
and Messrs. Hastings and Leffler, our representati\'es in Congress, 
were interviewed. They called upon the President and learned 
that the act of the Senate could not be disregarded : but they 
learned that if the House should pass a resolution ordering the sale, 
it would proceed. Mr. Hastings accordingly presented such a reso- 
lution in the House, whereupon a Missouri member violently pro- 
tested against it and raised such a commotion that when the vote 
was taken it was difficult to decide whether it was passed or not. 
The clerk thought it was lost and so entered it on his memorandum. 
At the adjournment Mr. Hastings (familiarly known as 'Old Red') 
went to him for a copy of the resolution. The clerk replied : T 
thought the resolution failed to pass.' He replied, 'No, sir, give me 
a certified copy to be handed to the President.' The clerk did so, 
the copy was presented to the President and the sale proceeded. 
This act of Mr. Hastings was one of more benefit to our city and 
county than any other single act in the history of our legislation. 
Had that sale not taken place at that time, it might never have taken 
glace, for the claim of Chouteau might have been confirmed by 
Congress and this confirmation would have depopulated the eastern 
half of this county, or if the sale had ever been made it would 
have been after years of delay, fraught with destruction to the 
prosperity of our city and county. After the public sale Mr. Chou- 
teau brought a suit against Mr. P. Maloney, one of our worthy 
citizens, to test the validity of his title, and the decision before 



42 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

reierred to was made by the United States Supreme court. Another 
temporary incubus upon the prosperity of our city and county was 
the attempt to take the mineral leads from our early miners by 
pretended government agents, who claimed to have authority to lease 
these lands. Certain adventurers procured such appointments and 
granted to their own secret agents and tools, leases of rich lodes 
discovered after much labor and expense by such men as Richard 
and Robert Waller, the Langworthys, Antoine Loire and many 
others and these pretended agents asked the judge here for an 
injunction to prevent all working of our mines without a license 
from him. The judge decided that the law authorizing this leasing 
did not apply to Iowa, whereupon the secretary of war, Mr. Spencer, 
wrote to the judge to prepare himself for a removal from office for 
the reason that the law did apply to that part of Iowa which was 
east of the Mississippi. Daniel Webster hearing of this, called 
upon Mr. Spencer, gave him a short lesson in geography and the 
judge was not removed." — (Judge Thomas S. Wilson in Herald 
of September 4, 1883). 

Comparatively little is known of Dubuque during the twenty-one 
years' residence here. So far as known no portrait of him is in 
existence; all such are purely imaginary and should have no place 
in history. Neither is it known that he had an Indian wife. Elipha- 
let Price, an early settler near here, said that one of Dubuque's 
employes told him that Dubuque had no Indian wife. If he had 
one what became of her after his death ? If there were any children 
what became of them? Would not the wife and children have 
claimed his estate here and elsewhere? Not the slightest trace of 
them has ever been found. — (See Judge T. S. Wilson in Herald, 
February 6, 1887). Peosta was a Fox chief and a warrior of the 
Kettle Chief's Tribe. The name Pesota usually bestowed upon 
Dubuque's alleged Indian wife, seems to be a distortion of Peosta. 
Dubuque and nine other Frenchmen, it is said, came here in 1788. 
It would be interesting to know who his white companions were, 
how long they remained, the terms upon which they worked for 
him, etc. Dubuque wrote his name as it is now written ; he did not 
use a capital B. In French the name is written Debuc. — (See 
Herald, January 8, 1866.) At his death Dubuque was concealed 
on the bluff where his monument now stands ; his body was placed 
in a cave. In 1823 when this cave was opened, Mr. Langworthy, 
who was present, said the skeleton was yet there with the hat still 
on the head or skull. — (Miners' Express, September 18. 1850). It 
is said that the Indians for many years kept a fire burning at the 
cave or grave. His Indian name was "La Petit Nuit." The Great 
Washington of the Foxes, Kettle Chief, was buried on the same 
mound. On the cross at the grave is the following inscription in 
French. "Julien Dubuque Mineure De La Mine D'Espagne, Moret 
Le 24 Marse, 1810; Agee 45 ^> anne." — (Translation: Julien 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 43 

Dubuque, Miner of the Mines of Spain, died the 24th of March, 
18 10, aged 45 years and 6 months). Dubuque was thus a young 
man when he came here — about twenty-four years old. 

Dubuque was a French CanacHan born in the Province of Quebec, 
January 10, 1762, and was a mineralogist. At the age of twenty- 
two years he settled near Prairie du Chien and soon learned of the 
lead ore near the mouth of Catfish creek, where the Kettle Chief's 
village was located, containing about four hundred Indians. In 
1788 he secured the right to work the mines. He opened stores, 
built smelting furnaces, bought furs, built houses and horse mills, 
opened gardens and farms, sold or traded goods and mined lead for 
market. From time to time he had Frenchmen to assist him and 
no doubt also Indian women and old men. He was doubtless good 
to the Indians, treated them fairly, taught them how to secure many 
comforts and become strong and it was no wonder they loved, 
respected and obeyed him. Twice a year he took a boat load of 
lead ore, furs and hides to St. Louis and returned with fresh goods, 
money and supplies of food, clothing and ammunition. The inscrip- 
tion on his grave, or cross, says that he died March 24, 1810, aged 
forty-five years and six months ; if so, he was born about September, 
1764, instead of the date given above. 

A new impetus was given to the growth of Dubuque by the final 
settlement of the Dubuque claim. This settlement was practically 
made by Congress in 1846-7. The President by proclamation adver- 
tised the lands for sale, whereupon the Senate presented a resolution 
asking for a postponement of tlie sale, but this was prevented by 
an Iowa member, who asked that there be no postponement unless 
upon petition of the settlers. This passed and was sanctioned by 
the President. Previous to 1846-7 all titles at Dubuque were con- 
sidered uncertain. Many pioneers refused to settle here. All who 
settled prepared their affairs so as to meet the Dubuque claims in 
case his heirs won. Dubuque was thus crippled for years. In 1847 
the growth was large as a consequence of the Congressional act of 
1846-7. Over 150 buildings were erected in Dubuque from March 
I, 1847, to December i ; a majority were brick. 

When the case of Chouteau vs. Maloney (the Dubuque claim 
case) was called in the Supreme court of the United States in 
December, 1853, every member of the Iowa delegation in Congress 
was present. The case was concluded in January, 1854. Judge 
Thomas S. Wilson, of Dubuque, first addressed the Court and 
upheld the views of Albert Gallatin. He was followed by Mr. 
Carmack, who assailed the views of Gallatin and upheld the justice 
of the old Senate committee report. Piatt Smith spoke, as did 
Judge Wilson : so did Attorney General Gushing. The whole Pierce 
administration favored the Iowa contention. Briefly the points 
made by Judge Wilson were as follows: i. The Indians could 
not and did not sell the land, as it belonged to Spain. 2. Dubuque 



44 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

had only peaceable possession and not full proprietorship. 3. The 
bounds were indefinite. 4. Carondelet only gave permission to 
work the mines, as his language was not such as was usually used 
in making land grants, and no process verbal nor order of survey 
accompanied his order. 5. Carondelet had no authority to make 
such a sale or grant. 6. If Carondelet had such power, he could 
give only an inchoate and imperfect title — one that would avail 
nothing in a court of law. 7. There must be a compliance with 
Spanish law and there was not in this case, and therefore no sale 
was meant. 8. The land was acquired from France in 1803 and 
from the Indians in 1832 ; Congress had authorized the sale to the 
settlers, had recognized their preemption rights and had given them 
patents to their tracts of land; would the government now reverse 
all this, and exclude the thousands of settlers? Justice Wayne 
delivered the unanimous opinion of the Supreme court in favor of 
the settlers. On February 28, 1854, there was received here a 
telegram that the Dvibuque case had been decided in favor of Iowa. 
Immediately an impromptu celebration was held ; the cannon was 
fired, bells were rung and all congratulated each other on the out- 
come and the good news. Thus at last this vexatious case was 
settled forever. 

Dubuque county has little Indian history, because the tribes were 
removed before the arrival of the pioneers. The early settlers 
found the usual artificial mounds which doubtless were thrown up 
by the Indians and not by the Mound Builders proper. Se\-eral of 
these mounds stood originally where Dubuque's monument now 
stands. "One opened in Dubuque county disclosed a vault divided 
into three cells. In the center one were found eight skeletons sitting 
in a circle and in the center of the group was a drinking vessel 
made from a sea shell. The whole chamber was covered with logs 
preserved in cement." One mile northeast of Dyersville, on section 
29, township 89 north, range 2 west, were formerly a group of 
Indian mounds — nine in all, seven circular and two embankments. 

Originally the Dakota family of Indians possessed what is now 
Iowa. In this family were the Iowa, Omaha, Winnebago, Mascou- 
tin, Otoe, Sisseton and other tribes. Farther south were the Illinois, 
Fox, Chippewa, Attouays, Pottawattomie and other tribes of the 
great Algonquin family. In the fierce wars between the two fami- 
lies the Sacs and Foxes gained possession of what is now Dubuque 
county and were found here by the first white men. Dubuque 
secured his grant from the Foxes, and lived with them until his 
death. A large Fox village of sixty to seventy bark and log dwell- 
ings stood on the present site of Dubuque, and nearby in the valley 
were the Indian corn, bean and pumpkin fields. Before the whites 
came, the Sioux, it is related, were attacked on the blufif about 
two hundred yards below the mouth of Catfish creek, on the first 
bluff below the one on which stands Dubuque's monument, by a 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 45 

large band of Sacs and Foxes. In the rush they endeavored to drive 
the mounted Sioux over the bhifif. Many were forced over the 
steep bank and the Sioux were defeated in tlie end. As a proof of 
this battle the first settlers found at the bottom of the bluff, on the 
east side, many Indian skeletons, more or less disjointed, scattered 
around for a considerable distance. Bones of Indians and horses 
could be seen there as late as twenty or thirty years ago. During the 
fight, it is related, a Sioux leaped his horse down the north side, 
which was not so steep, and escaped, from that circumstance the 
bluff has been known as Horse Bluff. The date of this battle is 
not known, but was before August 19, 1825, at which date a treaty 
removed the Sioux permanently farther northward. The Horse 
Shoe Bluff there is named from the shape of the small valley. 

In 1832 the Sacs, Foxes and Winnebagoes ceded a large tract, 
including Dubuque county, to the United States government for the 
consideration of $20,000 per annum for thirty years ; $50,000 to 
be paid to Indian traders; 6,000 bushels of corn, fifty barrels of 
flour; thirty barrels of pork; thirty-beef cattle, and twelve bushels 
of salt. 

Late in May, 1838, a few wandering and dissipated Winnebago 
Indians came down the river and camped on an island opposite the 
lower end of town. A night or two later a few roughs from 
Dubuque went there for dishonorable purposes and were resisted 
by the braves and squaws, during which a squaw was mortally 
wounded. She was buried by the people of Dubuque and the 
roughs were pursued and punished. Several were wounded in the 
struggle. One of the roughs escaped. Joseph Ducoste, who was 
charged with the murder of the squaw, Se-a-co, broke jail at 
Dubuque in June, 1838, and Sheriff Cummings offered a reward of 
$50 for his arrest. 

"Indians About. — A company of about forty Indians of the 
Pottawattomie tribe were encamped at Table Mound, near this city, 
during last week. We understand they were a little amusing to the 
people in that neighborhood. In a drunken frolic they had three 
of their horses killed. Those that visited the city were fine looking, 
well-dressed Indians." — (Miners' Express, June 6, 1849.) 

"We were amused at the antics of a party of Pottawattomie 
Indians who were allowed to ride backwards on the tender. They 
evidently thought it great sport as they whooped and hallooed until 
they rivaled the neigh of the iron steed. But the shriek of that 
animal evidently took them down some — or up rather, as one fellow 
jumped three feet into the air when the engineer let the whistle 
loose." — E. & H., June 4, 1855). 



CITY OF DUBUQUE, 1788 TO 1849. 

SO FAR as known, Julien Dubuque and his French companions 
were the first white persons to reside permanently in what is 
now Dubuque county, Iowa. They came here probably in 
1788 and began to work the lead mines, and Dubuque, at least, 
lived here more or less continuously until his death in 1810. After 
the latter date until 1827, it is not probable that any white persons 
resided permanently here, though doubtless, in spite of the fact that 
the Indian title was not extinguished and the Indians themselves 
were hostile to such advances, white explorers from the older Galena 
and Wisconsin districts, invaded cautiously this county with the ob- 
ject of settlement when the lands should be secured by treaty and 
thrown into market. It is also known that white traders resided more 
or less permanently on the islands in front of Dubuque from 18 10 to 
1830. The period from 1827 to 1832 has thus been called the 
period of exploration when white men on the east side of the 
Mississippi invaded the wilds west of the river to select homes with 
the view of early future settlement. This invasion was doubtless 
one of the sequences of the Indian treaties of 1804, 1818, 1824, etc., 
which forecast the speedy acquirement by the government of lands 
west of the river. Many who afterward became permanent resi- 
dents of this county made explorations during this period ; among 
them were James L. Langworthy, Lucius H. Langworthy, James 
McPeters, E. M. Wren, Samuel Scales, George W. Jones, Thomas 
McCraney, Anton Loire and others. 

A party of ladies and gentlemen from Galena celebrated the 
Fourth of July, 1828, at the mouth of Catfish creek, Dubuque 
county. This was probably the first time in what is now Iowa that 
the flag was raised and that day celebrated. In 1832 another party 
from Galena celebrated the same day at the same place. — (Herald, 
November 2, 1865.) 

George W. Jones came here to trade with the Indians as early as 
1828; he then resided at Sinsinawa Mound. In order to convey 
his ox team and cart across the river, he lashed two canoes or other 
boats together and then put his whole outfit on board and all were 
ferried over by the Indians. He obtained lead and gave money 
and goods therefor. The Langworthys and a dozen other men who 
afterward became settlers here were thus engaged, several of them 
as early as 1827. Some times they dealt with the traders on the 

46 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 47 

islands and sometimes directly with the Indians. It is said that one 
or more of Dubuque's French companions resided here or on the 
islands until 1826. 

When the first explorers arrived they found a large village was 
still standing silent, solitary and deserted, at the mouth of Catfish 
creek. Every Indian had vanished. About seventy buildings, con- 
structed with poles and the bark of trees, were all that remained. 
The council house, though rude, was large and contained a great 
number of furnaces where kettles had been placed to prepare the 
feasts of peace or war. On the inner surfaces of the bark of the 
council house were paintings of elks, buffaloes, bears, panthers and 
other animals. Even their sports, feasts and fights were thus repre- 
sented. Here seemed to be a rude record of their history. The 
whole place was destroyed by fire in the summer of 1830 by some 
visitors in a spirit of vandalism, much to the regret of the first 
settlers. 

The treaty with the Sacs and Foxes by which what is now 
Dubuque county became open to settlement, was concluded Sep- 
tember 2, 1832, and took effect in June, 1833. No sooner was it 
learned that the treaty had been concluded than miners, adventurers, 
explorers, families and homeseekers generally began to cross the 
river in order to secure first choice of permanent locations. This 
fact reaching the knowledge of the authorities caused orders to be 
issued to the soldiers at Prairie du Chien to remove all such per- 
sons ; whereupon Lieutenants Gardonnier, Abercrombie, Wilson and 
Davis (the latter becoming afterwards President of the Southern 
Confederacy) came to what is now Dubuque and compelled the 
invaders to re-cross to the east side, though many went no farther 
than the islands in the middle of the river, where traders had 
sojourned for many years. Being fully convinced that the treaty 
would soon be confirmed, the settlers returned when the soldiers lost 
their vigilance or were withdrawn. The result was that a score or 
more of permanent settlers made their claims in Dubuque county 
late in 1832 and early in 1833. After the spring of 1833 the sol- 
diers did not longer seriously molest the settlers here. Some score 
or more of the first settlers date their settlement here from 1832, 
because they came then and went away temporarily only because 
the soldiers compelled them to go. 

The chief object of the first settlers was to work the lead mines 
and incidentally to secure tracts of land advantageously situated. 
By the spring of 1834 the village contained 300 inhabitants — set- 
tlers, miners and temporary residents. In the spring of 1833 the 
first log cabin was built near where Finn's old tavern afterward 
stood. During this year Milo H. Prentice became the first postmaster 
and the first sermons — Protestant and Catholic — were preached. In 
1833 also Robert Read established a farm on what afterward became 
the W. G. Stewart place in Dubuque township. Hosea T. Camp, 



48 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

whose daughter married Jolin Pahner. brought the first family to 
reside here permanently in 1833. In June P. Weigel brought his 
family; three of the children are yet living in Dubuque. Rev. 
Erastus Kent, Presbyterian, of Galena, and Rev. Burton Randall, 
Methodist, held services here in 1833. The first raft of lumber 
was brought down the river by James H. and Ezekiel Lockwood 
in 1833. Mrs. Camp and Mrs. Susan F. Dean, later Mrs. Law- 
rence, were the first women to come here for permanent residence — 

1833- 

In May, 1833, Patrick Quigley arrived in Dubuque. The cabins 

or shanties were so few that for the first two or three months he 
was obliged to sleep out of doors more than half of the time. In 
August he moved into his own house, which had neither doors nor 
windows. The first flurry of snow late in autumn obliged him to 
enclose his quarters. He was the first justice of the peace in 
Dubuque and received his commission from Governor Horner of 
Michigan territory. The next year the first hotel was built — Bell 
Tavern — partly of logs — and stood a few rods north of where the 
Julien House is now located. The houses then were few, poor and 
huddled together. The growth of the place this year (1833) was 
rapid. In 1834 the town did not advance in population and appear- 
ance as rapidly as it had in 1833. Many who had come here 
to mine, left, not meeting with success. Others were perhaps fright- 
ened away by the cholera which appeared here. A Methodist chapel 
was built this year, and a Catholic cathedral of stone in 1835. The 
masons and carpenters who worked upon it charged $5 per day. 
Saloons were numerous and nearly everybody drank. 

In the summer of 1834 a public meeting was held and attempts 
were made to change the name of Dubuque to that of Washington. 
The former had been adopted by common consent and not by any 
formal act of the inhabitants or the authorities. However, it was 
not thought wise to change the name, as the place had already 
become widely known as Dubuque. In 1834, the Fourth of July 
was celebrated on Bee branch. Simon Clark was the orator and 
Clark and Lucius H. Langworthy sang the "Star Spangled Banner." 
On May 18, 1834, Rev. Burton Randall became regular pastor of 
the Methodist church which liad been organized the year before; he 
preached in a log building which stood on the present site of the 
Julien House. The first church was a log structure, which stood 
where Washington Park now is. By act of June 28, 1834, Congress 
attached the Black Hawk Purchase to Michigan territory, and on 
September 8, 1834, the Legislature of Michigan territory formed 
the two counties — Des Moines and Dubuque. Thus, prior to 1834, 
Dubuque may be said to have had no law, but it was not altogether 
lawless. It was a typical mining town, with dram shops where 
anned men congregated to drink and fight. Although it is usual 
to attempt to make the village previous to 1834 appear intensely 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 49 

wild and wicked, it was not so in reality, because the lawless were 
held in check by men like the Langworthys McCraney, John King, 
Mile H. Prentice and others, who united to secure good order and 
morals and were immensely aided by the first ministers and the 
first religious congregations. But moral suasion was supplemented 
by a set of orders or resolutions drawn up by John King and adopted 
by the citizens as a guide of law and order to serve until the usual 
courts could be set in operation. 

A 3'oung man named Wheeler was tarred and feathered in 
Dubuque in the spring of 1834. He had been engaged by the citi- 
zens to take an insane person to his father in Illinois. Upon his 
return he was charged with having pocketed most of the subscription 
and with having left the insane man in destitution down the river. 
Wheeler declared he was innocent and asked his accusers to write 
to the father of the insane man; but they refused, tarred and feath- 
ered and dumped him out of town. A little later the citizens received 
a letter from the father of the insane man requesting them to thank 
Mr. Wheeler for the care and attention given his son on the journey 
down the river. After that not a person who had preferred the 
charges against Wheeler or was concerned in his tarring escapade 
could be found. In order to get a fight it was only necessary to 
charge someone with participation in the outrage. — (Eliphalet Price 
in Herald, July 13, 1865.) 

"The population almost without exception was of the roughest 
sort, being composed mostly of miners, whose amusements con- 
sisted in gambling and drunken frolics on the most villainous 
whisky. A miner would work until he had accumulated sufficient 
for a spree and until cleaned out at keeno or some other game he 
alternated between drunk and drunker — between drunk enough to 
howl and fight, or too drunk to do either. The standard of morality 
was infinitely low; the taking of life or any other species of crime 
was regarded less a wrong than a pastime. Acts of extreme law- 
lessness, however, were rare, for there was a regular system of 
organization among the miners by which was administered a set of 
laws with inflexible impartiality. The streets such as they were 
presented different aspects than at present. Then a ragged Sac or 
Dacotah, blending in his presence the savage dignity of the red man 
and the unsteady evolutions of a modern top-heavy civilization and 
barbarity trying to affiliate. A half dozen miners — fierce in unkempt 
locks and ragged beards, eyes glaring and bloodshot, swaving with 
unsteady pace from shop to shop, going from bad whisky to worse 
and varying the performance by an occasional fight." — (Early 
description of Dubuque, Herald, April 17, 1859.) 

During the winter of 1835-6 a small band of Sacs and Winne- 
bagoes encamped on an island in front of the town, killed one of 
their number— a large man — and left him, terribly mutilated, lying 
on the ice. It was thought he was killed for cruelty to his squaw. 



50 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

This circumstance was narrated at a later day by Rev. H. W. Reed> 
who came to Dubuque in 1835. At that time he was the only 
Protestant minister in this region. His cabin stood eight or nine 
miles west of Dubuque and was built of round logs, with a single 
three-light window with oil paper for glass. The roof was so poor 
that during storms pans were used to catch the water running 
through. There his first child was born and there it died. On 
Sundays he traveled eight miles to the blufifs to preach to the miners 
at 9 o'clock ; then at 1 1 o'clock he preached in the village below the 
bluffs ; at 3 o'clock at Peru, and in the evening again at Dubuque. 
At Peru there was no church building and on two occasions he 
preached in gambling rooms. He preached occasionally at Durango. 
Card playing was a favorite amusement — Sundays and week days. 
It was about 1836 that the local paper here advertised for a min- 
ister — "One who can reason, preach, sing and enforce the fourth 
commandment." 

At the close of 1835 the population of Dubuque was estimated at 
1,000. The people were then described by Lieut. A. M. Lee in his 
"Notes on Wisconsin" as exceedingh- active and enterprising, carry- 
ing on a brisk and lucrative mineral trade and supplying the miners 
with the necessaries and comforts of life. When the territory of 
Wisconsin was set off in July, 1836, it was thought that Dubuque, 
owing to its central location, might become the seat of government. 
Belmont and Madison competed with it for this honor and Belmont 
won. The final struggle between Madison and Dubucjue was earnest 
and exciting. The speeches of the Dubuque members of the Legis- 
lature were effective and eloquent. Patrick Quigley was one of 
them. He compared the founding of cities here with those in 
Europe and said, "They traversed the Caspian, the Black and the 
Mediterranean seas and founded their Constantinople, their Car- 
thage and their Rome, not as gentlemen are attempting to raise 
}\Iadison in a wilderness of swamps, but where there were good and 
commodious harbors and where commerce and population invited." 
The slowness of travel is shown by the following extract taken from 
the Visitor of October 19, 1836: "A goodly number of the Visitors 
left Dubuque on the 14th of September for Chillicothe, Ohio, but 
after tra\'eling as far as Lidianapolis, Indiana, became worn out and 
being destitute of covering returned to Dubuque. We have again 
dressed them in a new livery, put them into an old worn-out, two- 
horse stage — (we like uniformity), and cautioned them to keep the 
driver from using them as a seat (which is the common practice), 
and the}' would probably see their friends in Chillicothe in time to 
receive their New Year's gift." 

In the autumn of 1836 a weekly mail was established between 
Dubuque and Fort Des Moines. Previous to that year no surveys 
had been made here, except by private citizens, who were aided by 
subscription. Among these private surveys was one by George W. 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY . 51 

Harrison, who laid off between twenty and thirty blocks in the 
central part of the city. In 1836 Gen. George W. Jones, congress- 
man, secured a grant of the section, which then constituted the 
town. By this act public surveys were made and the town was 
laid off in' lots and outlots, the proceeds of the latter to be devoted to 
the improvement of the former. 

In an oration, July 4, 1836, W. W. Coriell, in speaking of the 
struggle between Madison and Dubuque for the capital, said : "Only 
three years have elapsed since the white man came into possession of 
the country in which Dubuque is situated, and already, including 
the county of Des Moines, it is estimated that we number more than 
twelve thousand inhabitants on the west side of the Mississippi, 
being about one-half of the population of the whole country of 
Wisconsin. Our town and its immediate vicinity has doubtless a 
population of two thousand industrious and enterprising citizens as 
any to be found in the broad extent of the United States. Dubuque, 
from its commanding situation, being easy of access from any 
point, from the fertility of the soil and the vast mineral resources 
of the country in its vicinity, from tl*e number of its population, 
being greater than that of any other town in the territory, may 
well aspire to be the capital." — {Visitor, July, 1836.) 

The first child born here was Susan Ann McCraney, who mar- 
ried John S. Barnes. A Mrs. Butterfield, aged no years, died here 
about 1850. David Stiles, aged 106, died in 1871. George Cubbage 
taught school in 1833. Catholic services were held at the residence 
of Patrick Ouigley late in 1833. A Mr. Fox died in 1833 — the 
first ; he was probably the first person buried in the old cemetery at 
Jackson square. Ira Williams, Warner Lewis and Patrick Quigley 
were the first justices — 1834 and 1835. On March 9, 1834, the first 
temperance meeting was held. In August, 1834, a meeting to sup- 
press vice and to expel gamblers and other bad characters was held. 
In November, 1836, William A. Burt made the first county surveys; 
he was the inventor of the solar compass. The first brick house 
was built by Leroy Jackson in 1837. Alexander Levi was the first 
alien to receive naturalization papers — 1837. Saloons were closed 
for the first time on Sunday in August, 1835. George W. Jones 
made the first political speech in 1835. George Zollicoffer made the 
first wine from native grapes in 1834. 

In 1836 there were very few buildings north of Fifth street. At 
Locust and Sixth were two frame buildings which were torn down 
in 1873. At the corner of Fifth and Locust was the Visitor in a log 
house. Sixth street was once called Church because it led to the 
old log church at what is now Washington square. The original 
Atheuc-eum was built in 1840 by Emerson and Crider at Sixth and 
Main. Here the Express and later the Herald were issued; this 
was called "Democratic Corner." In 1846 it became the Key City 
hotel. In 1863 it was transformed into the Athenaeum by W. G. 



52 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Stewart and the public hall therein became famous. Here the the- 
atrical stars of the country appeared — Sallie St. Claire, Anna 
Bishop, Edwin Forrest, Lawrence Barrett, Edwin Adams, James E. 
Murdock, J. W. Wallack, Jr., Daniel Marble, J. B. Rice, Julia Dean, 
J. B. Booth, W. J. Florence, John Wilkes Booth, E. A. Sothern and 
others, and here appeared also, under the auspices of the Young 
Men's Association, Wendell Phillips, J. G. Holland, Horace Greeley, 
Victoria Woodhull, Anna E. Dickinson, Stephen A. Douglas, E. T. 
Youmans, B. F. Taylor, L. Agassiz, H. W. Beecher, the Hutchin- 
sons, Adelina Patti, Ole Bull, and others. 

On May ii, 1836, the Dubuque Visitor, the first newspaper in 
Iowa, and the first west of the Mississippi and north of St. Louis, 
made its appearance in Dubuque. It was edited by John King, who 
was assisted in June by William C. Jones, and from the start by 
Andrew Keesecker. 

Its motto was, "Truth Our Guide — The Public Good Our Aim." 
It was issued at "Dubuque Lead Mines, Wisconsin Territory," and 
was printed by Mr. Jones on a Smith press which was afterward 
used on the early newspapers at Mineral Point, Wisconsin ; St. Paul, 
Minnesota, and Sioux Falls, Dakota. The I'isifor was first located 
at Church and Main streets, the former being then a street between 
Fourth and Fifth. It was a two-story log building, 20x25 feet, 
erected in 1834 by Pascal Mallet for a residence. In October, 1836, 
King claimed nearly i ,000 subscribers for the Visitor. In about six 
months the office was removed to the east side of Main street, just 
above the Globe building. In 1837 the name was changed to Iowa 
Neivs and the office was changed to the east side of Locust street 
near Fifth and there remained until discontinued about 1842. The 
material for the Visitor in 1836 was obtained at Cincinnati. Both 
Jones and Keesecker wrote articles for the Visitor. The latter set 
the first type in the territory ; he continued to set type in Dubuque 
until his death in 1870. King and Keesecker were Democrats, but 
Jones was a Whig. Later the latter went to New Orleans and 
finally to California, where he died in 1867. King was a Virginian 
and came to Dubuque in 1833, ^"d from the start bore a prominent 
and useful part in the development of the city and county. He was 
justice of the peace in 1835, ^^'^^ postmaster about 1839; assisted 
Plumbe in promoting the first Pacific railway in 1836; was a mem- 
ber of the city council from 1854 to 1866, and at his death in 1871 
was paid great honor by an immense concourse of citizens. 

The old gravej^ard was laid out before the act of Congress was 
passed, which provided for a survey of the town of Dubuque in 
1836. Before that date the citizens had taken possession of the 
tract, buried their dead there and placed around it a good fence. 
An act of Congress sanctioned the lots already surveyed, occupied 
and improved. 

"From 500 to 800 head of stock cattle might be advantageously 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 53 

disposed of at this place." — {Visitor, May 11, 1836.) "Artisans 
of almost every description are needed at Dubuque and would find 
immediate employment at good wages, particularly brickmakers and 
masons." — (Visitor. May 11, 1836.) Great improvements were 
made in 1836 and early in 1837 ; streets were straightened, cut^-down, 
leveled and drained. 

"Congress accordingly passed an act on July 2, 1836, giving the 
inhabitants of Dubuque and other towns in Wisconsin named in 
the act, pre-emption rights to the town lots occupied and improved 
by them, so that title by occupation and improvement will be per- 
fectl}' good. . . . There is no Spanish or French grant to 
lands at or near Dubuque. The claim of the heirs of Dubuque and 
Chouteau is but a baseless fabric which was decided upon by Albert 
Gallatin when that gentleman was at the head of the Treasury 
Department and declared to have no validity. It appears from the 
papers in that case that Julien Dubuque was only a tenant at zvill of 
the Fox Indians by the permission of the governor of Louisiana 
and held by no tenure which ever could entitle his heirs or assigns 
to the fee simple. Dubuque died in 18 10 and the country which he 
occupied was abandoned to the Foxes in 1812 and not again settled 
upon until the year 1832." — {Iowa Ne-d's, June 17, 1837.) 

Early in 1836 the citizens were informed by George W. Jones, 
their delegate to Congress, that if they would prepare a petition to 
that efifect he would cause the sale of the public lots in Dubuque and 
the expenditure of the proceeds upon the harbor. This petition was 
duly prepared and forwarded. 

Great complaint was made against the irregularities of the mail, 
which, according to contract, should have been conveyed three times 
a week between Galena, Dubuque and Peru, as shown by the 
following : 

"The mail that was due on Wednesday last came the next day 
and the carrier, fatigued with his extraordinary exertion, leaving 
his mail bag in town, took a small jaunt into the country by way of 
recreation and did not return until the next day ; consequently our 
papers and letters were detained from Galena twenty-four hours. 
The mail was due again on Sunday, but the carrier being probably 
conscientiously opposed to traveling on that day, it did not come 
until brought by a steamboat passenger on Monday. The variety of 
times in which the mail makes its trips is only equaled by the variety 
of means used in its conveyance. It comes on horseback, in wagons, 
big and little, in carriages, occasionally in stages, and not infre- 
cjuently in order to have an easy trip, is retained at Galena for the 
arrival of a steamboat ; and sometimes, to save trouble and expense, 
it waits till next time." — {Visitor, May 18, 1836.) 

Thomas Graffort kept the Washington hotel at Oak and Locust 
streets. At a citizens' meeting it was "Resolved, That the persons 
who first selected the present place of burial be a committee to lay 



54 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

off and superintend the fencing of this piece of ground, viz. : James 
L. Langworthy, Thomas McCraney and Hosea T. Camp." John 
Ewing, Hosea T. Camp and James Smith were appointed to collect 
subscriptions to defray the expense. It was asked at this time, why 
not remove the graveyard to tlie bluffs back of town? Another 
meeting was held in July, 1836, to consider the proposition of "cut- 
ting a canal through the isthmus." James L. Langworthy, Hiram 
Loomis and James Cox were appointed a committee to call for pro- 
posals to cut a canal that should "connect the main slough with the 
bayou — sixty feet wide at the top, forty feet at the bottom, an 
average of six feet deep and 1,600 feet long. 

"The tide of emigration is pouring in upon us an immense number 
of families this spring. Every steamboat from below is crowded 
with passengers. We have had twenty-five different arrivals by 
sixteen different steamboats, as follows : Galenian — Captain Rogers ; 
Wisconsin, Du Buque, Olive Branch, Heroine, Banner — Captain 
Dickerson ; Cavalier — Captain Patterson ; Missouri, Fulton, 
Palmyra — Captain Cole ; Warrior — Captain Gleim ; Far West, 
Envoy, Frontier — Captain Harris ; Quincy — Captain Cameron, and 
others." — {Visitor, 1836. ) 

The congressional act of July 2, 1836, for laying out Dubuque 
and Peru made the following requirements: That lots and streets 
previously laid out should be properly observed ; town lots to be not 
more than half an acre and outlots not over four acres each; lots to 
be offered at public sale within six months ; no town lot to be sold 
for less than $5 ; the lots to be divided into three classes according 
to relative value; persons who had complied with the law as regards 
claims and improvements to have first chance to buy their lots ; no 
person could buy more than four acres unless he had made actual 
improvements thereon; "that a quantity of land of proper width on 
tlie river banks of the towns of Dubuque and Peru and running 
with the river the wliole length of said towns shall be reserved from 
sale (as shall also the public squares) for public use and remain 
forever for public use as public highways and for other public uses." 
The grant at Dubuque embraced a section of land and the original 
survey was made by G. W. Harrison. In August, 1837, Thomas S. 
Wilson resigned as trustee and John Plumbe, Jr., became his suc- 
cessor. Thomas C. Fassett was elected president of the board. The 
act of March 3, 1837, provided for the laying out of Dubuque and 
Peru by commissioners. 

The congressional act of July 2, 1836, provided for surveying the 
lots and streets of Fort Madison, Burlington, Bellevue, Dubuque, 
Peru and Mineral Point, and $3,000 was appropriated to cover the 
expense. On March 3, 1837, an amendatory act was passed by 
wiiich three commissioners were appointed to hear all evidence 
under the claims made pursuant to the act of July 2, 1836. The act 
of March 3, 1839. provided that said commissioners should be paid 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 55 

$6 per day for their services. The latter act made it the duty of the 
register and receivers to expose and sell the lots provided for by the 
act of July 2, 1836. The act further provided that the receivers 
should pay over any residue to the town authorities. The following 
amounts were received by the receivers : Mr. McKnight received 
for lots sold in Dubuque $5,573.26; Dr. S. Langworthy, $1,200.90; 
Col. George McHenry, $34.70; Major Mobley, nothing. Of the 
receipts $3,000 went at once to the commissioners for surveying the 
towns mentioned in the act — six towns. The sum of $1,404 was 
applied to the survey of Dubucjue, which sum was deemed too large 
— nearly one-half of the whole. Nearly complete settlements were 
made by 1847. 

The Fourth of July, 1836, was elaborately celebrated. Hiram 
Loomis was chairman and W. W. Coriell, secretary, of the meeting 
called to make arrangements. Ezekiel Lockwood was marshal of 
the day ; D. Gillilan, assistant marshal ; Rev. S. Mazzuchelli, chap- 
lain ; M. H. Prentice, reader of the Declaration; W. W. Coriell, 
orator; Dr. S. Langworthy was president of the day and Patrick 
Quigley, J. M. Harrison, Dr. Timothy Mason and W. C. Jones, 
\ice presidents. Toasts were offered by Dr. Langworthy, Rev. 
Mazzuchelli, W. W. Coriell, Patrick Quigley, James McCabe, John 
King, Augustus Coriell, Leroy Jackson, J. M. Harrison, David 
Sleator, William Blake, M. H. Prentice, S. W. Masters, W. B. 
Green, William Cardiff, J. H. Swan, Eli Chittenden, A. Morgan, 
Charles Corkery, B. F. Davis of Peru, William Hutton, Ezekiel 
Lockwood, Michael Norton, E. G. Chittenden, W. Vance, Cyrus 
Harper, William Allen. H. W. Sanford, Davis Gillilan, William C. 
Jones, Peter Davis, W. W. Chapman, David Sleator, D. F. Blythe, 
T. C. Fassett, Capt. Francis Gehon, John King and Warner Lewis. 
R. C. Bourne, P. A. Lorimier, Dr. F. Andross, P. Samuels, Hosea 
T. Camp, Edward White, John Ewing, L. Wheeler, John Loraine, 
Hiram Loomis, Thomas Fassett and others were also present. 

On November 30, 1836, the Miners' Bank of Dubuque was char- 
tered with a capital of $200,000, the subscribers being Ezekiel Lock- 
wood, Francis Gehon, John King, William Myers, Lucius H. Lang- 
worthy, E. M. Bissell, Robert D. Sherman, William W. Coriell and 
Simon Clark; they were authorized to sell the stock. 

In October, 1836, Dubuque contained about 1,200 population; it 
had three churches, two or three schools, fifty stores of all kinds, 
including shops; fifty-five dwellings, one warehouse built in 1836, 
and was spread over four principal streets and seven cross streets — 
approximately from First to Seventh and from Locust to Clay. 
The number of votes polled in October, 1836, was 621 in Dubuque 
village and over 1,000 in Dubuque county. The original survey of 
the village embraced thirty-five blocks which were subdivided into 
220 town lots. Among the business men in 1836 were D. Gillilan, 
dry goods; F. K. O'Ferrall, real estate; O'Ferrall & Cox, merchan- 



S6 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

disc ; A. Levi & Co., groceries and provisions ; John M. Davis, tailor ; 
Dubuque Tavern, Jeremiah Penix, proprietor ; L. Bruly, boot and 
shoe maker; W. M. Baker & Co., liquors; E. Lockwood, merchan- 
dise ; Philip C. Morheiser, sign painter ; William Myers, merchan- 
dise ; Emerson & Crider, merchandise ; Timothy Mason & Co., drugs ; 
Wheeler & Loomis, merchandise ; George S. Nightingale, merchan- 
dise; Dr. R. Murray; C. H. Gratiot, merchandise; Fassitt & Sher- 
man, merchandise ; Ouigley & Butterworth, groceries ; Baptiste 
LaPage, confections; Sleator & Swoker, merchandise; John Regan 
& Co., merchandise; Gartrell & Dougherty, liquors, groceries, hard- 
ware, etc.; R. C. Bourne, groceries; S. C. Parish, bakery, confec- 
tionery; Swan, Webster & Co., merchandise; McClay & Bellows, 
merchandise; F. B. Everett, merchandise; John Amer, merchandise; 
H. L. Massey & Co., merchandise. 

In November, 1836, a weekly mail between Dubuque and Des 
Moines was established. In 1836 Congress appropriated $40,000 
for the improvement of the Mississippi above St. Louis. In 1836, 
so rapidly was the town growing and so improved were local condi- 
tions and business, that the citizens organized as the Wisconsin 
Hotel Company and attempted to raise $20,000 by subscription for 
a mammoth brick hotel that should fittingly represent the importance 
of the place. The hotel was to be located on Main street on lots 
bought of Mr. Allen at a cost of $2,000. Loomis, Sleator and King 
were the committee to oversee all arrangements. In August of this 
year E. C. Dougherty kept New House hotel on Locust near the 
Catholic church. The rapid growth was checked in the fall of 1836, 
because the necessary building material could not be obtained, 
though the stress was partly relieved by the rafts of boards and 
shingles brought down from Wisconsin by Ezekiel Lockwood. 

In the fall of 1836 William Hale, of Peru, brought from 
Shawneetown, 111., a drove of about twenty milk cows which he 
quickly sold to the settlers at $27.50 per head. Chauncey Swan & 
Company operated a distillery on Catfish creek two miles southwest 
of Dubuque. David Sleator began work on a sawmill at Eagle 
Point late in 1836. Settlers were pouring into the new lands on the 
west side of the rivers. In 1836 about fifty families from Phila- 
delphia and a large colony from Ohio crossed and settled in the 
open country to the westward. "Dubuque's Mines" was the name 
of the postoffice. M. H. Prentice was continued as postmaster. In 
June, 1836, a meeting was called for the purpose of forming a 
library association. At this date a Mr. Turner lectured here on 
"Temperance." The llsifor said, "As heretofore we will be glad to 
receive also Sucker paper and N. Biddle." The editor was a 
Democrat and was making fun of the paper money of Illinois and 
of the national banks. Nicholas Biddle was at that date president 
of the national bank which was opposed by Presidents Jackson and 
Van Buren and all other Democrats. Already, in 1836, a canal to 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 57 

connect the main shore of the river with the steamboat landing on 
tlie inner slough was discussed and projected. It was found neces- 
sary to dig one-third of a mile and through the "isthmus." The 
step was deemed necessary for two principal reasons: i. Boats 
could come up to the business part of town; 2. a current would be 
formed through Lake Peosta and the canal and would drain the 
inner and other sloughs. 

The first election of trustees of the town of Dubucjue was held 
April I, 1837, and the following board was chosen: William Myers, 
Thomas S. Wilson, Charles Miller, Thomas C. Fassett and Timothy 
Fanning. Mr. Wilson was chosen president of the board ; Charles 
Corkery, clerk ; Patrick Ouigley, town treasurer ; Philip C. Mor- 
heiser, marshal and collector, and Ezekiel C. Dougherty, assessor. 
After the election the first regular business was the passage of the 
following resolutions : 

Rcsok'cd, That for the purpose of removing the obstructions 
from the slough of the river next to the town of Dubuque and for 
rendering it navigable for steamboats, that the president and trustees 
of said town borrow such sinns of money as may be deemed neces- 
sary to effect those objects, which money will be repaid as soon as a 
sufficient sum shall be in the town treasury. 

Resolved, That a committee be formed whose duty it shall be to 
carry into effect the objects embraced in the foregoing resolution, to 
employ men and to superintend the work, and whose further duty 
it shall be to change the course of the water from the ravine near 
Mr. Lorimier's house to a channel more direct towards the river. 

Messrs. Fanning, Miller and Fassett were appointed such com- 
mittee and later made report that instructions had been carried out 
so far as the high water would permit. Regular ordinances for the 
government of the town were then passed at subsequent meetings — 
defining officers' duties ; penalties for breaches of ordinances ; regu- 
lating the police ; to prevent running horses, etc. : fines and forfeit- 
ures ; authorizing citizens to furnish fire buckets and ladders and to 
form themselves into a fire company. 

At the meeting of May 6, 1837, the first steps to raise revenue by 
taxation were taken; ten days later the revenue ordinance was 
passed. Another early ordinance provided for the due observance 
of the Sabbath. Still others defined and marked the boundaries of 
the town, location of streets, etc. ; regulated wharves and steam- 
boats ; gave Alexander Butterworth and George Strasser permission 
to keep a "butchering yard or slaughtering pen within the limits of 
the town," etc. 

Upon June 24, 1837, after further consideration, the trustees 
concluded to take no further action concerning the streets, in view 
of the fact that the commissioners appointed by the President of the 
United States to survey and lay off the town were then at work. 
On June 26 W. W. Chapman, lawyer, was employed for $50 to 



58 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

attend the five cases of the town then pending. The assessment Hst 
returned by the assessor was found defective and a reassessment 
was ordered. Stephen Hempstead, attorney, specially employed for 
the purpose, gave his opinion that the board of trustees were author- 
ized and empowered by the act of incorporation to hold courts and 
impose fines ; a day for such courts was thereupon set apart. Citi- 
zens were notified regularly to work the streets. G. W. Harrison 
was the regular surveyor of the town; copies of his original plots 
were made. It was agreed that Charles Corkerj- should be paid 
$200 annually for his services as clerk of the board. On August 26, 
1837, Mr. Wilson resigned from his position as trustee and hence 
as president of the board. Peter A. Lorimier was elected his suc- 
cessor, but declined, and John Plumbe, Jr., was chosen and he 
accepted. Stephen Hempstead, for $200, agreed to attend to the 
legal business of the town for the ranainder of the current year. 
In September a house to the rear of the store of John Regan & 
Company was rented for an office by the board ; they were to pay to 
George L. Nightingale, agent for Regan & Company, $5 per month 
for the house. 

On September 16, 1837, the board caused to be circulated hand 
bills calling for a mass meeting of the citizens on September 23 "for 
the purpose of expressing public opinion and obtaining information 
relative to the survey of all such lots and parcels of ground as were 
intended for public use in the town of Dubuque by the original 
surveys." In September, 1837, Fassitt & Sherman were repaid the 
$50 they had loaned the board in April ; and Gehon & Hendry were 
repaid $25 for a similar loan. An ordinance to regulate shows was 
passed October 7. In October steps to grade a portion of Main 
street were taken. Quigley & Butterworth and Patrick Finn were 
repaid sums loaned the board in April. On November 4 the treas- 
urer reported on hand a balance of $;^6. As early as November 18, 
1837, a conflict of certain streets with the graveyard was reported 
and considered. The county commissioners and the town board, 
both, were at work on the Lorimier Hollow road, a very important 
highway leading westwardly; the board also worked the Dirty 
Hollow road. 

"Dubuque is incorporated and though only laid out in 1833 now 
contains about 2,000 inhabitants. We have two stone and one 
wooden churches ; an excellent female school and another for boys ; 
several splendid brick houses; a bank which has never suspended 
specie payments ; a double steam sawmill and a grist mill about to 
be attached; a printing press which issues weekly the Iowa Nczvs; 
about thirty stores; two public billiard rooms; two coffee houses; 
an extensive public reading room ; four hotels ; two brick yards, etc. 
The mail arrives tri-weekly at present, but will run daily from 
January i next. Steamboats we do not pretend to count ; they come 
and go constantly. Navigation is now in the finest order. Laborers 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY $9 

receive from $20 to $30 per month and found ; mechanics receive 
from $2.50 to $3 per day ; farmers receive for wheat $2 per bushel, 
corn $1, rye $1.50, oats 75 cents, potatoes 50 cents; beef is worth 
6 to 7, cents a pound; sugar 123/2 cents, cofifee 20 cents." — (Iowa 
A^civs, December 9, 1837, John Plumbe, Jr.) The town actually 
contained about 1,100 inhabitants instead of 2,000. The Lafayette 
Circus Company, of New York, performed here several nights to 
large houses in 1837; a menagerie of wild animals was exhibited 
here, also, in 1837; and a fine collection of paintings. 

In July, 1837, T. Fanning & Co. opened the Jeflferson House at 
Main and O'Connell streets. A weekly mail connecting Dubuque, 
Peru, Durango and Cassville was established in July, 1837. In June, 
1837, a public sale of lots was advertised at Eagle Point by Thomas 
McCraney, Mathias Ham, F. K. O'Ferrall and John Foley. Engle, 
Booth & Co. began the construction of a steam sawmill in May, 
1837. Previous to the summer of 1837 not a foot of land in Iowa 
west of the Mississippi had been sold, though there were about 
14,000 squatters. On June 3, 1837, the Iowa Nczvs succeeded the 
Dubuque Visitor, with Coriell, King and Russell proprietors. Mr. 
Coriell had been connected with the Visitor. Early in 1837, when 
the Wisconsin Territorial Legislature refused to place on record the 
protests of the citizens of Dubuque against the establishment of the 
capital at Madison, the people here protested vigorously. 

In 1837 three fine brick houses were erected; the Catholic cathe- 
dral was completed ; the Presbyterian church of stone was up two 
stories high and ready for the roof. Charles Corkery opened the 
Shakespeare cofifee house, an institution afterward famous for its 
con\ivial meetings, parties, etc. He kept a file of newspapers from 
all parts of the country, to which guests were admitted. He also 
kept liquors to which guests were admitted — "cash up." The stand 
had formerly been occupied by Gehon & Hendry. 

"The Miners' Bank, of Dubuque, has just got into operation 
discounting liberally and paying specie. Can you say as much for 
any of your old and long established institutions?" — (John Plumbe, 
Jr., in Iowa News, November 18, 1837.) 

The Iowa Nezvs was suspended from October 14 to November 15, 
1837, for want of paper. Richard Plumbe succeeded Tliomas 
Grafifort as proprietor of the Washington House. In 1837 O'Ferrall 
& Co. occupied their fine warehouse on the wharf. In August, 1837, 
flour was $12 to $15 a barrel; bacon 10 to 12 cents a pound; corn 
$1.50 per bushel; labor $20 to $25 per month. 

The steamboat arrivals and departures at Galena in 1837 were 
717, according to the Saturday Evening Post, of Philadelphia, of 
January, 1838; the most of these boats touched at Dubuque. About 
the middle of February, 1838, the mercury sank to 25 degrees below 
zero at Dubuque. A railway to connect the Atlantic and the Pacific 
oceans and to connect the Mississippi and Lake Michigan was 



6o HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

seriously considered in 1838. In the spring of 1838 Dubuque had 
three or four church organizations and two stone buildings ; one 
bank — the only one west of the Mississippi ; thirty stores ; three 
hotels ; one theater, one lyceum ; two academies ; one reading-room ; 
one printing ofilice; one steam sawmill; one grist mill building; one 
coffee house ; several billiard halls ; several "elegant brick mansions" ; 
the lead mines were in full operation, new veins, lodes or leads being- 
discovered weekly, though there was no scientific mining here yet. — 
(John Plumbe, Jr., in Iowa Nczi's, February 10, 1838.) On Jan- 
uary 5, 1838, the Iowa Nczcs said it had received no mail for six 
days. The lyceuni was organized December 27, 1837, at the house 
of James Langworthy. The Iowa Nczi<s came within four votes out 
of twenty-four of getting the contract to print the territorial laws 
in 1837-8. 

An investigation, in January, 1838, of the acts of the commis- 
sioners appointed to survey and lay off the town showed gross 
irregularities and unjust charges. They were entitled, it was shown, 
to thirteen days' pay and had drawn pay for three months. Other 
illegal acts were set forth in the records. The commissioners were 
Carver, Cubbage and Coriell. 

In April, 1838, the following men were elected trustees: Alex- 
ander Butterworth, John McKenzie, John Plumbe, Jr., Benjamin 
Rupert and Philip C. Morheiser. Joseph T. Fales became clerk and 
B. F. Davis marshal. An ordinance to prevent steamboats from 
landing freight on the Sabbath was passed in April, 1838. This 
caused objections from a number of citizens, whereupon a public 
meeting to consider the repeal of the law was called. Mr. Hemp- 
stead was employed as attorney of the board "at a fair compen- 
sation." 

In June, 1838, the trustees conferred with the county commis- 
sioners with reference to the selection of a quarter section of land 
for county purposes as per act of Congress. The president of the 
board was authorized to confer with the commissioner of the Gen- 
eral Land Office with tlie "view of securing to Dubuque the benefits 
contemplated by the law of Congress authorizing the laying ofif 
said town." 

In August, 1838, William H. Turner stated in reference to his 
testimony concerning the United States commissioners to lay off 
Dubuque that the "answers are not recorded as they ought to have 
been and are extremely incorrect. iMr. Corkery, clerk, stated that 
the answers as reported were substantially as Mr. Turner had made 
them. 

In February, 1838, the citizens held a public meeting to devise 
ways and means to improve the mail service. A committee was 
appointed to petition Congress to afford additional mail facilities, 
as follows: i. A tri-weekly, four-horse, post coach route from 
Dubuque to Milwaukee ; 2. a weekly horse route to the center of 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 6i 

Delaware county ; 3. a weekly horse mail from Dubuque to the 
Cedar River settlement; 4. an improvement of the mails between 
Dubuque and Chicago and between Dubuque and St. Louis. Judge 
Lockwood, J. T. Fales and John Plumbe, Jr., served as such com- 
mittee. Early in 1838 the Iowa Thespian Association gave regular 
theatrical performances here in the Shakespeare House; the "Glory 
of Columbus," by William Dunlap, was rendered by the young men 
of Dubuque to overflowing houses and the performance was re- 
peated several times. Thomas C. Fassett, A. J. Anderson and 
George L. Nightingale were the committee on arrangements for the 
Thespians. In March. 1838, the citizens assembled at the Methodist 
church and organized a temperance society with Judge Lockwood 
president and John Plumbe, Jr., secretary, and decided on a basis of 
total abstinence. St. Patrick's day was duly celebrated at the Jef- 
ferson hotel. In 1838 Dubuque was made the office of this land 
district. Thomas McKnight was recei\er and Joseph Worthington 
register. In June. 1838, the town board called for a loan of $3,000. 
The sale of lands in this district was advertised to commence 
November 3, 1838. 

The commissioners appointed to lay out the town (William W. 
Coriell, George Cubbage and M. M. McCarver) gave notice in 1838 
that they would sit in June to determine claims to pre-emption to 
town lots. These commissioners were later charged with gross 
irregularities if not downright dishonesty. They demanded an 
investigation and a committee of citizens found them blameless. 

"Changes in Dubuque. — We heard a gentleman remark the other 
day that he had resided in Dubuque about five years, during which 
time he had lived, first, under no government at all, then under 
Michigan, next under Wisconsin, and now under Iowa." — (Iowa 
Nnvs, July 14, 1838.) 

In June, 1838, large flocks of wild pigeons alighted on the build- 
ings of Dubuque. On June 18, 1838, John King sold his interests 
in the Nczvs to Coriell and Russell. Richard Plumbe kept the 
Washington House in 1838. Iliere was much complaint in 1838 
over the fact that the butchers left offal and bones lying in the 
streets. The land office officials gave notice for claimants to come 
forward September 15, 1838, and prove their rights under the pre- 
emption laws. Land sales during the first four days amounted to 
$30,000. Late in 1838 hunting parties from Dubuque killed buf- 
faloes and elks on the headwaters of the Turkey and Maquoketa 
rivers. 

The commissioners appointed to settle pre-emption claims having 
failed to act. a mass meeting of the citizens was held at the court 
house April 30, 1838, to consider the situation. It was "resolved, 
that a committee be appointed to prepare a memorial to the commis- 
sioner of the General Land Office setting forth the grounds for 
which the citizens of Dubuque desire the repeal of that part of the 



62 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

amendatory law which empowers one set of commissioners to 
execute the provisions of the act of July, 1836, at the several towns 
therein mentioned and asking the appointment of a separate commis- 
sion for Du Buque in order that every person entitled to a certificate 
of pre-emption may receive the same without delay ; that this meet- 
ing view with much regret the arbitrary dismissal by one commis- 
sioner of Mr. Vliet, whose survey of the town of Du Buque under 
the instructions of the surveyor general had given general satisfac- 
tion to her citizens." Stephen Hempstead, J. Fanning and M. H. 
Prentice were appointed such committee. 

"Canal. — We are glad to see that two or three public spirited 
individuals have commenced this work upon their own responsi- 
bility. The great advantages to be derived from this connection of 
the river with the bay are too apparent to all to require from us a 
word in commendation of this laudable undertaking." — (Iowa 
News, October 29, 1838.) 

Late in 1838 W. W. Coriell sold his interest in the Nezus to John 
B. Russell, and Edwin Reeves joined the latter in conducting the 
paper. November 3, 4 and 5 Dubuque was crowded with settlers 
living to the westward, who came here to buy the homes they had 
pre-empted. 

In 1838 there were but ten persons or firms whose tax exceeded 
$10 each and their tax exceeded one- fourth of the whole tax of the 
year. In 1838 the aggregate tax levied was $534.37; in 1839, 
$740.62; in 1856, $90,000; in 1857, upwards of $102,000. — 
(Times, September 9, 1857.) 

For the year 1838 the total receipts of the town of Dubuque were 
$64 and total expenses $211.54^; balance against the town. 
$147.5434- The receipts were mostly fines and licenses. The 
largest item of expense was $150 for salaries. 

In 1838 among the business men were the following: Hempstead 
& Lorimier, grain and merchandise ; Paschal Mallet sold his grocery 
to M. Frichette ; G. B. Morrison, flour and whisky ; C. Kaltenbach, 
jewelry; G. A. Shannon & Co., general store; Mattox & Markle, 
general store ; Quigley & Butterworth, grocers ; Scott & Taylor, 
merchandise ; Joseph McClay, flour, etc. ; Adam J. Anderson, wheel- 
wriglit, plough-maker and sleigh-maker ; O'Ferrall & Harbeson, 
general store; Emerson & Crider, grocers; E. Lockwood, general 
store ; Nicholas Carroll sold lime ; Gehon & Hendry, general store ; 
Timothy Mason, drugs; L. Longuemare & Bro., grocers. 

The Dubuque Lyceum was in operation early in 1838, with T. R. 
Lurton, president, and John Plumbe, Jr., secretary. In February, 
1838, a select committee of the territorial legislature investigated 
the Miners' Bank. Ezekiel Lockwood was president of the bank 
and Tliomas Martin cashier. The following statement was issued 
at this time: 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 63 

ASSETS. 

Certificates for specie deposited in Detroit $ 40.000.00 

Bills discounted 40,809.05 

Due bills of exchange 1,450.00 

Due from individuals 2,060.00 

Contingent expenses 1,010.26 

Suspense account 4.463-98 

Real estate 950.00 

Foreign bank notes 20,155.00 

Items counted as cash 7'375-75 

Specie on hand 1,318.02 

Total $119,592.06 

LIABILITIES. 

Capital stock paid in $100,000.00 

Discount received 864.01 

Profit and loss 1,113.00 

Twelve months' notes in circulation 12,680.00 

Notes on demand in circulation 1,350.00 

Individual deposits 3.585.05 

Total $1 19,592.06 

There had been a sharp crusade against the bank by Edward 
Langworthy and others. John Dillon, cashier, swore that the bank 
had on hand, November 21, 1837, $4i.i47 i" specie; it had not yet 
suspended early in 1838. In 1837 it issued post notes. On 
December 5, 1838, the bank was found by the legislative committee 
to be solvent and comparatively sound. Its circulation was $10,990; 
post notes still out, $5,035 ; individual deposits, $3,647.39; gold and 
silver on hand, $3,033; notes of other banks, $18,874; bills dis- 
counted. $71,597.72; real estate, $4,206.11 ; capital stock, $100,000. 
The legislative committee was Warner Lewis, Hardin Nowlin and 
James Hall. At this time the bank advertised to redeem its post 
notes upon demand without regard to maturity. 

The theatrical company of Mackenzie and Jefferson rendered 
several plays early in 1839 at the Shakespeare House, among them 
being "Honeymoon" and "How to Rule a Wife." Among the 
actors were Leicester, Germon, Warren, Sankey, Jefferson, Burke, 
Wright and Stafford and Mesdames Ingersoll, Jefferson, Germon 
and Mackenzie. Gennon sang "Lass o'Gowrie" and Burke danced 
the "Sailors' Hornpipe." The company rendered a farce called 
"The Waterman." Tickets, $1; children, 50 cents; performance 
commenced at 6:30 p. m. and concluded at 10 p. m. 

On January 2S. 1839, it commenced to snow and continued for 



64 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

two days, covering the ground to the depth of twelve to fourteen 
inches. This was the heaviest fall since the winter of 1830-1. It 
had been gloomy here before, but now all became merry. Parties, 
dances, sleigh rides and merriment took absorbing possession of all. 
"Sleigh bells are ringing; youngsters, old maids and even old 
bachelors are smiling; beaux are courting, all are dancing, and 
de'il take the one that has not felt the comforts of the times," said 
the Iowa Nezvs of February 2, 1839. 

"The board of trustees of this place has held several meetings 
within the last ten days in order to set matters to rights prior to 
their retirement from the arduous duties of their ofifice. This is 
right. If they have neglected for near a year to hold a meeting, 
letting the business for which they were elected go undone, they 
should before their term of office expires collect taxes sufficient to 
pay their salaried clerk at least. There has been but a small per 
cent upon the amount of taxes assessed as yet collected, leaving an 
amount due sufficient to put our streets in good order and repair 
the damage done to them in several parts of the town. This neglect 
comes hard upon many of our well-disposed citizens who have paid 
their taxes. Now when they utter a complaint against the board 
for its neglect of duty, they are answered that the taxes are not 
collected — the people won't pay." — (Iowa Ncics, March 16, 1839.) 

The fact was that the citizens generally demurred to the payment 
of land and other property tax owing to the unsettled condition of 
their pre-emption rights and to the claims to all this soil by the heirs 
of Julien Dubuque. 

"The theatrical company of Messrs. Mackenzie and Jefferson has 
been performing in this place for the last ten days to respectable 
houses, giving general satisfaction." Othello, Charles II., Rob Roy 
McGregor. Richard III. were rendered to good houses. Leicester 
was the leading tragedian; Germon made a good villain, and Jef- 
ferson could always bring roars of laughter. They left after eleven 
days' performance. 

The Iowa Ncn'S was chosen by the legislature to print the session 
laws of 1838-9 and was required to give bond for $5,000. In 
preparing this bond the editor of the A^ctvs came in conflict with 
W. B. Conway, secretary of the territory, whose arbitrary and 
dominating practices caused much vexation and anger. A citizen 
of Dubuque received a perpetual ferry privilege, investing him with 
the exclusive right at Dubuque. As trade improved he failed to 
improve on his rickety old house boat. This roused the ire of the 
citizens and he was deprived of his privileges by the United States 
District Court. Miss C. Morheiser opened an establishment for the 
ladies in April, 1839 — millinery and mantua making. In December, 
1839, the Dubuque Lyceum met in the basement of the Presbyterian 
church ; A. Levi was secretary. 

In April, 1839. the following trustees were elected: Samuel D. 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 6$ 

Dixon, Edward Langworth}', Patrick Ouigley, Lorin Wheeler and 
Thomas C. Fassett. Benjamin Rupert became clerk and George A. 
Shannon treasurer. In April, 1839, the board took action "to con- 
sider the practicability of the citizens of Dubuque to commence a 
system of improvements the coming summer," and a committee was 
appointed to report on the best course to pursue. A resolution 
offered by Mr. Langworthy in April provided for the appointment 
of a permanent committee on finance one of whose duties was to 
learn at once if citizens who performed work for the town would be 
willing to receive as pay corporation certificates bearing interest at 
8 per cent. At this time further inquiries were made by the board 
concerning the validity of titles in the town. Five hundred blank 
town orders were ordered printed May 15, 1839. Mr. Childs was 
paid $50 for a large copy of the original plat of the town. It was 
found best at this time to appoint a committee on claims. In June 
the basis for street grades was established at several points on the 
wharf. Estimates for grading and macadamizing certain streets 
were considered. In June, 1839, the board ordered the purchase of 
an engine then in the town, but the records do not show what the 
object of this action was. At this time the ferries stopped at 
AlcGeary's Landing. An embankment was ordered built from the 
lower landing to where Main street intersected Front street ; it was 
let out in several contracts by the yard and was paid for in town 
orders bearing 7 per cent interest. The base of the embankment 
was ordered made twenty-one feet wide and the top fifteen feet 
wide. 

In September, 1839, the trustees met in a back room of the 
building occupied by Nightingale & Dougherty. The center of the 
embankment being built at Front street was ordered located forty 
feet east of the west line of Main street. The contractors of the 
embankment were James Currin, John McMahon, John Blake, 
Hugli Tranor (Treanor) and John Ciiapman; they were each 
required to give bond for $100 and obligate themselves to complete 
the work by November i, 1839. Several of the contractors backed 
out and were released and others were appointed. Contractors were 
paid forty-four cents per square yard. F. Guerin was one of the 
contractors. They were permitted to take dirt out of Third and 
other nearby streets. In October, 1839, an embankment was 
ordered as follows : From First street, on the east side of Main 
street, until it should intersect the embankment leading to the lower 
landing. A committee was appointed to memorialize the legislature 
to the effect that the ferry privileges here were the property of the 
corporation of Dubuque. In order to continue Eighth street west- 
ward the board bought a portion of the garden of Mr. Lorimier late 
in 1839. In November, 1839, the board borrowed $100 of the 
Miners' Bank of Dubuque. After November 11, 1839, the trustees 



66 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

met at the office of Dr. Timothy Mason, who had become a member 
of the board. 

On December i6, 1839, the proposed city charter was referred to 
a committee. It was duly considered by the board ten days later, 
amended and a copy forwarded to Edward Langworthy, member of 
the legislature. On February 10, 1840, an election on the city 
charter was ordered held at the court house on the first Monday in 
March, 1840. A. Butterworth, J. F. Fales and Leroy Jackson were 
appointed judges of election. On March 18, 1840, the board 
decided to memorialize Congress concerning the disposal of the 
proceeds of the sale of town lots. Timothy Mason prepared the 
memorial. 

On April i, 1840, B. F. Davis was allowed a bill as per ordinance 
"informing on O'Mara, Hedges. Downs and LaPage for violation 
of the Sabbath." The vote on the city charter was polled in a house 
at the corner of Main and Third streets. E. M. Bissell, for with- 
holding the "profiles" from the board, was ordered sued in trover 
in April, 1840. 

The trustees in April, 1840, were Ouigley, Dixon, Mason, 
Wheeler, Farley and Miller. Benjamin Rupert became clerk. The 
board met in the store of Mr. Hawkins on Main street. Persons 
who were using the graveyard as a pasture were ordered to desist. 

The Iowa News of February i, 1840, contained the following 
editorial : "Du Buque. — Never to our knowledge has our city been 
so well supplied with all the necessaries of life at this season of the 
year as at the present time. Flour which in the winter time was 
alwa3^s held at the prodigious and extortionate price of $18 and 
even $20 a barrel can now be had readily at $7, $8 and $9 per barrel, 
and all other articles in the same proportion. It is true, money is 
scarce, but the great difference in the price of provisions is not 
owing to that circumstance. The soil is beginning to be extensively 
cultivated. In addition our citizens are occasionalh' treated with 
luxuries which our eastern brethren do not enjoy. Prairie chickens 
by the sled load are frequently peddled out through the streets at a 
bit apiece and venison is in abundance. The time is near at hand 
when we will no longer have to depend upon the lower country for 
our supplies of provisions. Indeed, that sort of speculation may be 
considered at an end already." Jordan's Ferry was opposite 
Dubuque. There stood a tavern, grocery, stable and there ferry 
privileges could be had. In 1840 there were a first class new horse 
boat, a flat, and skiffs. This property was offered for rent in 
February, 1840, by George W. Jones. 

"Upon a level we suppose the snow to be about ten inches deep, 
which, together with the others before it, makes a greater fall this 
winter than any one since the settlement of the country." — (Iowa 
Nczi's. February 15, 1840.) 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 67 

"NOTICE. — Ran away from the subscriber on tlie 22nd inst. a 
servant girl about eleven years of age; had on a small figured blue 
calico dress, sliort black hair and black eyes. I hereby caution all 
persons against harboring or trusting her, under penalty of the law, 
as I will enforce it against anyone to the uttermost extent. 

"Du Buque, Jan. 25, 1840. Charles Swift." 

Dubuque was incorporated as a city at the legislative session of 
1839-40, with the following boundary : "Beginning at a point in the 
middle of the main channel of the river Mississippi, east and parallel 
with the south line of the town of Dubuque, as surveyed and laid ofif 
by the commissioners appointed under an act of Congress to lay off 
the towns of Fort Madison, Burlington, Du Buque, etc., and running 
westwardly with the said line to a stone which marks tlie southwest 
corner of said town ; thence northwardly to a stone which marks the 
northwest corner of said town; thence with the line of said town to 
the slough ; thence east northeast to the middle of the main channel 
of the Mississippi river ; thence with said channel to the place of 
beginning." An election of one mayor and six aldermen was 
ordered held on the first Monday of April, 1840; they were to 
hold their offices for one year. 

"The mails are getting far behind. For the last ten days we have 
had but one eastern mail. ... A southern breeze for a few 
days past, togetlier with a moderate rain, has poured such a quantity 
of water on the ice as to threaten a breaking up soon. Mr. Karrick, 
mail contractor, informs us that in crossing the river last evening 
one of his horses broke through the ice and would have gone under 
but for the firm footing and strong exertions of the other. There is 
no safety in the ice at the present time." — (Iowa Nczi's, February 
22, 1840.) 

"When Dubuque first became a corporate town, very little interest 
was manifested about it — the meeting was not attended by many 
citizens and very few of the large property holders and influential 
citizens attended. The first board of trustees was composed of men 
every way wortiiy of their station. The Hon. Judge Wilson was 
president of the board and I am happy to say they discharged their 
duties with fidelity, but the people generally evinced an apathy in 
their acts — they stood aloof and when they happened to enforce the 
laws they were not backed and supported by their fellow citizens." 
— (Civis, in Iowa Neivs. February 22, 1840.) 

The News was suspended from March 7, 1840, to May 5, same 
year, and was then revived by W. W. Coriell and Edwin Reeves ; 
the former was owner and the latter associate editor. The Dubuque 
Sawmill Company was dissolved in May, 1840, the members being 
Caleb H. Booth, Francis K. O'Ferrall, Charles E. Harbeson and 
Peter Hill Engle. At the monthly meeting of tlie Catholic Tem- 
perance Society in March, 1840, over three hundred persons were 



68 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

present, including many ladies ; nineteen persons took the pledge. 
Among the speakers were Ouigley, Benton, Davis, Bradford, Good- 
rich and Collins, nearly all of whom were lawyers. The Protestants 
also had a large temperance society. It was thought at this date 
that soon one-third of all Dubucjue would have signed the pledge. 
There were weekly lectures during February and March, 1840, at 
the Lyceum; Mr. Collins lectured there on "Education" to three 
hundred persons. The office of town marshal was created May 5, 
1840. 

NOTICE. 

To Pre-emption Claimants to Ton'n Lots in the Toum of Dubnqiic, 
Iowa Territory: 

You are hereby notified that all lots in the above town not entered 
by pre-emption before the 20th day of June next will be then 
advertised to be sold at public auction to the highest bidder in 
accordance with the act of Congress of the 3d of March, 1837, at 
this office. 

B. Rush Petrikin, Register. 
Thomas McKnight, Receiver. 

Many settlers gathered here to attend the land sales advertised for 
May 18, 1840. About one hundred encamped on an island in the 
river in front of the town. The hotels and boarding houses were 
filled. No speculators were here — they dared not appear. The 
buyers who came had the cash for their lands. Here was seen the 
pioneer in all his might and all his glory. At this sale lands in 
Taylor, Iowa, New Wine and Cascade in Dubuque county were 
ofifered. 

In May, 1840, several new buildings were in progress; lumber 
was abundant and cheap; there were many new mining prospects; 
the smelters were busy and credit was getting better. There was a 
duty of 3 cents a pound on pig lead; T,y2 cents on leaden shot and 
balls; 4 cents on red or white lead, dry or ground in oil, and 2 cents 
on lead ore or mineral. The streets of the town w-ere infested with 
hogs and there was much complaint. 

"As the season for fleas is approaching we beg leave to direct the 
attention of the corporation to the droves of hogs which infest our 
streets." — (Iowa Nezvs, June 16, 1840.) 

"The taxes assessed by order of the board of trustees upon 
houses and lots in the town of Du Buque, to which the government 
title has not yet been extinguished, being illegal, our citizens are not 
willing to pay, without better evidence is furnished them, that the 
money heretofore collected lias been expended in a way to benefit 
the town. It is time enough to pay our taxes when we have our 
evidences of title in our pockets." — (Iowa A^eivs, June 16, 1840.) 

On June 20, 1840. private entries of town lots by pre-emption 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 69 

were permitted. In June $70,000 was received at the land office in 
one week. The steam sawmill of Booth & Martin, in June, 1840, 
was busy cutting from 2,000 to 3,000 feet of pine lumber per day. 
Their logs came from the Chippewa and Black rivers. Business 
here was dull in June, 1840. 

A large raft of sawed pine lumber arrived here from Plo\fer 
portage on June 16 and fifteen more from the same place were on 
their way down. "If the water in the Chippewa and Wisconsin 
rivers should continue high a little while longer, the towns on the 
upper Mississippi will be literally deluged with pine lumber." — 
(Iowa Ncivs, June 23, 1840.) 

John King was postmaster in 1840. The Iowa Nnvs was sus- 
pended from June 14, 1840. to May 29, 1841. The Fourth of July, 
1840, was celebrated on an immense scale. In September, 1840, 
there were many lots in Dubuque to which no certificates of pre- 
emption under the act of March 3, 1838, had been issued; also lots 
the certificates of pre-emption to which were granted and issued 
illegally and the claims to which had been rejected ; also a few 
forfeited lots. 

On June 29, 1840, the marshal reported that he had completed 
the fence around the graveyard. Provision for the safe keeping of 
gun powder was made. On July 1 1, 1840, it was "ordered that the 
note held by William E. Trask for the fire engine, amounting to 
$400, be renewed by another payable October 18, 1840, for $410.66, 
at 8 per cent interest. Work on the south end of Main street was in 
progress in August, 1840. Proposals for building a town powder 
magazine were ordered received. 

The act of Congress of March 3, 1837, gave to the inhabitants 
of Dubuque the net proceeds of the sale of 640 acres of land on 
which the town was located, to enable them to construct streets, 
wharves, etc. By September, 1840, there were left about sixtv lots 
upon which no pre-emption claim had yet been made. In view of 
these facts the trustees determined "to see that all lots left as public 
lots should be sold at a fair public sale open to all bidders." In 
September, 1840, a committee was appointed "to petition the Secre- 
tary of War for the survey of the port and harbor of the town of 
Dubuque. In November, 1840 there was pending a case entitled 
United States vs. President and Trustees of the Town of Dubuque. 
As a measure to prevent fires an examination of all stove pipes and 
chimneys in town was made in Deceinber, 1840. Hay scales were 
ordered bought in January, 1841. 

"Lately visiting Dubuque we found it progressing finely in build- 
ings, mining and dry goods business: but the retail grocers (wet) 
wore long faces. A complete temperance reformation has been 
effected by the zeal of the Catholic clergy among its much abused 
Irish citizens in whose hands the glass has given place to implements 
of industry. Nor is the reformation confined to them alone — it has 



70 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

spread throughout the community, embracing every class and eveiy 
denomination. Almost every Irish Catholic has signed the pledge 
of total abstinence. In politics she is slumbering — not a movement 
save secret caucuses which are held weekly by the leaders of the 
party. This is no time for Democrats to be idle ; wake up to duty, 
Democrats." — (Bloomington //(?roW, April i6, 1841.) 

"We are happy to perceive a spirit of energy in the movements 
of our new corporation which will before long remedy the evils 
under which our citizens \\z\t so long suffered. The work of 
straightening Eighth street and repairing the road through Lorimier 
Hollow, over v/hich a considerable portion of the business of the 
town with the countr\' in its rear is done, will not only be of great 
benefit to our trade, but will stop the rush of water which for the 
past two years has been ruining the property at the south end of 
Locust street. It is also in contemplation to commence the excava- 
tion of the long-desired canal between the outer and inner sloughs 
as soon as the fall of water will permit. After this improvement is 
completed a current will be thrown into the inner slough which will 
render its waters sweet and healthy and enable steamboats to 
approach the wharves in ordinary stages of water. We have too 
long remained in a state of apathy in regard to the disadvantages 
suffered on account of the obstructions to our harbor and the conse- 
quent injury to the health and business of this place. No town on 
the upper Mississippi has so many natural resources as Dubuque. 
It is only necessary to apply the enterprise of an industrious and 
vigorous population to insure a rapid advance to prosperity. A fter 
this canal is commenced all our citizens who feel interested it its 
speedy completion will have an opportunity of affording uch 
assistance to the corporation as they may deem expedient eith'-r in 
teams or labor." — (Iowa Ncn's, May 29, 1841.) 

In 1 84 1 the citizens petitioned Congress for a survey of Dubuque 
harbor with a view of improving navigation. In the spriae; of 1841 
a bill for the final settlement of the Dubuque claim was introduced 
in the United States Senate. 

In March, 1841, the ladies of the Dubuque Benevolent Associa- 
tion gave a public dinner and were patronized by almost ''verybody. 
The voluntary speakers were Patrick Quigley, Charles Corkery, 
G. C. Collins, Timothy Davis and Rev. J. Cretin. In tbi* spring of 
1841 bills of the Miners' Bank to the amount of about $1 e,ooo were 
deposited and as usual a certificate of deposit for specie was issued, 
but when the specie was demanded two days later it was announced 
that the bank had suspended. 

The first number of the Miners' Express was issued a' .out August 
I, 1 84 1, by Thomas and Keesecker. Avery Thomas, rf Dubuque, 
went to Cincinnati by boat and purchased the materials. The citi- 
zens previously had urged the need of such a sheet here. No doubt 
proper encouragement and perhaps pecuniary assistai.ce were ex- 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY n 

tended. D. S. Wilson related that when it came to naming the paper 
many titles were proposed; finally the Miners' Express was unani- 
mously chosen. During its existence it was often called "The Thun- 
derer," like the London Times, because it swayed at will the old 
democracy of this portion of the West. 

On March i, 1841, the citizens of the town voted on the question 
of a charter and city government — fifty-eight votes for the charter 
and thirty-eight votes against it. This vote was an acceptance of 
the charter and an election of mayor and six aldermen was ordered 
held April 5, 1841. H. W. Sanford. Augustus Coriell and Dr. 
Timothy Mason were appointed judges of that election. 

The first city officers elected were C. H. Booth, mayor, and J. P. 
Farley, Charles Miller, E. Langworthy, W. W. Coriell, H. Simplot 
and T. Fanning, aldermen. Mr. Coriell was chosen president of 
the board. On May 3, 1841, Benjamin Rupert was elected city 
clerk ; B. F. Davis, marshal and collector ; E. C. Dougherty, assessor 
and street commissioner ; W^illiam Lawther, treasurer, and Charles 
Miller, weigh-master. At this time there was considerable money in 
the land office here due the city from the sale of city lands ; it was 
decided to ask the Secretary of the Treasury to order this sum paid 
to the city of Dubuque. 

On May 26, 1841, it was determined by the board to begin at 
once the improvement of the harbor under the supervision of the 
street commissioner, who was directed to open a canal to connect 
the outer and inner sloughs at the best practical points. He was 
directed "to deepen the channel which now connects the slough at 
the lower landing with the inner slough and levee the same on the 
side next the town so as to make as good a steamboat landing as 
may be practicable." Mr. Farley voted against this ordinance. 

The board opened Eighth street and appointed a jury to assess 
the damage thereby to the property of Peter A. Lorimier ; they 
found the damage to be $70. On May 31, 1841, the board ordered 
issued in the denominations of $1, $2, $3 and $5 blank orders to the 
amount of $2,000. Proposals for work on the canal were called foi 
in June, 1841 ; this work was paid for in city scrip. Another $1,000 
was appropriated for canal work on June 21, 1841. Steps to deepen 
the mouth of the inner slough at the lower landing were taken in 
August, 1841. Another $1,000 for canal work was appropriated 
late in August, 1841. Previous to September 6, 1841, there had 
been appropriated for the opening of this canal a total of $3,500; 
the canal to connect the outer and inner sloughs. The board on 
September 6, 1841, pledged the fund due the city from the land 
office from the sale of public lots for the payment of the above 
appropriation. The board investigated the accounts of the land 
office so far as the sale of city lots was concerned. A great many 
grocery (wet) licenses were issued about this time; the license was 
$100. 



7-2 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Gen. James Wilson was appointed surveyor general for Iowa 
and Wisconsin in the fall of 1 841. It was stated at the time though 
denied that he bought the printing plant of the Iowa Nezas with the 
intention of establishing here a Whig newspaper. 

The Dubuque Insurance Company was organized in February, 
1842, by Edward Langworthy, William Lawther, J. P. Farley, 
Charles D. Townsend, Timothy Davis, Patrick Ouigley, Robert 
Waller and Henry Simplot. A mechanics' institute was incorpo- 
rated a little while before this date. D. S. Wilson and A. Keesecker 
were editors of the Miners' Express. The winter of 1842-3 was 
unparalleled for its long continuance and exceptional severity. It 
began about the middle of November with snow after snow and 
severe cold. Aside from a dozen fair days late in January, it was 
snowing nearly all the time. Nine days in February, 1843, the 
mercury was below zero and of the first twenty-three days in March 
eleven were below zero. The river did not open until late in April 
and the ice was more than thirty inches thick. In 1842 the Miners' 
Bank, after suspension, changed owners and afterward was con- 
trolled by the Gas Light Company of St. Louis, under which it 
resumed for a short time, but then suspended again. A bill was 
introduced in the legislature to repeal its charter, but this step 
roused the citizens of Dubuque who agreed to raise $50,000 in 
specie to strengthen the bank, providing the charter was not re- 
pealed ; whereupon the bill was defeated in the council though it 
passed the House. It was still the only bank in Iowa territory, and 
though the Democrats opposed it the Whigs fought hard to retain it. 

"The Miners' Bank of Dubuque a few weeks ago was selected b\ 
the brokers of St. Lonis as their next victim. They refused its 
notes, decried them, and soon they were finding their way to the 
shaving shop at a discount. Two somebodys were sent up to 
Dubuque to examine its afifairs, who returned and reported that she 
would resume specie pajanents on the first of July next. This stor_y 
told, the brokers could pass her notes at par, which they had taken 
in at a great discount." — (Bloominglon Herald, July 17, 1842.) 

"The Miners' Bank of Dubuque has, we are informed, gone to the 

, where we wish all banks could be sent. Give us the barrel 

and Vv^e know when we put our hands upon it that it is there and no 
mistake." — (Bloomington Herald. July 22, 1842.) 

In April, 1842, Samuel D. Dixon was elected mayor and John 
Thompson, J. P. Farley, James Fanning", Joseph Ogilby, A. Cline 
and Joseph T. Fales, aldermen. The council elected the other city 
officers. The water which came down Lorimier Hollow (Eighth 
street) in early flood times caused severe losses and was very 
troublesome. Much time was spent in examining the extravagant 
charges of the commissioners appointed originally to lay off Du- 
buque. A ditch carried the water down Eighth street to the slough 
and had to be bridged at several places. The fire engine was ordered 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 73 

transferred to a company of firemen formed about this time. The 
trustees of the Methodist Episcopal church agreed to sell the old 
meeting house to the city council for $100. John D. Bush and 
William B. Sinith, who laid claim to lots on the public square, 
refused to vacate until they were paid $100 per lot each. 

The old fire engine on May 2, 1842, was turned over to the 
following enrolled fire coinpany : John R. Harvey, Warren Emer- 
son, D. McGouldrich, James M. Emerson, William H. Robbins, 
James V. Campton, David S. Wilson, A. Keesecker, Rufus Miller. 
Charles Miller, Samuel Dodge, R. C. Anderson, William Rebman, 
Jacob Evans, B. F. Davis, J. E. Whitcher, George W. Starr, 
William Young, James H. Warren, William Newman, C. Pelon, 
Timothy Smith and William W. Anderson. 

On May 9, 1842, the council prepared a memorial to Congress 
asking that body to donate to the city authorities the islands in 
the Mississippi river opposite the city; the memorial was forwarded 
to Hon A. C. Dodge, delegate in Congress. 

"Orders have been received at the land ofiice to suspend business 
until the new register shall arrive and be duly qualified. The conse- 
quence of this will be detrimental to hundreds of settlers who have 
not yet proved up their pre-emptions under the act of 1840 and the 
time will expire in a month from this." — (Miners' Express, Mav 19, 
1842.) 

The erection of a market house was first broached June 20, 1842. 
and again considered July 11. The city procured considerable lum- 
ber at Hale's mill. On July 12 Cline, Fales, Fanning and Ogilby 
voted in favor of a market house and Farley against it. A com- 
mittee of three prepared plans and specifications for the building. 
The council, in October, 1842, inquired into the expediency of erect- 
ing bridges across the sloughs, so that access to the main channel of 
the river could be secured. In December, 1842, the receiver of the 
land office here issued a statement as to the amount of money due 
the city, the number of lots yet to be sold, etc. In December the fire 
company petitioned for ladders and hooks which were made for 
them by Joseph Ogilby upon order of the council. 

In 1842 the Washingtonians and other temperance organizations 
liad strong followings in Dubuque. In 1843-4 Congress appro- 
priated $14,500 for the Dubuque harbor. In the fall of 1843 the 
trade of Dubuque was much larger than ever before; grain and pork 
in enormous quantities came here in wagons from a hundred miles 
to the westward. Every business here felt the stimulus. In No- 
vember, 1843, Prof. M. De Bonneville who had taught French at 
Harvard University lectured here on animal magnetism. It was 
said he could stop a woman's tongue by merely shaking his finger at 
her. He organized a private class and it was declared hmnorously 
that all who had scolding wives became members. It was claimed 
that he performed several remarkable cures — deafness, lameness, 
etc. The first number of the Iowa Transcript was issued latp in 



74 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

May, 1843, by H. H. Houghton, of the Galena Ga::cttc. It claimed 
to be Democratic, but favored Clay for President. The Express 
favored Van Buren. Owing to ill health Mr. Houghton was forced 
to suspend the paper temporarily about August i, 1843. The 
Miners' Express said February 17, 1843, that mercury a few days 
before stood in Dubuque at 40 degrees below zero. — (Bloomington 
Herald, February 24, 1843.) 

'"We had a tremendous hail storm here on Tuesday evening last. 
It broke upwards of twenty panes of glass in the house in which our 
office is situated. Six of the hailstones weighed a pound." — 
(Miners' Express, May, 1843.) 

The famous "Bill Johnson" who had played the part of a villain 
in Maine and along the Canadian border came west to Buchanan 
county, Iowa, in 1843 and began similar tactics. He had spread 
consternation along the entire Canadian border. It was alleged that 
the man of that name in the West was not the same person as the 
Maine buccaneer. The one in the West was finally lynched by a 
party of regulators, but his lynchers were sent to the penitentiary by 
the United States District Court sitting at Dubuque. The western 
"Bill Johnson" had a lovely daughter who attended the trial and 
riveted all eyes by her unusual feminine charms. Mr. Keesecker, of 
the Miners' Express, wrote of her in extravagant terms — "heavenly 
charms, deep blue eyes, matchless grace, piercing glances, queen-like 
dignity, soul-subduing countenance," etc., and was laughed at by 
the whole press of the West. He resented this interference and 
came near having a duel with John B. Russell, the editor of the 
Bloomington Herald. Apparently the only obstacle to the encounter 
was their disagreement as to the place of meeting. The blood 
curdling articles of the editors make good reading. 

The election of city officers in April, 1843, ^^'i* l^^ld '^^ ^■ 
Rupert's office ; Dr. T. Mason and Gen. F. Gehon were judges of the 
election. Wilson and Keesecker of the Milters' Express did the city 
printing for several years about this period. David & Crawford, 
attorneys, represented the city in the case of City of Dubuque vs. 
United States Commissioners. At the April election, 1843, James 
Fanning was chosen mayor, and Timothy Fanning, David Sleator, 
P. C. Morhiser, John H. Thedinga, F. K. O'Ferrall and Joseph 
Ogilby, aldermen. There were bridges at Bluff, Locust, Iowa, 
Clay and other streets, for which lumber was obtained from Hale's 
mill. W. B. Smith was city clerk. An ordinance prohibiting the 
opening of saloons and stores on Sunda}' was lost in June, 1843 ■ 
ayes — Fanning and Ogilby ; nays — Thedinga, Morhiser and Sleator. 
New bridges were built on Bluff, Main, Iowa, Clay, Locust and 
White streets and Lorimier Hollow. In June, 1843, citizens peti- 
tioned for the erection of a market house. The city had great 
trouble to get its dues from the land office. It was necessary to 
dig drains from Bluff street to the slough across Locust, Main, 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 75 

Iowa, Clay and White streets on Eighth, Seventh and others. Lum- 
ber from Sage's mill was used on city bridges. A suitable place for 
the fire engine \\as obtained in January, 1844. At this time the 
council resolved itself into a board of health for the suppression of 
smallpox. 

By May, 1844, the notes of the resuscitated Miners' bank were 
at par with specie. About April i, 1844, H. H. Houghton sold the 
Transcript to Royal Cooper. The paper expired in September, 1845, 
at which date the materials were removed to Rock Island. 

In April, 1844, F". K. O'Ferrall was elected mayor, and Fanning, 
Thedinga, Blake, Rogers, Dwelle, Shields, aldermen. Grocery (wet) 
license was fixed at $100. The town lots remaining unsold in 
Dubuque were listed in 1844. A general examination of the public 
improvements going on here was ordered in April, 1844. Culverts 
on all the cross streets had to be built. Again on May 9, 1844, 
the council asked the receiver at the land oftice wh}- the money due 
the city was not paid over. Eleventh street to the canal was opened 
in the spring of 1844. The ordinance closing groceries (wet) and 
stores on Sundays went into effect in May, 1844. Several mines 
were discovered in the forties on city property, which were leased 
for mining purposes. J. P. Farley was authorized to build a pow- 
der magazine, and all persons who sold powder were required to 
deposit the same therein. The council met in a room owned by 
R. Cox in 1844-45. I" November, 1844, Farley & Bonson pre- 
sented a bill of $206.85 fo'' building a powder magazine. E. Lang- 
worthy was asked to appear before the council in November, 1844, 
to report the amount of mineral due the city from the Third street 
mines. The city's share of this mineral was one-fourth and was 
worth $83.30 in specie. Immense sums in the aggregate were spent 
on street impro\'ements. The survey of the harbor in detail was 
duly considered in December, 1844. Captain Barney, in charge of 
the government surveys of the harbor, was consulted and assisted. 
The question of a market house was again considered in F"ebruary, 
1845. Levi and SimjDlot agreed to donate to the city ten feet front- 
ing on their lots on Fifth street between Main and Iowa, providing 
the same should be used for a market-house. Steps to raise the 
means to erect the building were taken in February, 1845. James 
Wilson and E. Dwelle leased the city mines on Third street. 

In April, 1845, F. K. O'Ferrall was again chosen mayor, and 
Elisha Dwelle, Robert Rogers, Timothy Fanning, John H. The- 
dinga, John G. Shields and John Blake, aldermen. Twenty feet 
on the south side of Fifth street between Main and Locust streets, 
owned by Charles Miller, was obtained for a market house. J. P. 
F'arley improved and fenced the public square and was paid therefor 
$136.50. The Couler Hollow road was greatly improved in 1845, 
so also was Dodge street up ]\Iadden Hollow. Captain Barney gave 
the council the hydrographical map of the upper Mississippi in 



76 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

April, 1845. The council considered the contemplated improve- 
ments on the harbor. L. H. Langvvorthy having exchanged with 
the city important lots on the Couler, was required to furnish the 
city as a part of the compensation 10,000 good building brick. 
G. W. Starr was paid $5 "for fixing and hoisting the American 
flag on July 4, 1845." M. Hooper prepared specifications for the 
market house at this time. A stone wall sixty-four feet long and 
two and one-half feet thick was ordered built on the west side of 
Locust street between Second and Third. In July, 1845, Warner 
Lewis informed the council concerning instructions received at the 
land office in regard to the unsold town lots and issued instructions 
as to what should be done to enter and pay for the same. December 
I, 1845, was the day set to close the sale of such lots. "Cash or its 
equivalent in city scrip" was a term often used at this date in the 
payment of bills. It was necessary to build a bridge on the landing. 
Mr. Cook's plan for a market house was finally accepted. Sealed 
proposals for the building were called for. A cistern was ordered 
built in the market house — to hold 200 barrels of water. All 
slaughtering within the city limits was prohibited from September i 
to November i, 1845. This order was in response to a petition to 
that effect. Todd & Humboldt offered to build the market house as 
per plans for $883. 

In January, 1845, A. Keesecker sold his interest in the Miners' 
Express to George Green, who had formerly been a member of the 
territorial council from Cedar, Linn and Jones counties. Through 
the exertions of Charles Corkery there was subscribed in Dubuque 
in 1845 $1,000 for a hospital: lie also managed to secure the title 
to eight acres within the city limits for a site. In 1846 the ladies 
of Dubuque, among whom were Mrs. G. W. Jones and Mrs. J. P. 
Finley, gave a public supper by which to raise funds to buy a fire 
engine. They gave several others and by 1848 the fund amounted 
to $125.60, which the council endeavored to obtain, but without 
avail, unless they should furnish an equal amount. The sum was 
put in bank and continued to draw interest. In January, 1845. 
pursuant to act of Congress of December 26, 1844, Col. J. ]. Abert 
and Capt. T. J. Cram, of the United States Topographical Corps, 
made the following report of the survey of Dubuque harbor. 

The chart of the survey of Dubuque harbor showed that the 
harbor was not in the main river, but in one of its collateral chan- 
nels, of which there were several near Dubuque. In times of high 
and medium water boats of the largest class could enter the harbor, 
but during the usual low and the extreme low stages of the water 
boats of that class could not enter all the secondary channels leading 
to and from the harbor, owing to the shoaliness of the water. The 
shoals were the result of sand and mud deposits due to the currents 
and the islets. At a stage of four and one-half feet above extreme 
low stage the mean maximum \elocity of the running prism of 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 77 

water in these channels was only .962 miles per hour, maintaining 
an average maximum depth of nine feet ; while the velocity in the 
main river in the contiguous reach was 1.5 miles per hour witli an 
average maximum depth of fourteen feet. It was shown that there 
would be no difficulty in removing the existing shoals by the simple 
process of dredging so as to allow steamers of the largest class to 
enter the harbor at the lowest stages ; but the dredging would have 
to be repeated periodically, 

In the law making the appropriation for the harbor the following 
language was used : "For the improvement of the harbor at the 
town of Dubucjue, Iowa, seven thousand five hundred dollars. 
Provided, Upon due examination and survey, under the direction 
of the secretary of war, it shall appear that a permanent improve- 
ment can be accomplished and completed for this amount so as to 
admit the landing of steamers of the largest class navigating the 
river at the town of Dubuque at all seasons of the year." It was 
stated that "the upper Mississippi rose in June and July, 1844, to an 
elevation of twelve feet two inches above its extreme low stage at 
Dubuque and did not subside to a stage admitting of taking the 
soundings until in October following, when it was down to a stage 
lower than the elevation of the June and July flood by seven feet 
eight inches. This is the stage to which the soundings recorded in 
the chart are all referred and which is four feet six inches above 
extreme low stage." 

Among the plans proposed for the improvement of the harbor 
were the following: 

la. Dredge the bed of the main river near Eagle bluff for an 
extent of i ,000 feet ; cost, $2,000. 

2b. Excavate a steamboat canal from bank of main river from 
lower extremity to the head of Lake Peosta for 1,800 feet; cost, 
$12,690. 

3c. Dredge present bed at head of Lake Peosta for an extent of 
1,600 feet; cost, $2,371. 

4d. Dredge bed of cliannel from near foot of Lake Peosta to 
head of existing artificial canal ; cost, $750. 

5e. Deepen that canal, also the head of the natural basin just 
below as far down as the foot of Orange street — dredging 2.250 
feet ; cost, $5,087. 

6f. Dredge head of natural channel from Langworthv's ware- 
house down to Jones street, 1,600 feet; cost, $1,501. 

7g. Dredge head and remove from natural channel from Jones 
street down along bluff into tlie main river, 7,000 feet ; cost, $9,240. 

8h. Machines, superintendence and contingencies, $9,400. Total 
cost, $43,039. This plan carried out would give open navigation at 
the lowest water for the largest class of steamers then on the river 
from the main river near Eagle Bluff down to the main river below 
the town, four and three-quarters miles. 



78 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

The second plan was not to use Lake Peosta at all, but to deepen 
the secondary channel just east of that lake about 1,200 feet, and 
then dredge. All of this would cost $34,181. 

The third plan was to improve the natural channel, abandon the 
existing canal and in lieu cut a new steamboat canal south from that 
channel into the basin; total cost, $31,857. 

The fourth plan was to improve natural channel, dig a deep 
feeder for the basin, open a steamboat canal from deep water in the 
basin to deep water in the secondary channel ; dredge bed of the 
channel, and bv dredging keep the channel free of deposits ; cost, 
$25,042. 

The fifth plan contemplated constructing a deep feeder to supply 
the basin from the channel, a steamboat canal, dredging the bed of 
the channel, construction of a dam, etc. ; cost, $15,689. 

Plan six included a deep feeder, a steamboat canal, dredging the 
bed of channel, etc. : cost, $10,277. 

Plan seven embraced a long canal straight through everything out 
to the main river, with dykes to protect its sides, a dam across lower 
end of basin, sluice-gates in the canal, etc. ; cost, $25,375. 

Plan eight contemplated a causeway from the town to the bank 
of the main river, where good landing would be found for all 
classes of boats at lowest stages; cost, $64,875 

Plan nine embraced a causeway that would ht submerged and 
vvouid cost ^22,T,2,2,- 

The total amount of money paid out by the corporation from 
April I, 1843, to March 31. 1844, was $1,491.61 ; total city inde!it- 
edness, including the above amount, $5,461.84. The total actual 
receipts were $1,434.65; and the total resources, including this 
amount, were $6,302.27. 

The total amount of money paid out by the corporation from 
y\pril I, 1844, to April i, 1845, was $2,926.11. The corporation 
owed W. A. Trask $565.67 and interest for the fire engine which 
was bought in July, 1840. On March 31, 1845. there was yet owed 
for the powder magazine $206.85, ^"^1 '-''ty orders to the amount 
of $3,337.36 were outstanding. At the public land sale on March 
27, 1843, there were sold 170 city lots for about $1,700. The total 
receipts of the city for the year ending March 31, 1845, were 
$2,662.55. This sum and the other resources due the city and 
the public property were estimated at $8,263.06. 

The council continued to have much trouble in getting the funds 
due it from the land office. Heavy grading on Main street was 
done in 1845. Clay street was ordered graded in November, 1845. 

In 1845 amendments to the city charter were discussed; a com- 
mittee was appointed to make suggestions of changes. Saucier and 
Mattox were permitted to mine on Fifth street, they to pay one- 
fifth of the mineral found to the city. The council paid $20 for 
having the willows cut from the island opposite the canal made by 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 79 

llie government under the superintendence of Captain Barney. The 
assessed valuation of $600 on the library of Bishop Loras was 
reduced to $300 in January, 1846. It was ordered in January, 1846, 
that no city scrip slioukl be issued for less than 75 cents on the 
dollar. 

On March 10, 1846, the citizens petitioned to have the city divided 
into wards. Accordingly the council iinmediately formed the fol- 
lowing wards: First ward — All of the city lying south of Third 
street. Second ward — All of the city between Third and Eighth 
streets. Third ward — All of the city north of Eighth street. It was 
decided that two aldermen should be elected from each ward and a 
mayor from all the wards jointly. Todd & Humboldt were paid 
$135.61 for extra work on the market house. 

In April, 1846. in spite of their et^'orts to prevent it, the city 
fathers saw city scrip fall to 70 cents on the dollar. In April, 1846, 
F. K. O'Ferrall was re-elected mayor, and Hugh Treanor, Michael 
McNamara, W. H. Robbins, Mordecai Mobley, Amos Mat- 
thews and Lewis L. Wood, aldermen. W. B. Smith was 
rechosen clerk. Mr. Trower was the first market master — chosen 
in April, 1846. John T. Cook was paid $10 for his plan for the 
market house, the same ha\ing l>een accepted. In April, 1846, the 
citizens petitioned to have the public square ornamented. A council 
room was prepared in the new market house in 1847. The rent of 
inside stalls in the market house was fixed at $15 per annum ; choice 
stalls were ofifered publicly to the highest bidder. In May, 1846, 
C. J. Leist succeeded Mr. Trower as market master. All articles 
of produce or meat were required to be sold in the market house. 
A cannon was ordered for $25 for city use. Market hours were 
from 3 a. m. to 10 a. m. each day except Sunday — from May to 
October. Mr. Fulweiler's slaughter house was ordered removed 
from its then location, it having become a declared nuisance. The 
same of Mr. Straper's butchering establishment. Billiard license 
was fixed at $25. The beer license was $25. George L. Nightin- 
gale became city clerk in 1846. The market receipts from May 12, 
1846, to August 10, 1846, amounted to $36.25. The city advanced 
William Rebman $25. to be used in buying a cannon; but as he had 
not done so by August 24, 1846, he was ordered to refund that 
amount. J. P. Farley and Charles Corkery were paid $40 in 
Augitst, 1846, for improvements on the public square. John D. 
Bush, owner of a slaugliter house, was ordered to change his location 
in August, 1846. 

In September, 1846, the council appointed a committee to draft a 
new charter for the city of Dubuque, to be submitted to the Legis- 
lature the coming winter. 

In 1844 Congress appropriated for the improvement of Dubuque 
harbor the sum of $7,500, and later $7,000 more was appropriated 
for the same purpose. In November, 1846, the work not progress- 



So HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

ing as well as expected by the council, they called upon Captain 
Barney, superintendent in charge, for a report as to how much of the 
money had been spent, amount on hand, time yet required to com- 
plete the work, etc. In December, 1846, the council caused to be 
enumerated all of the islands opposite the city for the purpose of 
petitioning Congress for a donation of the same to the city, previous 
to the public sale which was to take place in March, 1847. Such a 
petition was prepared by the city attorney. 

To the Honorable the Senate and House of Representatk'es in 
Congress assembled: 

"We, the undersigned, the mayor and aldermen of the city of 
Dubuque, would most respectfully solicit your honorable bodies to 
enact a law donating to the city of Dubuque certain islands situate, 
lying and being opposite said city and between the city and the main 
channel of the Mississippi river; or otherwise, if your honorable 
bodies should deem it inexpedient to donate the same, to grant to the 
city the exclusive right and privilege of purchasing the same at the 
same rate that other lands of the United States are sold. We would 
most respectfully urge upon your consideration the following rea- 
sons, as among numerous others, for our request : The situation 
and locality of the islands are such, that if they should fall into the 
hands of private individuals, tlie city of Dubuque would be almost 
entirely cut off from the main channel of the river, and subject the 
citizens to great inconvenience, and the most unconscionable exac- 
tions from them on the part of private speculators. For the purpose 
of more fully exhibiting to you our peculiar situation and the 
dilemma tlie city would be placed in should the title to those islands 
happen to fall into hands other than the city, we have caused a map 
to be made and hereimto annexed, by which it will appear that what 
has been and is alleged by us is true ; and by which it will 
also appear that we ask from you to grant the cit}' only those lands 
which are absolutely necessary to its growth and commercial impor- 
tance ; in which also the whole nation as connected with the great 
national thoroughfare — the Mississippi river — have a deep interest 
and must be materially benefited ; to grant to the cit}' the following 
lands, to-wit : All of sections 19 and 30, township 89 north, range 3 
east, and a fraction of section 25, township 89 north, range 2 east, 
as is more particularly marked and designated upon the map afore- 
said, and must in our opinion most clearly manifest itself to the Con- 
gress of the United States. We are fully impressed with the opinion 
and firm belief that after the national legislature has, in its liberality, 
granted us a tract of land upon which is located the city of Du1:)uque, 
they will still continue to exhibit their regard for our welfare, by 
granting us a boon which is so essential and necessary for its future 
prosperity and happiness and which cannot, at the present time, in 
any material way affect the previously \ested rights of private indi- 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 8i 

viduals. We would further most respectfully state to your honor- 
able bodies, that unless Congress pass a law enabling the land before 
described to become the property of the city of Dubuque, the appro- 
priations which have already been made by that body for the 
improvement of the harbor, a part of which has already been 
expended, will prove to be entirely useless, worthless and of no avail 
to the city. We would further represent that the lands above 
described are entirely unfitted for cultivation or habitation, and can 
only be useful to the city for commercial business, and for city pur- 
poses, and that they would be valuable to the city alone and to none 
other, except for those who designed speculating upon the necessi- 
ties of the city, and the rise of property in the neighborhood of a 
growing city. 

"F. K. d'Ferrall, nlayor; William H. Robbins, L. L. Wood, M. 
McNamara, M. Mobley, Hugh Treanor, Amos Matthews, aldermen. 
Attest: George L. Nightingale, clerk. Dubuque, December 15, 
1846." (Senate Documents No. 256, 29th Cong., ist session.) 

The total amount of money paid out by the city for the fiscal 
year ending April i, 1846, was $3,438.51; the total receipts were 

$3.432- IS- 

In a communication to the Senate committee dated January 29, 
1847, James H. Piper, acting commissioner of the general land 
office, stated that "there would not appear to be any preemption 
claim preferred for any of the islands in the Mississippi river 
opposite the city of Dubuque ;" that "with regard to their probable 
value this office has no means of knowing;" and that "the bill 
enclosed by you gives authority for the entry of 'the islands in the 
Mississippi river opposite the said city' and then characterizes them 
by saying, 'which are fractions within sections 19 and 30, township 
89 north, range 3 east; and in section 25, township 89 north, range 
2 east;' while, from the diagram referred to, it will be seen that 
the above special designations include only parts of said islands, 
leaving out the following, viz. : Fractions in sections 17, 18, 20 
and 31, township 89 north, range 3 east, amounting in the aggre- 
gate to 73.13 acres." (Senate Docs., No. 109, 29th Cong., 2d 
session.) 

In 1847 George L. Nightingale was appointed public bidder at 
the sale of the mineral reserve. He performed his arduous and 
delicate duties to the satisfaction of all. 

In 1847 members of the Mechanics' Institute debated in the hall 
over Terry's saloon the question: "Resolved, That the Wilmot 
proviso is right and ought to be sustained by the American people." 
Late in 1847 the Dubuque Philharmonic Society gave a series of 
concerts at the Congregational church, rendering both secular and 
sacred music to large audiences. Captain Barney's work on the 
harbor was still in progress. Many new and fine residences were 
erected in 1846 and 1847 — notably by General Jones, Gilliam, Reed, 



82 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Giklca, Rogers, Peacock and others. A Mr. Spencer gave exhibi- 
tions of animal magnetism as it was then called. In 1847 George 
Green was editor and proprietor of the Miners' Express and Wil- 
liam H. Merritt was associated with him as editor. 

In 1847 the Waples House was kept by H. Curtis; tlie Western 
hotel by W. S. Berry : George McHenry had formerly kept the 
Western hotel; David Jones was architect and builder; H. P. Leach 
kept school in the basement of the Methodist church. In 1847 
many Dubuquers attended the immense river and harbor conven- 
tion at Chicago. Early in 1847 A. P. Wood established a weekly 
newspaper called the Tribune. It was about this time that the 
first large steam floiu'ing mills were put in operation here by 
Nadeau, Rogers & Co. 

Steps to organize three fire companies were taken in January, 
1847; the old fire engine was fotuid to be practically useless; fire 
ladders were ordered for the upper, lower and central sections. 
The Hibernian Benevolent Society was permitted to occupy the 
city hall. The Fulweiler slaughter house was ordered removed 
from the city limits in February, 1847; but evaded the order and 
remained. The islands in front of the city were reserved from 
public sale. By paying $50 the council obtained permission to use 
for fire purposes the well of Emerson Shields on Fourth street. 
Upon the payment of $100 Timothy Fanning was given exclusive 
ferry privileges in 1847-8. The grading of Bluff street from Dodge 
to Twelfth was ordered in May, 1847. A room for a calaboose was 
ordered rented and fitted up; it was ready in July. In August, 
1847, the mayor was authorized to buy the islands in front of the 
city — three of 85.47, 149.75 ^^d 4-22 acres, respectively. 

In December, 1847, Martin L. Morris succeeded Chauncey Swan 
as proprietor of the Morris hotel. Before this date the Masons 
and Odd Fellows had strong organizations here. Doctor Reynolds 
lectured on "Astronomy" over Terry's saloon in December. 1847. 

"Variety — Wood, butter, cheese, lard, eggs, flour, potatoes, wheat, 
corn, chickens and pork will be taken in payment for the Express." 
— {Miners' Express, December 8, 1847.) 

Many bogus half dollars were in circulation here late in 
1848; they were made near here. Late in 1848 Harrison Holt 
and A. Keesecker were proprietors of the Miners Express. 
William A. Adams was president of the Dubuque Debating 
Society late in 1848. The Dubuque Mutual Fire Insurance 
Company began operations in April, 1848, with C. H. Booth presi- 
dent, and Mordecai Mobley secretary. The following merchants 
had immense stocks of goods in 1848: S. M. Langworthy, Curtis 
& Waite, Murphy & Burke, P. & R. C. Waples (had in stock over 
$36,000 worth of goods), Waples & Zirkle, Goodrich & Bro., the 
Smiths and Emerson & Shields. The wholesale trade was very 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 83 

large. Dan Rice, the famous Shakespearean jester, was here in 
June, 1848. Performances were given at the Waples House. 
Yankee Hill gave representations of down-east characters. 

The Express failed to make its appearance on time late in Janu- 
ary, 1848, the reason being that someone entered the office on the 
Sunday night before, threw all matter into pi, except one form, 
which was almost entirely destroyed by blows from a hatchet. 
"The monster who would perpetrate this act would be guilty of 
the worst species of robbery, rapine and murder. Let those row- 
dies who were engaged last Sunday evening in interrupting the 
service at the Methodist church by touching ofif trains of powder 
upon the fence mark well their future course," said the editor 
January 26, 1848. The questions of importance in the spring of 
1848 were the improvement of Lorimier Hollow, the harbor being 
built by Captain Barney and his dredge-boat; regulation of the 
liquor trade, and removal of filth from the streets. 

R. Spaulding was a book seller, music dealer and generally a 
patron of art; his book store was the first in Dubuque. In May, 
1848, W. H. Merritt withdrew from the Miners' Express and Wil- 
liam Y. Lovcll became sole proprietor of that sheet. Peter Waples 
kept the Waples House at Second and Main streets in the spring of 
1848. R. Plumbe kept the City hotel. A semi-weekly of the 
Miners' Express, started March 29, 1848, was discontinued in 
December, 1848. In the spring of 1848 Dubuque demanded a free 
ferry across the river or a cessation of high ferry rates. As high 
as $1 had been charged in emergencies for ferriage. Early in 1848 
R. Spaulding established and maintained a library of standard 
periodical literature, to which persons were admitted upon the pay- 
ment of $3 per annum. In 1848 the Irish Shamrock Society and 
St. Raphael's Temperance Society united to celebrate St. Patrick's 
day. In March, 1848, James Pratt & Co., owners of the Dubuque 
Flouring Mills, called for 50,000 bushels of wheat and 4,000 flour 
barrels. 

A "Countryman" in the Miners' Express of February 23, 1848, 
asked why the road leading up Lorimier Hollow was not widened. 
He said that it was so narrow in places that two wagons could not 
pass each otlter, and further said : "Several serious accidents have 
recently occurred on this much-traveled, very crooked, pinched-up, 
starved out, narrow contracted, Lorimier-fenced-up, disreputable, 
dangerous, leg-breaking, skull-cracking, wagon-smashing, horse- 
killing, badly-located, poorly-worked, corporation neglected, tire- 
some and hilly road." 

W. D. Wilson and Mr. O'Reilly were rival telegraph agents here 
in the spring of 1848, each trying to get the support of the citizens 
to extend his line to this city. Each claimed the right to the Morse 
patents. Shares in the lines were offered at 50. It was claimed 
that the Barnes and Zook register was superior to that of Morse. 

Whether the ferrj^ privilege of Timothy Fanning was exclusive 



84 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

under his charter, and what ferry rights were owned by Jones & 
Gregoire, were inquired into in May, 1848. The city attorney hav- 
ing filed with the council his written opinion against the right of the 
city to establish a free ferry across the Mississippi, the council 
resolved that it was their "opinion that the city has the right to 
establish a ferry from this and the opposite side of the river and 
that the charter of Mr. Fanning is not exclusive." In June, 1848, 
the council refused to appropriate $375 at the request of Captain 
Barney to assist him in work on the harbor. In July, 1848, the 
council offered a reward of $150 for the apprehension of the per- 
sons "guilty of the outrage on the United States property employed 
in improving the harbor, and that a guard of twenty men be author- 
ized for the protection of the same, provided they can be obtained 
free of expense." To drive out smallpox $365.75 was spent in 
July, 1848. 

In September, 1848, the first telegraph line was completed and 
opened to Peru, Illinois. The first messages were as follows: 

"Peru, September 15, 1848. The compliments of C. S. Oslere to 
the ladies of the Waples House by lightning; would be happy to 
receive a 'flash' from them. C. S. Oslere." The following answer 
was "flashed" back: "Dubuque, September 15, 1848. C. S. Oslere: 
The ladies of the Waples House thank Mr. Oslere for his burning 
communication; it wanned their cold hearts; they rejoice to know 
that they have a 'spark' in Peru. Ladies of Waples House." 

The California gold excitement struck Dubuque county in Decem- 
ber, 1848. On December 30 a public meeting was held at the 
courthouse to form an organization of all who desired to go to the 
gold field. Mr. Morrison of Cascade was conspicuous in the Cali- 
fornia exodus. Late in 1848 citizens demanded that the unfinished 
harbor be completed. 

The cholera at New Orleans in January, 1849, caused Dubuque to 
take extra precautions against the disease. W. Y. Lovell owned the 
Express for about six months, when it passed back to Holt and 
Keesecker late in 1848. On March 19, 1849, fourteen wagons 
bound for the gold field crossed the river here. Merritt, Mobley, 
Hammond, Gilliam, Alverson, Cox, Coriell and others left for 
California via the Isthmus of Panama. The California Society 
was organized, so great was the excitement. In the spring of 1849 
the Northzvest Demokrat was issued here by V. Hauf; it was in 
the German language. The Galena and Dubuque Mining Company 
was an organization which, with fifty-three teams, crossed the plains 
to California in 1849. The snowfall of the winter of 1848-9 at 
Dubuque aggregated five feet one and one-half inches — the greatest 
on record. Many shade trees were planted in Dubuque in 1849; 
it was almost a "fad" at this time. The terrible roads leading west- 
ward from Dubuque checked nearly all business with the back coun- 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 85 

try at muddy times. John King, postmaster for over ten years, 
resigned in April, 1849. The Alleghanians (minstrels) were here 
in May, 1849. By April 24, 1849, the Express said that over sixty 
citizens of Dubuque had gone to California. Week after week the 
streets were crowded with gold seekers. The Southwestern circus 
was here in July, 1849. 

In March, 1849, the public was given notice of the approaching 
charter election and of the fact that voters would be required to 
decide whether the city should borrow $7,000 for public improve- 
ments, etc., and for establishing a free ferry. A mark on the 
Emerson & Waples building was established as a permanent basis 
for the regulation of street and building grades. 

In April, 1849, Warner Lewis became mayor. In May three 
causeways were ordered built on Bluff street at First, Second and 
Third streets. Drs. J. T. Boone, R. S. Lewis and G. W. Scott were 
the sanitary committee in 1849. The council bought fifty barrels of 
lime for distribution in view of the appearance of cholera here in 
1849. Drs. Boone and Holt were constituted a board of health. 
A house for cholera patients was rented of B. Rupert for $4 a 
month. A house owned by T. Davis was also thus occupied. The 
council bought of Smith & Co. their interest in the powder maga- 
zine for $425. John Stafford was permitted to mine on Third 
street, the city to receive one-fifth of the mineral raised. 

It was realized in June, 1849, that the plan for a Dubuque harbor, 
which seemed most likely to be best, was to build a levee out to the 
main channel and fill in the intermediate sloughs. Some plan that 
would improve existing conditions was deemed imperative. The 
Miners' Express of June 13, 1849, said: "Already the largest town 
west of the Mississippi and north of St. Louis, situated precisely at 
the point of latitude at which the railroads extending west from 
the towns upon the lakes must strike the river; surrounded by a 
country on all sides, almost illimitable in extent and inexhaustible in 
its agricultural and mineral resources — it requires no gift of pro- 
phecy to foresee that Dubuque is destined to become and to remain 
the great commercial city of the Northwest." This was the spirit 
which animated the citizens at this period — Dubuque was to be the 
great city of the Northwest. It was realized that Galena aspired 
to this proud distinction, but her pretensions were belittled and 
denied. However, before even Dubuque could expect such great- 
ness and grandeur, a suitable harbor would have to be built, all 
admitted. "The space between the present landing and the main 
channel of the river, when once filled up, will amply compensate for 
the expense to be incurred in executing the work." 

During the year 1849 over eighty brick buildings were erected 
in Dubuque, many of them large and costly. Main street was vastly 
improved — bumps were cut down, hollows filled and buildings of 
brick took the place of the old and faded wooden structures. New 



86 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

stores were built by Powers, Bush, Mangold, Mason, Heeb, Lang- 
worthy and the fine Globe buildings at Main and Fifth by Wilson 
& Smith. Judge J. J. Dyer, of the United States District court, 
had built an elegant mansion on Main street. The city contained 
twenty-two stores with stocks ranging from $10,000 to $80,000; one 
large wholesale hardware store ; two drug stores ; one book store ; 
one boot and shoe store; two tinware manufactories; two auction 
and commission merchants ; three bakeries ; one large manufactory 
of confectionery ; seven master builders ; six plasterers ; seven mason 
bricklayers ; four painters ; two master stone masons ; one marble 
worker ; two saddle and harness factories ; seven boot and shoe 
factories; nine tailor shops; three milliners and dressmakers; three 
jewelers and watchmakers; six cabinet and chair factories; five 
blacksmith shops ; three carriage and wagon factories ; two gtm- 
smiths ; three cooper shops ; five butcheries ; one soap and candle 
factory ; two livery stables ; two large steam flouring mills ; one 
steam saw mill ; three newspaper and job printing offices ; four 
weekly newspapers — two Whig and two Democratic, one of the 
latter in German ; eight or ten hotels ; eleven physicians ; seventeen 
lawyers ; thirteen preachers ; churches, one each of Episcopalian, 
Catholic, Methodist, Congregational, Christian, Baptist, German 
Congregational and German Methodist. The Roman Catholics had 
laid the foundation of their large cathedral, the cost being esti- 
mated at over 100,000. The Episcopalians were finishing their 
Gothic church on Locust street. The Congregational church had 
been very much enlarged in 1849. The government offices here 
were those of surveyor general, where eight or ten clerks were 
employed at from $800 to $1,200 each per year, and with a patron- 
age of from $50,000 to $75,000 annually; receiver and register; 
judge of the United States district court ; Masons, Odd Eellows and 
Sons of Temperance. Population, near 3,500. The first brick 
building was erected in 1836. In 1844 the place began to put on a 
stable appearance on the ruins of the miners' shanties. The city 
now wanted a harbor, railroads to the East, good roads to the West 
and other railroads to the western country. 

"One would suppose that the millers and merchants of Dubuque' 
could afford to give as good a price for wheat as is given in the 
northern portion of the state. Such, however, appears not to be 
the fact. Also buyers at Bellevue have recently paid as high as 
68 cents for wheat, while our millers and merchants have been 
paying for the best prime wheat 60 cents. We must not be blind 
to the effects of this state of things. If the merchants here will not 
buy the wheat and pork of the farmer at the best price they can 
afford to give, the farmer will very naturally go where he can do 
better, and there he will buy his groceries, clothing, etc." — (Miners' 
Express, December 12, 1849.) 

The total value of taxable property in Dubuque in June, 1849, 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 87 

was $675,000; at the maximum rate allowed by law this would 
yield a revenue of $10,125 ; a tax of 3^ mills was levied for general 
city expenses. In September, 1849, a second California "fever" 
struck Dubuque and many more departed. A sharp frost on August 
30, 1849, wilted vines and vegetables. Valentine Glenat, prominent 
merchant and judge of probate here, died of cholera in the Rocky 
mountains while on his way to the gold fields. The harbor question 
engrossed much attention in 1849. This year the postoffice was 
removed to the Globe building at Main and Sixth streets. William 
H. Robbins was postmaster and Alexander Levi was his assistant. 
Late in 1849 Holt and Keesecker issued the Miners' Express; Wood 
issued the Tribune, and McCraney issued the Telegraph; the latter 
leaned toward the Whigs. Thomas McKnight succeeded Warner 
Lewis as register, and M. Mobley succeeded George McHenry as 
receiver under the change of national administration in 1849. 
Cholera on the steamer War Eagle in 1849 frightened the city. 



CITY OF DUBUQUE, 1850 TO 1859. 

IN January, 1850, Dubuque was without a fire department 
of any kind; the loss of a few buildings caused people 
to think. "When a building takes fire here, as was the 
case with the Goodrich building, everyone runs toward 
the scene, anxious to assist in subduing the destructive ele- 
ment ; but what avails an unorganized set of men and boys 
without apparatus of any kind whatever — without an engine, 
buckets or hose." — (Express, January 16, 1850.) In January, 
1850, Col. Samuel R. Curtis, whose plan was to build a levee 
not less than fifty feet wide on top from the city out to the main 
channel of the river, estimated the total cost at $29,648. It was 
thought at the time that this was the cheapest, most practical and 
most speedily built of any plan yet proposed. 

For the fiscal year ending April, 1850, the total receipts of the 
city were $6,034.81, and at this time the balance against the city 
was $2,484. Among the items of expense were $425 for a powder 
house; $168 to Emerson & Shields for lime to sprinkle in the 
streets and alleys to ward off the cholera, and $100 to Drs. Boone 
and Holt for their services as a board of health. 

In 1849-50 the Dubuque subscribers to the American Art Union 
of New York were Hon. George Green, Francis C. Smith, Timothy 
Mason, James Reid, Alfred L. Brown, Eustace H. Smith, A. D. 
Anderson, Harrison Holt, Thomas H. Benton, Jr., William J. Bar- 
ney (2), Stephen G. Fenimore and R. Spaulding. Five prizes were 
drawn by the Dubuquers as follows : Painting, "Jephtha's Daugh- 
ter," worth $350, F. S. Smith, who had recently died; painting, 
"Sunset," S. G. Fenimore; outline painting, W. J. Barney; medals, 
Timothy Mason and R. Spaulding. 

In February, 1850, Dubuque buyers paid more for wheat than 
was paid at any other point on the Mississippi — 75 cents. Daven- 
port was paying 60 cents ; Galena 60 cents ; Bellevue 70 cents ; 
Catfish Mills y^ cents. 

Early in 1850 Dubuque was connected by new mail routes with 
Iowa City, Bellevue, Andrew, Tipton, Delhi, Colesburg, Garnavillo 
and Muscatine. Major Mobley was connected with the Telegraph 
early in 1850 ; so was John B. Hogan. Mobley was a leading Whig, 
as also was George L. Nightingale; they quarreled o\-er government 
patronage. 

C. C. Hewitt, who had lived here many years, upon leaving for 

88 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 89 

California in 1850, was thanked by the council for his untiring and 
fearless efforts to suppress cholera in 1849. B. M. Samuels was 
city attorney in 1849-50. J. H. Emerson was elected mayor in 
April, 1850. In April the register informed the council that he 
was instructed "to allow the constituted authorities of the city to 
enter certain tracts in front of it," whereupon the steps to enter 
such tracts were at once taken. At this time an ordinance giving 
justices of the peace concurrent jurisdiction with the mayor was 
passed. The smallpox was here again in 1850, but was checked at 
once. The old powder house stood on Eighth street. In June, 
1850, the council ordered a complete survey from Lorimier's fur- 
nace up the inner slough, through the lake and across to Eagle 
Point, with a view of building a canal along the whole city front. 
Three members of the council and fifteen other citizens were placed 
in charge of this movement. They were E. Langworthy, L. D. 
Randall and H. V. Gildea, aldermen, and P. A. Lorimier, William 
Waples, M. McNamara, C. H. Booth, W. J. Barney, J. G. Shields, 
J. H. Thedinga, Peter Kiene, T. M. Craney, Mathias Ham, R. 
Plumbe, H. A. Wiltse, B. J. O'Halloran, H. S. Hethrington and 
Timothy Fanning. A steamboat channel sixty feet wide and four 
feet below low water was contemplated. Large quantities of fresh 
lime were scattered throughout the city in 1850 and all public places 
were cleansed. The powder house was ordered sold at public auc- 
tion to the highest bidder in August, 1850. Four public cisterns 
were ordered built for protection against fires. An election was 
ordered in 1850 on the question of borrowing $20,000 for use on 
the steamboat channel from Lorimier's up to Eagle Point. Six fire 
ladders and four fire hooks were bought in November, 1850. A 
meeting of the citizens was held and a fire company was organized 
at this time. They called themselves the "Hook and Ladder Fire 
Comoany." The vote on the question of securing a loan of $20,000 
for the proposed steamboat channel was — for the loan 315. against 
the loan 14. D. Murphy was granted the privilege of mining in 
the graveyard upon paying to the city one-fifth of the mineral 
raised. M. McNear was allowed the same privilege on Fifth street. 
A harbor tax was ordered levied to meet the $20,000 authorized for 
harbor improvement. Abel Hawley was the contractor for the 
steamboat channel. It was found necessary to buy for $10,000 a 
large dredge boat to be used on the proposed steamboat channel. 

In April, 1850, the citizens voted down the proposition to secure 
a loan of $10,000 for harbor improvement. Boats passed through 
Barney's cut to the wharf. "We announce the defeat of this meas- 
ure as we do the death of a friend — briefly and sorrowfully. On 
the first day of April, a majority of the citizens of Dubuque decided 
that they would have no harbor unless someone would make it for 
them." — {Miners' Express, April 3, 1850.) 

The Western hotel was burned in April, 1850; the city was with- 



90 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

out fire apparatus or fire organization. In April, 1850, the Dubuque 
Emigrating Association consisted of fifty-four men and twenty 
wagons bound for California. The organization occurred at Coun- 
cil Bluffs. Pratt & Co. owned the Catfish Mills. Mr. Codding, the 
mesmerist, then called "biologist," was here in June, 1850, and 
astonished all by his performances. The famous Dubuque Nursery 
stood about two hundred yards north of the city limits and embraced 
four acres on which, in 1850, were 12,000 apple trees; the pro- 
prietor was W. L. Johnson. Already much of the trade of the 
southwest was lost to Dubuque — the settlers going to Muscatine. 
The land office was reopened in October, 1850, with Mobley and 
McKnight in charge. 

"A Town Full — The city of Dubuque is literally filled. There 
has been a greater call for houses within the last two months than 
ever before known. Houses are being finished every day, but are all 
engaged long before they are complete. More are building, how- 
ever; don't be discouraged." — (Miners' Express, October 23, 1850.) 

In 1850 H. S. Hetherington built four cisterns for the city and 
was paid $121.50. In November, 1850, corn was worth 20 to 25 
cents, wheat 65 cents and live hogs $2.50 to $3. In November the 
livery stable of Lyman & Shomo was burned and nine horses out 
of sixteen perished. There were loud demands for a fire engine and 
fire organizations. The canal committee recommended in 1850 a 
steamboat channel from Lorimier furnace to Eagle Point through 
Lake Peosta and the sloughs ; the council ordered 600 copies of the 
report printed and distributed. The committee recommended a 
channel 100 feet wide and four feet below the low water standard 
of Captain Barney; total excavation to be 279,190 cubic yards; 
length of improvement, 24,220 feet; cost of dredge, $8,000: two 
flatboats, $300; channel to be extra wide in places to permit boats 
to pass each other; the channel to skirt closely the inner shore 
line of Dubuque; distance by river from Lorimier furnace to Eagle 
Pohit, 25,800 feet ; shortening of the line would cause a quicker cur- 
rent ; stagnant water in the sloughs would be drained ; $20,000 must 
be raised to make this improvement, either by subscription or taxa- 
tion; completion of the canal would advance property at once 25 per 
cent. At this date the steamboat arrivals were about 200 annually. 
With a charge to each of only $5 for each landing the wharfage 
would amount to $1,000 yearly. "Shall our city three years hence 
be without a harbor and out of debt or shall we, by creating the 
debt, construct a harbor worth $250,000 the moment it is com- 
pleted? Without a harbor or any facilities to overcome the want of 
one, at an objectionable distance from the bank of the river and 
this bank separated from the main river by a series of sloughs often 
too shallow for steamboats, Dubuque has nevertheless derived her 
existence and growth from the navigation of the Mississippi. With 
these difficulties she has had constantly to struggle and by such 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 91 

efforts she has attained to sufficient size and capital to command 
a harbor of unsurpassed excellence." — {Express, September 18, 
1850; Report of the Harbor Committee.) The committee reported 
against a boat canal from the main channel across the sloughs and 
islands to the city shore proper — boats would have to go back after 
coming in. 

"The undersigned citizens of Dubuque and the adjoining counties 
most respectfully solicit and earnestly request our honorable mem- 
bers of Congress to obtain of the War Department the establish- 
ment of a military road, commencing at Dubuque and terminating 
at Fort Clark (Fort Dodge) on the Des Moines river: 

M. M. Hayden, J. H. Emerson, J. M. Marsh, George M. Henry, 
Henry S. Hetherington, William Donnellan, Peter Waples, Charles 
Bogy, L. D. Randall, J. Sprague, Charles Corkery, Timothy Fan- 
ning, E. D. Turner, S. R. West, C. H. Booth, F. V. Goodrich, E. 
Langworthy, Owen Smith, I. E. Wootton, B. J. O'Halloran, 
Michael Nolan, Patrick Byrne, J. J. E. Norman, W. J. Sullivan, 
William Roche, Francis Mangold, J. L. Langworthy, A. H. Miller, 
Michael O'Brien, John Palmer, J. P. Farley, Jacob Christman, A. 
Linn and Dennis A. Mahony." 

The object of this petition was, by opening such a road, to secure 
to Dubuque the trade at Fort Clark and other points on the upper 
Des Moines river ; that Fort previously had obtained all its supplies 
from Keokuk, which was distant 280 miles ; Dubuque was distant 
only 180 miles. J. J. Abert of the topographical engineers, said: 
"By the Nicollet map the distance from Dubuque to Fort Clark is 
about 180 miles, and the distance from Fort Clark to the mouth of 
the Des Moines about 300 miles. This last distance is represented 
as the usual traveled distance with supplies, making the difference 
between the routes — both are land routes — of about 120 miles, the 
route from Dubuque being that much shorter. This fact gives to 
the Dubuque route great advantages. The only difference deserving 
of notice is that to arrive at Dubuque, the Mississippi has to be 
ascended about 200 miles; but as this distance during the season 
when supplies are forwarded can be passed by steamboats, it reduces 
a comparison of the difference on this account between the routes to 
200 miles of steamboat navigation and 120 miles of land carriage. 
This fact also gives to the Dubuque route great advantages. Under 
all circumstances, therefore, the Dubuque route is much to be pre- 
ferred and the making of a road on this route would cost but little 
more than half for a road on the other route." 

In 1 85 1 the public square was ordered rented to the highest 
bidder; grocery (wet) license was fixed at $150, and beer license 
at $75 per annum in May, 185 1. Thomas S. Wilson was authorized 
to sell the city's $20,000 bonds in New York city. 

Proposals for furnishing a steam ferry to ply between Dubuque 
and the Illinois shore were called for in June, 1851. At this time 



92 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

a proposition to build a suspension bridge across the Mississippi 
was received from A. G. Garver. The council considered building a 
plank road from Bluff street to the western boundary of the city in 
185 1. The proposition of S. L. Gregoire to furnish a steam ferry 
was accepted. The offer of T. Davis of ten acres and a house to be 
used as a hospital, at a cost of $625, was accepted by the council. 
In August, 185 1, the ferry rates were fixed as follows: Footman, 
10 cents; man and horse, 25 cents; wagon and two horses or oxen, 
75 cents; one horse and wagon. 50 cents; minors under 16 years, 
free; minors over 16, 5 cents; loose freight, 5 cents per 100 pounds; 
cattle, per head, 10 cents; each hog, sheep or calf, 3 cents. It was 
found necessary in August, 1851, to borrow more money to con- 
tinue the work on the harbor. The northern boundary of the city 
under the charter was ordered surveyed and marked. Early in Sep- 
tember, the contract to dredge the steamboat channel was signed 
with Abel Hawley. More city bonds were ordered issued to meet 
the harbor improvement expenses. The new graveyard boundaries 
were defined in October, 1851. The sum of $15 each was ordered 
paid to the Dubuque delegates to the "Rapids Convention." The 
cholera was here again in 1851. In December, 1851, the harbor 
bonds of $20,000 were cancelled and destroyed. In January, 1852, 
George W. Burton and others were granted the right to cut a canal 
through the island opposite First or Second street to intersect the 
channel through which steamboats were then admitted from the 
main river. The steam ferry boat of A. L. Gregoire was to be 
ready by April 15, 1852. 

George L. Dickinson kept a popular temperance hotel in 185 1. 
Cook, Sargent & Co. had an exchange banking house and land 
agency at this time. The land office and many land companies and 
firms made this city the liveliest real estate center west of Chicago. 

"It must be apparent to every observing man that our fair city 
was never in a more flourishing condition. Strangers are constantly 
pouring into the city from every quarter seeking opportunities for 
investing capital. Property to the amount of thousands is changing 
hands ; buildings going up in every direction ; and new business 
firms opening on almost every square of Main street. * * * 
The health of the city was never better." — (Express.) 

In March, 185 1, the Daily Tribune, A. P. Wood, editor, made 
its appearance, but after a year was discontinued, but was issued 
again about 1854 by Adams and Hackley. The Daily Miners' 
Express appeared first August 19, 1851, under William H. Merritt 
& Co. 

"Cholera — We understand there have been one or two cases of 
cholera in the city since our last issue. It behooves our citizens to 
give diligent attention to all such means for the prevention of the 
disease as have so frequently been recommended." — (Herald, July 
14, 1851.) 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 93 

In 185 1 new and better buildings in all directions were taking tbe 
place of the pioneer structures. Never before were there to be seen 
on the streets so many strangers looking for homes and business 
opportunities. So rapidly were buildings going up, materials ran 
out and artisans were lacking and thus operations were checked. 
During 1851 the dredge boat did excellent work on the harbor, 
cutting through the island without trouble. Mexican war land 
warrants for 160 acres were worth here $170 in 1851. T. L. Rivers 
took daguerrotypes in September. A town clock was called for. 
J. D. Jennings was connected with the Express in August. "Dubuque 
is destined to be the Queen City of the Northwest, the opposition of 
interested parties and rival towns to the contrary notwithstanding," 
said the Express, September 5. At this date the city had about 
4,100 population. It had two fine hotels and many others; two 
steam flour mills ; nine churches and two others going up ; one 
Mason, three Odd Fellows and one Temperance lodges; three fer- 
ries — two in the city and one at Eagle Point ; one pottery yard ; one 
marble yard ; two railways approaching from the east ; a railway 
projected westward; many schools, etc. In 1851 the city was liter- 
ally deluged with showers of siiinplasters — many of doubtful value 
and unknown parentage. 

Late in September, 1851, work was begun by Abel Hawley of 
Milwaukee to cut the channel from Lorimier's furnace to Eagle 
Point, one hundred feet wide and four feet deep at low water, for 
$24,300. Between Fifth and Sixth streets the channel was to be 200 
feet wide. Late in 185 1 the work was pushed rapidly; Hawley was 
paid by installments as the work progressed. B. J. O'Halloran, 
Caleb H. Booth, Henry A. Wiltse and Edward Langworthy were 
the committee of supervision. The work was to be completed in 
two years. "The part of said improvement along the surveyed por- 
tion of the city is to be constructed so as to leave a levee at least 
one hundred feet wide between the lots fronting the water and the 
extreme outer edge of said improvement." 

The year 185 1 was wet and cold. High water prevailed the whole 
year. There were landed here in 185 1 from steamboats 2,824 Per- 
sons. The numerous rains ruined crops and prevented mining. 
Dubuque exported 4,287 tons of merchandise and imported 24,663 
tons. Work on the Dubuque and Sageville plank road was com- 
menced in September, 185 1, under Joseph C. Jennings, engineer. 
The road was to be completed by April, 1852. In September, 1851, 
exchange on New York was 1^4 per cent, St. Louis i per cent, 
Chicago I per cent. 

The Dubuque and Maquoketa plank road was projected in 1851, 
but languished ; it was the original intention to lay the planks as far 
as Table Mound before winter set in. The Express, Herald and 
Tribune were the dailies in 185 1. D. A. Mahony assisted Holt on 
the Herald; so did A. A. White and W. A. Adams. The Dubuque 



94 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Athenjeum was established in 185 1 under J. J. Dyer, president, and 
P. W. Crawford, secretary. 

The custom of the early settlers to enter and cut timber on gov- 
ernment land for their own private gain had become so iirmly 
grounded in 1852 tliat when they were taken into court by govern- 
ment agents they became indignant and in January of that year 
held a large meeting at Dubuque to protest against any interference 
with such custom. A steady revenue was obtained from the sale of 
city lotg; this was a state of affairs not fully appreciated by the city 
fathers, in view of the lack of such revenues in other cities. In 
April, 1852, an appropriation of $20 was made to pay for an oyster 
supper to the city officers. At this time 300 forest trees for the 
public square were contracted for. At the suggestion of Charles 
Corkery the methods, or lack of methods, of keeping tlie city records 
were reorganized and improved. A temporary quarantine hospital 
was located a quarter of a mile south of Webb's old furnace below 
Dirty Hollow. Bogy's steam ferry boat was required to land only 
between Fourth and Fifth streets. Fanning's ferry landed at Sec- 
ond and Fourth streets. The city calaboose was in the second story 
of the market house. The temporary quarantine hospital was 
opened about June i, 1852, and cost $325; mattresses cost $8. It 
was agreed at this time that the government's plans for the harbor 
and the city's plan conflicted in several important particulars. In 
June, 1852, the city borrowed $10,000 and issued bonds for the 
loan; the sum was used in street and sewer improvements. The 
vote stood — For the loan 131, against it 46. There were found 
shallow places in Barney's cut ; they were deepened. Fanning com- 
menced suit against Gregoire and Bogy, alleging they were inter- 
fering with his ferry rights. The council had granted to Gregoire 
and Bogy ferry rights against the advice of the city attorney. James 
Jones was warden of the temporary hospital. L. H. Langworthy 
exchanged ten acres adjoining the hospital for a tract called "Grave- 
yard" on the hill at the northern boundary. In 1852 the city becom- 
ing delinquent in the payment of county tax on city lots, was ordered 
by County Judge Lovell to make payment or take the consequences. 
The $10,000 in city bonds sold for $10,438.89 in New York city; 
the city received net $10,188.89. 

"The improvements in Dubuque during the current year, includ- 
ing dwelling, storehouses and offices, will not fall short of one hun- 
dred." — (Daily Miners' Express, July 2y, 1852.) "Why is it that 
property has advanced some 30 or 50 per cent within the last year 
in this city and that so many married men are flocking to the place, 
anxious to invest their means among us?" — (Daily Miners' Express, 
May 20, 1852.) "Never did a spring open in Dubuque with more 
flattering prospects of a healthy and lucrative trade. Our hotels are 
crowded beyond their capacity to accommodate ; our merchants, 
builders and mechanics are active; our smelting mills and foun- 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 95 

dries, etc., are enjoying a season of the highest prosperity; our 
streets are crowded with immigrant wagons; the demand for 
dwelhngs and business houses is beyond the capacity of our prop- 
erty holders to meet ; the best and fastest steam ferry boat on the 
Mississippi is actively engaged ; the harbor improvement is pro- 
gressing rapidly: and e\'eryvvhere is seen growth and prosperity." — 
{Daily Miners' Express, April 9, 1852.) "Within a few months 
there "has been established in this city a large foundry, rope works, 
soap and candle factory and steam saw mill, and there is now being 
erected an additional steam saw mill." — {Express, August 12, 

1852.) 

A strong temperance movement swept the city early in the fifties; 
the Maine liquor law was advocated by many. Steps to raise Locust 
street above high water from Fifth south to the city limits were 
taken in April, 1852. G. J. Adams was manager of the National 
theater at this time; his rendition of Macbeth was praised. Mr. 
Mobley's bank offered 6 per cent on all deposits of six months or 
longer. Mount Pleasant and Air Hill were located back on the 
bluffs. W. A. Jones sold his interest in the Express at this date. 
At this time the land agencies of W. J. Barney & Co., Clark & 
Bissell and Wiltse & Lovell did an enormous business. About 
July I, 1852, Dennis A. Mahony bought Dr. Harrison Holt's inter- 
est in the Herald ; F. J. Stanton later secured this interest. Mr. 
Stanton's father lived at Dyersville, where later Mr. Stanton con- 
ducted the Dyersville Mercury. The telegraph line which had long 
been suspended resumed operations in July, 1852; the company 
was the Illinois and Mississippi Telegraph Company, in which sev- 
eral citizens of Dubuque held stock. Connected with the plank road 
were J. J. Dyer, J. P. Farley, Piatt Smith, L. Maloney and H. 
Thompson; three-inch oak plank were used and the cost was $3,175 
per mile. The levee between Fourth and Fifth streets was com- 
pleted in August. The council of 1852-3 deserved and received 
great credit for wide improvements to the city. 

Treasurer O'Halloran, in October, 1852, roused the ire of the 
council by making charges against them which reflected on their 
integrity; a committee was appointed to see what action if any 
should be taken. Several meetings were held and much difiference 
of opinion was expressed. A draft of the council was refused 
payment by Mr. O'Halloran on a disputed point, whereupon he was 
fined $100 by the unanimous vote of the council. The draft was 
for $3,000, which called for 612 sovereigns at $4.90 each and 
$1.20 in change. But the treasurer had only ofifered to give for 
sovereigns $4.85 each, thereby causing a loss of $30.60 to the agent 
or the city. The treasurer the next day claimed that the market 
value of sovereigns in New York was only $4.85. Legal action 
resulted, Mr. Burt serving as counsel for the city and Mr. Clark as 
counsel for Mr. O'Halloran. Due charges were preferred against 



96 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

the latter, to which Judge Clark demurred on the ground of want 
of jurisdiction. The treasurer finally asked for a compromise on 
a proposition suggested by one of the aldermen and approved by 
the mayor. The council refused to accept the compromise offered. 
Mr. Jennings, also representing the treasurer, appealed to the coun- 
cil not to pass the expelling resolution, declaring that action was 
taken "to save the treasurer harmless from loss in the receipt of 
currency." The mayor and Mr. Stout, alderman, opposed the 
resolution. Mr. Burt spoke at length for the city. The resolution 
removing him from office passed, Mr. Stout alone voting in the 
negative. Robert C. Waples, after a sharp contest in the council, 
was chosen treasurer to succeed Mr. O'Halloran. The latter was 
ordered to turn over all books, etc., belonging to the city and make 
final report. 

In 1851 the city exports were 4,287 tons; in 1852 they were 
13,284. The boat arrivals in 1851 were 351 and in 1852 were 417. 
A census of the city in February, 1852, showed over 5,000 inhabit- 
ants; by January, 1853, the population was about 6,500. In 1852 
about 100 new buildings of all kinds were erected, many of them 
were large brick structures. 

The new land districts of Chariton, Northern and Missouri river 
in 1852 took much business away from Dubuque. Sealed bids to 
raise all streets in the southern section above high water were 
called for in August. The capital of the Plank Road Company was 
raised from $8,000 to $25,000, but the road languished and failed 
to pay dividends. Permission to cut a channel through the outer 
island opposite Barney's cut was granted to a number of citizens. 
The lower part of Main street was paved in 1852. A new market 
place for the northern section was established between Eleventh 
and Twelfth streets on White; cost, $2,500. In the summer of 

1852 cholera again made its appearance here. Private individuals 
claiming an extension of their lots into the public cemetery caused 
contention and bitterness in 1852; there was a strong demand for 
a new and better cemetery at once. A ten-acre tract bought of 
Timothy Davis in 185 1 for a future cemetery was enclosed for 
hospital purposes. The old graveyard at what is now Jackson park 
was first laid out in 1833-34, and was fenced by subscription. In 

1853 the new cemetery was first opened, lots were sold and 
improvements were made. People whose fences had protected in 
part the old cemetery now removed them, leaving the graves exposed 
to cattle and hogs. 

Early in 1853 the new territory brought within the city limits 
was attached to the old wards. In February, Colonel McHenry 
was sent East to buy a fire engine. A loan of $20,000 was 
desired to carry on the following improvements: To continue the 
present harbor work ; to extend the work on the levee ; to improve 
the main roads leading out of the city ; to secure grounds for public 




ft'. vi.uS»3f '5 ', •'" 



RUINS OF THE OLD MILL 




LINWOOD 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 97 

building, including schoolhouses ; to purchase fire apparatus ; to 
improve streets ; to put in operation a system of common schools as 
per charter. In November, 1853, the five wards were bounded as 
follows: First — All west of Main and south of Fifth; Second — 
All east of Main and south of Eighth; Third — All east of Main 
between Eighth and Seventeenth ; Fourth — All west of Main and 
between Fifth and Seventeenth; Fifth— All north of Seventeenth 
and Mineral streets. Propositions to light the city with gas were 
received in August, 1853, from George Oelwine and others of Bos- 
ton, and Barker & SpeJlman of Cleveland. For schools $10,000 of 
the $20,000 loan was used. Temporary markets were permitted in 
1853. Bee Branch was being improved. Washington Fire Com- 
pany No. I presented its constitution in October, 1853, and asked 
for apparatus and buildings. A mass meeting in January, 1853, 
petitioned the council to buy an up-to-date fire engine and at once 
proceeded to organize hook and ladder and hose companies. M. 
Mobley was chairman of the citizens' fire committee. In 1853 there 
was a strong element in the city which began to oppose the con- 
struction of the canal along the city front ; they demanded that the 
work on the canal should be abandoned and the inner and other 
sloughs should be filled. Their plan meant the ultimate filling of all 
the sloughs and islands out to the main river channel. 

Early in 1853 the corporate limits were extended as follows: 
"Begmning at a point in the middle of the main channel of the 
Mississippi river in the south line continued of section 31, township 
89 north, range 3 east; thence west and on the south line of said 
section and of sections 36 and 35 in the same township and range 2 
east to the west line of said section 35 ; thence north on the west line 
of sections 35, 26, 23 and 14 to the north line of section 14; thence 
east on the north line of sections 13 and 14 to the range line between 
ranges 2 and 3 east; thence north along the same to the north line of 
section 7 of same township in range 3 east ; thence east along the 
north line of said section 7 and on the same continued to the middle 
of the main channel of the river, thence down said river to the 
beginning." 

Cook, Sargent, Barney & Co. began a banking and exchange 
business in April, 1853. The old banking house of W. J. 
Barney & Co. was dissolved. The work of Abel Hawley and 
of Captain Barney on the harbor continued to conflict, but peace 
was patched up by the council. F. S. Jesup & Co. began 
banking in April, 1853. Mr. Mobley was still doing a general 
banking business. The famous Iowa Iron Works began operations 
about this date, under Farley & Rouse. By the spring of 1853 
work on the canal was not profitable to the contractors and opera- 
tions languished. Dorzan, Delay & Murphy were contractors. 
The four original squares given to the city were the cemetery, after- 
ward Jackson park; a ten-acre tract where the courthouse stands 



98 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

and northward; one where the old jail stood; and one where Wash- 
ington square now is. The ten-acre tract was secured in order 
to be used as a donation to secure the state capital, and if that 
object should fail, to be used for any other public object. The 
ground at Washington square was intended originally for a sem- 
inary. It was declared in 1853 that all these squares except Wash- 
ington, had been diverted from the uses originally intended. — 
(Express, February 23, 1853.) In April a fire engine was ordered 
from Hunnerman & Co. In 1852-3 Waple's cut afforded access of 
boats to the wharf; it was where the ice harbor now is. 

"We never saw more strange faces in Dubuque than at the 
present time. Applications for dwellings and business houses are 
daily made, but with little success. We want more buildings in 
Dubuque. Rents are high." — (Express, May 4, 1853.) 

Bricks, lumber and other building materials were so scarce in the 
spring of 1853 that frantic calls for more were made by citizens 
and newspapers. 

"Strangers — Our city is crowded at this time with strangers. 
Every other man we meet on the street, nearly, is a stranger. Many 
of them are seeking locations for business." — (Express, May 18, 

1853-) 

In May, 1853, James Burt, M. McNamara and H. L. Stout, a 

coinmittee of the council appointed to investigate and report upon 
the finances, issued a statement showing that for the previous year, 
instead of there having been a shortage of $2,116.24, there was 
really a surplus of $508.76 due to a mistake in figures. Hospital 
grounds costing $625 and bonds to J. P. Farley on the dredge boat 
to the amount of $2,000, wrongly charged, made this difference. 
Another $2,000 on the dredge boat had been wrongly charged. It 
was now figured that there was in the treasury $360.18. The har- 
bor tax of 1852 realized by May, 1853, $10,999.50; city tax of 
1852, $2,780.59; sale of bonds (filling up), $4,000; $10,000 city 
bonds sold, $10,188.89; Bogy's ferry license, $100; wharfage, $195 ; 
fine on B. J. O'Halloran, $100; tax on dogs, $120. These and other 
items gave a total of $32,104.65. Among the expenses were $232.85 
on the public square; lime for streets, $164.83; coffins, digging 
graves, etc., $212.73; fencing graveyard, etc., $191.41 ; Marine hos- 
pital building, $325; furnishing and attending the same, $170.26; 
candles for the council, $5.43 ; city health officer, $2^ ; raising Locust 
street south, $734.48; raising other streets south of First, $4,000; 
work on wharf and landing, $1,626.04; sewer on Fourteenth street, 
etc., $2,249.65 ; spent on Bluff street, $576.75 ; spent on Second and 
Fourth streets, $900; improvements north of Tenth street, $650; 
spent on Sixth street, $800; harbor bond and interest to Farley, 
$2,374.70; paid A. Hawley on dredging contract, $2,750; same 
dredging slough, $1,200; canal excavation, $710. Quite a large 
sum was paid out for interest on the various loans. The total 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 99 

expenses were $24,859.21, leaving on hand $7,245.44. During llic 
fiscal year 1852-3 there was received in city scrip $4,938.55 ; and 
in harbor and loan fund orders, $14,770.90. Of bonds and scrip 
there was only a small amount left outstanding. Fault was found 
that the merchants' licenses should aggregate less than $400. "The 
enlarged limits of the city will yield a large increase of revenue for 
the coming year at the lowest rate of levy heretofore adopted ; and 
your committee anticipate with pleasure the relief granted to their 
fellow citizens from the harbor taxation which has been levied for 
the past two years, but which has now expired," said the committee. 
The citizens were congratulated on the promptness with which they 
had paid their harbor tax, there being delinquent at the close of the 
year $16,885, ^"d $186.51 paid by the city at tax sales. — {Express, 
May 18, 1853.) 

The city printing went from the Express to the Herald in May, 
1853. All of the positions except two in the surveyor general's 
office went to the Democrats as a result of the change in the 
national administration in the spring of 1853. Captain E. Vanmcter 
and Andrew Keesecker became connected with the Express in June, 
1853. The city vote on the question of borrowing $20,000 was 
III for the loan and 55 against it. In June, 1853, Dubuque suc- 
ceeded in securing the postoffice distributing station from Galena, 
to the intense regret of the latter and the joy of the former. There 
were several. 

"Never did the general appearance of things in our midst indi- 
cate so much life, buoyancy and prosperity in every description of 
business. New houses are going up in all parts of the city on 
ground hitherto unoccupied and old buildings (and often good ones) 
are tearing down to make room for more substantial and magnifi- 
cent edifices. Our hotels are thronged with strangers and the tide 
of immigration, though the season is far advanced, is still unchecked. 
Business of all kinds is stirred with astonishing activity. These 
things are apparent to every eye. The natural advantages of 
Dubuque are rapidly developing under the thoroughgoing enter- 
prise of her people. These things let us know that a brilliant future 
for Dubuque is no longer hypothetical." — {Express, June 29, 1853.) 

"No period within the history of Dubuque has presented a greater 
amount and variety of improvements than the present. Buildings 
are going up or being torn down in all directions. One year ago 
we predicted 20,000 population in the space of five years. We 
were then laughed at. One thing is settled, Dubuque is to be the 
great central business focus of the Northwest." — {Express, August 

3, 1853-) 

In August, 1853, the river was at the lowest stage and two 
dredge boats were at work on the harbor. In August, 1853, Patrick 
Quigley, receiver, took from this land office to St. Louis by the 
steamer Lamartine $260,000 in specie ; this sum had been received 



loo HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

at Dubuque, Iowa City, Fort Des Moines and Chariton. The new- 
fire engine was expected in September, 1853, and steps to organize 
companies were taken, but many asked, "Why organize when we 
have no water?" It was argued that the reservoirs along Main 
street were amply sufficient, but they were private property. 

In August, 1853, Jesup & Co. agreed to take the entire issue of 
$20,000 city bonds, providing the city would give them a mortgage 
on the islands opposite the city as security. They agreed on the 
same conditions to take the former issue of $10,000 in bonds. All 
of this was agreed to by the city council. Barker & Spellman were 
awarded the gas contract in August for a term of twenty-five years. 
J. A. Linnell wrote good poetry for the newspapers in 1853. The 
Dubuque savings bank was opened by Jesup & Co. in 1853. The 
large store of Waples & Co. in McClure's building at Main and 
Seventh streets was burned in September, 1853 ; the total loss was 
about $20,000; Waples' net loss was $9,500. Cherry Hill was the 
name given in 1853 to the new cemetery. The contract for gas with 
Barker & Spellman provided that the cost to the city should not 
exceed $2.50 nor to individuals should not exceed $3.50 per thou- 
sand feet. The organization became known as the Key City Gas 
Company. Their charter has been continued from time to time 
down to the present date. In September, 1853, a large bar had 
formed in the main river and w^as a great hindrance to navigation. 

In 1853 there was much conflict between the upper and lower 
sections of the city over council favors ; neither received an improve- 
ment that was not begrudged by the other. "If one got a plum the 
other must have two." Late in 1853 the location of the depot of 
the Dubuque & Pacific railway became a bone of contention between 
the two or three sections and caused much ill will and vexation. 
Late in 1853 the demand to change harbor plans became too strong 
to be hushed or ignored. "Fill up, fill up!" was the cry. The 
Herald favored filling the sloughs; so did General Jones. Orig- 
inally, and but a short time before, the citizens had voted almost 
unanimously in favor of the canal plan. 

"Two short years ago the almost unanimous vote of the citizens 
of Dubuque was in favor of the present harbor improvement that is 
now denounced. Much time and labor was expended in adopting 
the present projected improvement which is now condemned by 
persons who have never taken the trouble of examining the subject 
for themselves. Thus too it was with the Dubuque and Keokuk 
railroad ; thus it was with the Big Sioux railroad ; thus it is with 
the Dubuque and Pacific railroad, and thus it is with all our steam- 
boat projects; thev excite us for the time by their novelty, but that 
over they are consigned to oblivion. Dubuquers, hear me ! Such a 
vacillating course never attained an extraordinary advantage, nor 
never will. Question: Has anyone any idea of what it would cost 
to fill up the sloughs and islands above high water mark to the main 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY loi 

river along the whole front of the city?" — (A Tax Payer, in 
Express, February 14, 18154.) 

In January, 1854, there were two dailies — Herald and Miners' 
Express; one tri-weekly, the Herald; four weeklies, Tribime 
(Whig), lozva State Democrat, Miners' Express, North West 
Demokrat (in German) ; two monthlies, School Journal and Legal 
Inquisitor. There was demanded here early in 1854 — better harbor 
work ; improvement of city finances ; more wholesale houses ; better 
fire protection ; improvement of the mail service ; better market 
places ; a new jail ; better sanitation ; better men in office, and more 
dwellings and business houses. The proposition of giving Brush 
island to the Dubucjue and Pacific Railway Company as a site for 
their depot was considered early in 1854 and submitted to the voters 
with the following result: For the grant, 666; against the grant, 
285. The Third and Fifth wards voted against it. This vote was 
understood to indicate that the sloughs and islands were in time to 
be filled up. The Herald favored the grant and the Express opposed 
it. Companies to fill up the sloughs were projected early in 1854. 
One causeway was planned to extend along the south side of 
Waples' cut (now the ice harbor). Its cost was estimated at 
$74,000. 

"In whatever part of the city you visit you will discover the 
preparations for extensive building this spring and summer. We 
understand that contracts for the erection of some twenty new 
business houses on Main street are already let. There never has 
been a spring within the history of Dubucjue when such an activity 
prevailed in the building line." — (Express, March 11, 1854.) 

"All know our city has suffered greatly for the last fifteen years, 
in her business and reputation, at home and abroad, in consequence 
of the extreme difficulty of getting to and from the river in low 
water. Strangers destined for Dubuque (ladies not infrequently) 
have been landed from steamboats at night upon the outer island 
and were compelled to grope their way by land and slough to the 
city, benumbed and saturated with rain. Our own merchants, busi- 
ness men and hotel keepers can attest the hardships they have been 
subjected to, in getting to and from the river a great portion of the 
year."^ — (John King, in Express, March 14, 1854.) 

"From present unmistakable indications Dubuque in 1855 will be 
a city of ten if not twelve thousand inhabitants. Scarcely a day goes 
by that it does not bring new acquisitions to the city. The streets 
are crowded with strangers, new signs are going up in every direc- 
tion and strangers daily inquire in vain for dwellings and business 
houses. Business men predict that three times the number of build- 
ings will go up this season than have ever gone up in any one season 
before." — (Express, March 14, 1854.) 

"A perfect army of emigrants passed up Main street about one 



I02 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

o'clock in regular military order with rifles on their shoulders." — 
{Express, March 15, 1854.) 

"Visitors and emigrants are flocking to the city by scores. Never 
before was this city so crowded with strangers." — {Express, March 
28, 1854.) 

An immense meeting of the citizens to consider the propriety and 
utility of building one or more causeways from the main land to the 
river was held early in 1854 and resolutions favoring that project 
were passed and referred to the city council. Before this date a bill 
in Congress relinquished to the city the old cemetery at the "north 
end of Main street" (Jackson Park). Rev. Henry Clay Dean lec- 
tured on "Temperance" at Globe hall in February, 1854. The 
Express had opposed his views and was caustically criticised by Mr. 
Dean. In February, 1854, the first number of the Dubuque 
Observer was issued by C. J. Chapline & Co. It was a Whig sheet 
and from the start savagely assailed the Catholic church. In 
February, 1854, the Express claimed 7,000 population for Dubuque. 
The city was growing beyond all expectations and to the delight 
and astonishment of the older residents. The outlook was bright in 
the extreme. Within one year real estate had doubled and tripled 
and rents had gone up correspondingly and were soaring to still 
higher altitudes. There was great demand for a steamboat landing 
where boats could come to the main land at the lowest stages of 
water. 

In March, 1854, W. A. Adams succeeded A. P. Wood as pro- 
prietor of the Tribune. The long expected new fire engine arrived 
April 3, 1854, and the same day the Washington Company appeared 
in uniform and gave it a trial. The Baubiens were patrons of the 
turf, ran daily stages westward and had a large livery stable and a 
number of fast horses, among them being the famous "John," a 
trotter with time of about 2 :40. J. B. Dorr was with the Herald in 
1854. The newly submerged insulated gutta percha telegraph wire 
or cable was in operation in March, 1854; Mr. Linnell, operator. 
At this time two rooms in the market house were fitted up for the 
new fire engine. In April, 1854, there were four daily newspapers 
— Express, Herald, Tribune and Observer. At this time the hotels 
were turning away hundreds of guests — were filled to overflowing; 
citizens proposed to erect a new and gigantic hotel. The rent of 
Waples' storeroom at Main and Fifth was fixed at $1,200, an un- 
heard of price here. The total receipts of the city for the fiscal year 
1853-4 were $38,952.96 and the total expenses, $41,415. The 
Lorimier hollow improvement alone cost $7,000. The city council 
occupied Globe hall at an annual rental of $175. 

The Philharmonic Society was organized in May, 1854, the object 
being "to cultivate a knowledge of music." It was noted May 30, 
1854, by the Express that in six squares on Main street alone 
twenty-two buildings were in progress of erection. In May, 1854, 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 103 

Mr. Anderson, who had just taken the census of the city, reported 
a population of 6,715 of actual residents and between 600 and 700 
non-residents. 

"Advance in Property. — One year ago last January the Waples' 
House was bought for $12,500. Recently the Messrs. Gages, pro- 
prietors of the Tremont House, Chicago, offered $25,000 for it, all 
cash up. The offer was refused and the property was held at 
$35,000. This is a sufficient commentary upon the growth and 
prosperity of Dubuque." — {Express, May 23, 1854.) 

Two-thirds of the citizens petitioned the council to pave Main 
street from First to Eighth streets, the citizens and the city each to 
bear one-half of the expense. Lots here were valued at $100 a front 
foot. The new fire engine proved to be poor and unsatisfactory ; the 
company in disgust disbanded. 

In lieu of the old plan of a long canal, the causeway plan 
proposed to build a plank road bed supported on piles at an elevation 
above that stage of water affording free ingress and egress to boats 
of the largest class, of not less width than Main street and with a 
landing 300 feet long and about 150 feet wide sloping toward the 
water. Two causeways were planned — one just south of Waples' 
cut and one just north of Barney's cut, both to extend out to the 
main river channel, the two cuts and the canal to remain open. The 
gas company announced that as soon as they received 200 steady 
customers they would begin to supply gas. In August, 1854, the 
council planned to buy the Plank road, providing the company 
would accept city bonds in payment. F. E. Bissell was sent to 
Milwaukee to settle with Abel Hawley. The latter gave up the 
dredge boat and $1,000 to be released. In September, 1854, the 
council voted four to three in favor of submitting to the voters the 
question of a $50,000 loan to be used in building causeways to the 
river. 

The Dubuque Gas Light and Coke Company was incorporated in 
September, 1854, with a capital of $150,000. On September 28, 
1854, a public meeting to organize a board of trade was held at 
Globe hall. The meeting was adjourned and at the second meeting 
few were present and not a miller. Later the organization was 
effected with F. V. Goodrich, president; Edwin James, Jr., secre- 
tary, and M. Mobley, treasurer. Early in October, 1854, a Mrs. 
Jones delivered to the ladies of Dubuque a course of lectures on 
anatomy and physiology. The big cistern for the gasometer was 
down fifteen feet by the middle of October, 1854. "Verily, this is 
an age of progress — Dubuque and gaslight," said the Observer. 
The attempt in October to form a temperance league did not receive 
much encouragement. 

The Methodist conference was held in this city in October, 1854. 
Rev. Henry Clay Dean was present and delivered from the pulpit 
an address attacking in severe terms Knovvnothingism, which 



104 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

address was caustically commented upon by the Obserirr. His 
utterances concerning Catholicism particularly unbottled the wrath, 
criticism and denunciation of that paper. 

"We learn that the cholera is prevailing at Dubuque to such an 
extent that many people have left the city in consequence thereof." 
- — St. Paul Express. "There have been a few cases of cholera in 
Dubuque, confined principally to the floating population, and some 
few have died. To our knowledge there has been no panic or 
excitement whatever in regard to it, and we have not heard of any 
of our citizens flying from it." — {Observer, August i8, 1854.) 

In October, 1854, J. B. Dorr withdrew from the Herald; where- 
upon that sheet and the Miners' Express united under the name 
Express and Herald. 

"The Daily Miners' Express is dead, buried and resurrected — its 
death was sudden, decomposition rapid and fusion with neutral 
elements instantaneous. Out of this fused union of apparently 
incongruous elements springs into the glorious life and liberty of 
democratic existence a journal to be entitled the Express and 
Herald, to be enlarged and issued from the Herald office. Who 
fathers this new production, or who will nurse its infancy and 
guide it to manhood doth not yet appear. The union is wonderful 
— chemical synthesis is at fault for Merritt and Mahony are one." 
— (Said the Observer, October 27, 1854.) 

During 1854 Main street was macadamized and guttered, its 
pavements were improved and sheds and awnings in front were 
done away with. "When all are removed, the streets lighted with 
gas and the many splendid blocks of buildings now in process of 
erection are completed, Dubuquers may well be proud of the main 
street of their growing city." — {Observer, November 3, 1854.) 

"Among the few things yet necessary to make Dubuque a city 
of conveniences may be enumerated water works, gaslight, a few 
more hundreds of dwellings, harbor improvements completed, 
reliable connection with the railroad at Galena and a line of steam- 
boats to secure the Minnesota trade." The board of trade promised 
to accomplish these improvements. 

In September, 1854, there was paid at one time for improve- 
ments on the Lorimier hollow road the sum of $14,375.56. The 
estimated cost of the lower causeway was $39,353. In November, 
1854, the city secured a deed to that portion of the Plank road 
within the city limits. By November, 1854, several four-story 
brick buildings were standing on Main or cross streets. It was in 
1854, at the time the board of trade was organized, that herculean 
efforts to extend the wholesale trade were made with much success. 
Dr. Thomas was connected with the Dubuque Observer, which was 
the enemy of Catholicism and an advocate of Knownothingism. 
At this time a wave against Catholicism swept the whole country; 
in fact, Knownothingism was a manifestation of this waA^e. A 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 105 

typographical union was organized in November, 1854, with 
Andrew Keesecker president. Money was very tight at this time. 
The Female Benevolent Society, a Protestant organization, did 
much good during the winter of 1854-5. City water works were 
demanded in November, 1854, to take the place of the water ped- 
dlers. On November 21 the first gas pipes were laid on Main 
street. The Dubuque Teachers' Institute opened December 10. 
Robert C. Waples founded Key West in 1854. 

In December, 1854, Merritt, Mahony and Dorr were publishers 
and proprietors of the Express and Herald. In December, 1854, 
there was not a pork packing house in the city. Why not? was 
asked by the press. 

During tiie year 1854 the tonnage of imports to Dubuque 
amounted to 97,633, the largest items being, square timber, 40,580; 
pine lumber and shingles, 14,972; cordwood, 11,400; groceries, 
9,052; emigrants' fixtures, 7,320; dry goods, 5,226; iron, steel and 
nails, 3,600. The total value was $4,933,208. The tonnage of 
exports from Dubuque amounted to 11,736, the principal items 
being, lead, 4,385; iron, steel and nails, 1,200; groceries, 780; flour, 
880; cattle, 650; household furniture, 720; potatoes, 480; wheat, 
540; dry goods, 265. All were valued at $1,573,408. The total 
number of tons exported from Dubuque on the Mississippi river 
for 1853 was 7,482 ; value, $1,006,710. The same tonnage for 1854 
was as above, 11,736, value, $1,573,408. In 1854, 38,400 men, 
women and children crossed the ferry at Dubuque ; wagons, 4,300 ; 
carriages, 2,100; cattle, 9,518; sheep, 2,708; hogs, 6,630. In 1853 
the number of persons who crossed the river was 6,200; wagons, 
2,404; carriages, 3,010; horses, 6,821; cattle, 5,506; sheep, 300; 
hogs, 520. In 1854 about 9,000 of the persons crossing were Iowa 
emigrants. The steamer arrivals in 1854 were 672; departures, 
670, an increase of about 175 over 1853. Navigator, Hamburgh, 
United States dredge boat G. W. Jones, ferry boats A. L. Gregoire, 
Utah, Dora and Eagle wintered at Dubuque 1854-5 ; also several 
flats and barges. In 1854 the steamboat lines had all done a good 
business. The remarkable number of 333 new buildings were 
erected in Dubuque in 1854, of which T^y were stores, 107 dwellings, 
3 churches, 12 schoolhouses, i market house, 3 hotels, 3 wagon 
shops, 2 breweries, 2 warehouses, etc. At the close of 1854 the 
city had 1 1 churches, i female college, i college, 5 select or summer 
schools, 28 dry goods stores, 22 groceries, 5 hardware stores, 7 
drug stores, 14 clothing stores, 7 boot and shoe stores, 8 hotels, 5 
warehouses, 10 millinery shops, 18 land agency offices, 24 law 
offices, 14 medical offices, 13 beer houses and all other branches of 
business; 1,520 mechanics, 38 lawyers, 23 doctors. Nine stages left 
Dubuque daily. Total value of Dubuque county property for taxa- 
tion, $5,390,230; city tax, $17,000; total county tax, $57,000. — 
(Statistics furnished the papers by G. R. West, January 8, 1855.) 



io6 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

During the winter of 1854-5 business men suffered great incon- 
venience and loss at Dunleith by freight handlers who purposely- 
delayed goods in order to obtain freight charges and who when 
they advanced the freight to the railway charged 5 per cent for 
such service. These and the ferry and dray charges were too heavy 
to be borne with patience and the business men justly held indigna- 
tion meetings. 

There were several business failures early in 1855. In February 
the city was almost wholly without fire fighting apparatus. Efforts 
to form a new company were made. In the spring of 1855 the 
Sisters' hospital was used by the city. In 1855 W. Langworthy 
sold fruit trees at Pleasant Hill nursery back of the city. In 
January, 1855, H. L. Stout and sixteen others, upon petition, were 
granted the exclusive privilege of supplying the city with water by 
water works. Seventy-five citizens petitioned to have Sixth street 
extended to the river, but this was evaded or refused and the council 
called for proposals to extend First and Seventh streets to the river. 
The council offered a reward of $500 for information leading to the 
conviction of any person guilty of arson within the city limits. A 
bill for the suppression of intemperance was opposed in the legisla- 
ture by Representative Samuels on constitutional grounds ; this 
prohibitory law was passed in February, 1855. City scrip at this 
date was worth 90 cents on the dollar. In January, 1855, the 
proposition of a company of citizens to fill in lands on the front 
upon certain conditions was refused by the council. As public sen- 
timent and judgment favored some such plan at this time, the 
council finally called for plans to extend Seventh street to the river. 
The city received four proposals to extend Seventh street to the 
river: i. J. H. Emerson and others; 2. John D. Bush & Co.; 3. 
Alfred McDaniel, and 4. M. Mobley and others. 

The Mobley proposal, which was substantially accepted, planned 
to fill up Seventh street extension and bridge the sloughs with double 
track bridges in three months or fifteen months at the most ; fill up 
Seventh street forty feet on top in twenty months ; build a levee 320 
feet long and sixty-four feet wide. Consideration was to be a strip 
of ground one block wide out to the river on one side of Seventh 
street extended, blocks to be 206 feet deep, as soon as the work 
was half done; also alternate blocks on the other side; also the right 
to use the dredge boat for three years. This organization was 
known as the Harbor Improvement Company. In it were M. 
Mobley, Lincoln Clark, L. H. Langworthy, J. L. Langworthy, T. S. 
Wilson and James Ogilby. Another company, called Dubuque 
Harbor Company, composed of Charles Gregoire, H. L. Stout and 
eight others, agreed to build a similar causeway south of Waples' 
cut, the consideration to be all the city land south of the cut except 
enough for streets, alleys, etc. They agreed to extend Jones or 
Dodge street to the river. Both of the above propositions were 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 107 

accepted by the city council, and thus Second and Seventh streets 
were to be extended to the river. In short, the Gregoire Company 
was to build 800 feet of levee to be used as a public highway. They 
completed their contract within one year, and were incorporated in 
February, 1856. as the Dubuque Harbor Company; their land 
extended from the Waples' cut southward about 3,400 feet. The 
city reserved the frontage on the river and on Waples' cut. The 
railroad owned a small tract below the cut ; they exchanged this for 
ten acres farther south and extending from the river to Main street. 
The Dubuque Harbor Company sold many lots at good prices to 
private individuals. 

Any bridges between Barney's cut and Waples' cut were to be 
draw bridges ; all bridges above Barney's cut and below Waples' cut 
were to be fixtures. Thus boats passing in at either cut could go on 
through the canal and out at the other cut. From time to time 
changes were made in the original contracts with these companies. 
The lower company built a railroad from the bluffs to the sloughs to 
convey earth, stone, etc. 

In the spring of 1855 Washington Fire Company No. i raised 
the means to buy a new fire engine and 500 feet of hose. In March, 
1855, when the Bishop of Dubuque issued a communication to his 
clergymen favoring the passage of the Iowa Prohibition law, the 
Tribune, really a Knownothing sheet, commended the act in warm 
terms, while the Herald laughed at the incongruity ; the latter pub- 
lished twenty-five objections to the law. Immense temperance 
meetings were held here while the bill was pending. One of the 
big meetings of Protestants thanked Bishop Loras for his letter to 
the Catholics of Iowa. Rev. W. Guernsey, a fiery Congregational 
minister, called Ben. M. Samuels, who had opposed the prohibitory 
law in the legislature, the "gutter champion." The Bishop later 
said he favored no political party — was simply in favor of tem- 
perance and against the liquor interests. The Germans of Dubuque 
did all they could to defeat the prohibitory law. They held mass 
meetings and passed resolutions denouncing the bill. 

In March, 1855, Horace Greeley lectured at the Congregational 
church on "Henry Clay." In April, 1855, A. W. Hackley was 
editor and proprietor of the Daily Tribune. General Jesup wrote 
for local newspapers his memoirs of forty-five years in tiie army. 
April 10, 1855, there was about $20,000 city scrip in circulation and 
not a dollar in the city treasury with which to redeem it. 

"It Opens Well. — The spring business never before opened with 
such flattering prospects as it does this season. Dubuque is unmis- 
takably going ahead. It is as much as we can do to keep posted on 
the progress of the place." — (Express and Herald, April 12, 1855.) 

The first city gas lamps were erected April 23, 1855, one at the 
corner of Main and Fifth streets being the first ; it stood in front of 
the Globe building. The posts were of cast iron and were made by 



io8 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Farley & Rouse. For the fiscal year 1854-5 the total receipts were 
$35,162, and the total expenses $35,923 ; the total city debt in April, 
1855, was $51,167.40. Of this sum the two items of $10,000 and 
$20,000 were bonded and were taken by Jesup & Co. and sold in the 
East. Alderman Bissell gave his legal advice to the council in 
1854-5, refused compensation therefor and was thanked by the 
council. Several mad dogs and madder citizens were seen upon the 
streets in 1855. C. C. Childs issued a city directory this year. In 
1855-6 the council paid $200 for the use of Globe hall. George W. 
Jones asked to have Lorimier hollow road widened and the name 
changed to Appian Way. Alderman Samuels objected and had the 
street named Julien avenue. The buildings on Main street were 
numbered in April. Theatrical performances were rendered in 
Globe hall. In May a joint stock company was formed to build a 
theater. Allen Leathers was granted exclusive omnibus privileges ; 
he ran a bus every thirty minutes the whole length of Main street 

In 1855 the city council passed an ordinance against steamboats 
receiving or discharging freight here on Sundays; many objected to 
this ordinance and asked, "Why not stop ferry whistles and close 
all shops?" 

"Yesterday morning about half past seven o'clock the construc- 
tion train of the Illinois Central railroad came through to the 
terminus of the road opposite this city. Passenger trains will com- 
mence running regularly to and from Dubuque and Dunleith on 
Monday next. This event should be commemorated by our citi- 
zens." — (Express and Herald, June 2, 1855.) 

"There is now a bridge across the slough and connecting the 
main island with the business part of the city. Boats are now 
landing on the outer island and hacks and carts are running to and 
from Main street to the deep water of the Mississippi. This is an 
important fact for Dubuque. Seventh street also will soon be com- 
pleted to the deep water of the main river." — {Express and Herald, 
June 13, 1855.) 

At Globe hall in 1855 were presented Othello, Lady of Lyons, 
Merchant of Venice, Richard III., The Drunkard, King of the 
People, The Wife, etc. 

In June, 1855, the council appropriated $500 to celebrate the 
completion of the railroad to Dunleith and the introduction of gas 
in the city. On June 22, eleven steamboats arrived here; there 
were from four to six arrivals every day. Mrs. McCready, dramatic 
reader, was here and was assisted by Miss Nellie Bishop. ]Mahony 
and Dorr were state printers from 1853 to 1855 inclusive. In 1855 
the bodies in the old cemetery were removed by H. Krohl to the 
new cemetery. In 1855 the mayor who had no veto power was 
granted the right to file his objections to any act he was compelled 
to sign. The liquor license was $150. Caroline Lee Phelps was 
secretary of the Female Union Benevolent Society in 1854; Mrs. 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 109 

J. C. Higginson succeeded her in 1855, at which time Mrs. F. V. 
Goodrich was president. The first train arrived at Dunleith June 
26, 1855, and on July 18 the event was celebrated here. General 
Tripp was marshal of the day. At sunrise a salute was fired from 
the bluff, during which the right arm and left hand of a James Best 
were badly mangled ; this frightful accident marred the whole day. 
A subscription was raised for him; he had four little children. 
Many prominent men were invited to be present. Delegations came 
from Cleveland, Chicago and other cities. The Masons, Odd Fel- 
lows, city and county officials, workingmen and others paraded. 
Lincoln Clark welcomed the guests. Stephen A. Douglas, Mayor 
Cook of Buffalo, Ben M. Samuels, George L. Nightingale, Judge 
T. S. Wilson and others addressed the audience at Washington 
Park. There was much complaint in 1855 because the council did 
not take definite action concerning the public schools. Action 
against liquor dealers who violated the Iowa prohibitory law was 
taken in July, 1855, by the seizure of liquors. On August 27, 
Brooks ascended in the balloon Comet from the hill near General 
Jones' ; crossed the river into Illinois and landed safely far down 
the stream. A large crowd saw the ascension. An old lady present 
exclaimed, "What a happy man he is to get so near heaven ; bless 
the Lord!" By the last of August, 1855, the bridges over the 
sloughs on Jones and Seventh streets were almost completed. Jones 
street was hurriedly graded at both ends so that teams could reach 
the levee. The north half of the island between the river and outer 
slough and above Barney's cut went to the Dubuque & Pacific rail- 
road. 

After September 23, 1855, passenger trains over the Illinois 
Central railway ran regularly to and from Dunleith ; the ferry 
ran in connection with the trains, but there was much complaint 
over dela3's and unfair tactics. A general plan to widen and 
improve all the streets and adjacent roads was set in operation 
late in 1855. The leading hotels were: City Hotel, by C. C. 
Hewitt & Co. ; Julien House, by Kinginan & Rhodes ; Peaslee 
House, by A. H. Peaslee ; Key City House, by Q. H. Lockwood, 
and Washington House, by Lee and Gray. 

"Indian trails and miners' paths there were through Dirty hollow, 
over Whisky and Hamilton hills, through the tortuous windings of 
Madden hollow, over the rugged ascent of Lorimier hollow, now 
Julien avenue, and through several other wild ravines and over the 
craggy steeps of the bluffs around the city. The only unobstructed 
approach to the city was by way of what is called the Couler at the 
upper end of town. Farmers, of course, complained, but their com- 
plaints were for some time unheeded. They had to watch the 
opportunity of fair weather to come to town and wait for each other 
at the foot of the hills to double and sometimes treble teams to help 
each other through. This process went on for years until other 



no HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

markets superseded this largely. Galena enterprise put a ferry 
across the river at Tete des Mortes and secured much of the trade 
of Jackson and southern Dubuque counties. Other points — Bellevue, 
Muscatine and Davenport — drew from the county west. It was 
then realized that Dubuque would have to improve its Indian trails 
and miners' paths." — {Express and Herald, October 24, 1855.) 

Mahony and Dorr had business difficulties in the Express and 
Herald which were settled by tlie courts, Dorr remaining in pos- 
session. An immense coal yard, one of the first, was established 
here in October, 1855; coal was worth 30 cents a bushel and wood 
$5 a cord. In October, 1855, city scrip was worth only 75 cents on 
the dollar. Immense public works were under contract and the city 
needed at once $100,000. The Dubuque Library Association was 
organized late in 1855 with Piatt Smith president; Austin Adams, 
vice president; J. S. Blatchley, librarian. The object was to collect 
a library of general literature. In October, 1855, a special census 
showed 12,056 population in the city. Mandel Brothers (after- 
wards of Chicago) were prominent merchants in 1855. In a vote 
for the issuance of $100,000 in city bonds for general improvements 
the result was ninety-seven for the loan and forty-seven against it — 
a very light and unsatisfactory vote. The measure carried, being 
over two-thirds of all the votes polled. Protection Fire Company 
No. 2 was organized November 6 with thirty members under J. A. 
Parker, foreman. The Express and Herald under Dorr was less 
abusive, personal and libelous than it had been under Mahony. The 
city had over 12,000 inhabitants, but no efficient apparatus to fight 
fire. Two boxes sent from the land office here to New York and 
supposed to contain $25,000 in gold was found in New York to 
contain buck shot, pressed balls and sheet lead. The express com- 
pany ofifered $10,000 for the recovery of the money and $15,000 
for the arrest and conviction of the thieves. On November 16, 
1855, the suspended Dubuque Literary Institute was reorganized 
with John Hodgdon president ; a series of lectures was planned. 
On November 24 C. C. Flint began the publication of the daily and 
weekly Republican. 

James L. Langworthy, Edward Langworthy, Lucius H. Lang- 
worthy and Solon M. Langworthy did a large banking business in 
Dubuque in 1855 under the name of "J. L. Langworthy & Brothers, 
Exchange Bankers." They offered to enter land for any one in the 
Dubuque, Decorah, Brownsville and Winona land offices on time. 
They received deposits and sold exchange on the East. They dealt 
in real estate. 

"Many of us remember and some of us exult over the victory 
obtained by the people in their contest with the Miners' Bank of 
Dubuque, yet most of us meanly submit to be swindled by less 
responsible financiers than were the heads of the monster which 
the people have exultingly slain. Why was it that the Miners' Bank 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY in 

was put down while the notes of other banks are circulated among 
us as money? There is no reason for making this distinction — for 
preferring the notes of the Bank of Galena, for example, to those 
of Major Mobley." The editor ended by appealing to the citizens 
"to get rid of the lying, swindling promises to pay that have driven 
from us the eagles, half eagles and sovereigns and we shall soon 
again be gratified with the sight of old friends who never break 
their promise. It is an injustice to our fellow citizens who have 
the peculiar talent for the business of financiering to place them 
under a ban, while strangers are given the preference." 

"Dubuque Loan. — The city and county of Dubuque have nego- 
tiated a loan of $400,000 by Marie and Kanz, of New York, and 
F. S. Jesup & Co., of Dubuque. The loan was made to pay the 
subscriptions of the city and county to the Dubuque & Pacific rail- 
road. The coupons are payable in Berlin, Prussia, and the bonds 
bear 8 per cent interest. They are guaranteed by an equal amount 
of the stock of the road." — {E. & H., November, 1855.) 

In 1855 ^he future prospects of Dubuque were bright and 
auspicious. Settlers were pouring by the thousands into Iowa, and 
in fact into the entire West. Chicago was growing with astonish- 
ing rapidity, as indeed were hundreds of other villages, towns and 
cities in the Mississippi valley. It was believed here that Dubuque 
was certain to become one of the greatest, if not the greatest, cities 
in the United States at no distant date — fifteen years, said the 
Express and Herald of November 27. It was noted that never 
before had the prospects of the city been so promising. "A person 
cannot take a minute's walk through this city now without having 
his attention engaged by evidences of progress and commercial 
prosperity, no matter in what direction he may turn his eyes. In 
anticipation of what Dubuque is destined to be every dollar that 
can be spared is invested in real estate." It was advised that all 
lead of this region should be manufactured here into lead products, 
and the same of wheat, which was not the case at that time. "Here 
in the midst of the lead region Dubuque ought not to send away a 
pig of lead except in the shape of white lead, shot, etc. ; but instead 
of this being the case, this city exports the raw material to be 
manufactured elsewhere and brings back the same lead manufac- 
tured into shot, white lead, leaden pipe and other commodities. 
Not a bushel of wheat ought to be exported from this place, except 
as manufactured into flour; yet it is notorious that vast quantities 
of wheat find its way to the eastern and southern markets from this 
city." Many new business houses and buildings were promised for 
1856. At this time five different railways had reached or practically 
reached the Mississippi river from the East, and it was firmly 
believed here that with proper efifort Dubuque could be made the 
metropolis of the Mississippi valley. And the citizens prepared to 



112 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

make such effort. In one day in November at Dubuque applications 
were filed for 200,000 acres. 

"Yesterday Mr. Quigley, son of the receiver of public moneys at 
Dubuque, deposited with the sub-treasurer the sum of $300,000 
received in payment for public lands. The money was conveyed on 
the Illinois Central and the Ohio & Mississippi railroads in the 
charge of five persons employed for the purpose." The express 
company was angry and made unwarranted exactions that caused 
sharp criticism. 

'"A larger number of good, substantial buildings have been erected 
in Dubuque this season than in any previous year." — (Express and 
Herald, November 30, 1855.) Buildings by Doyle & Shine, Peaslee 
& House, Kniest & Lenssen, J. P. Farley and forty to fifty others of 
less note, among which was that of John D. Jennings, called "Com- 
mercial Row," containing a dozen or so of business occupants 
were erected. "The number of new firms is alone sufficient testi- 
mony of the rapid expansion of every branch of business. The ad- 
ditional number of houses does not at all diminish the business of 
those already established." — {Express and Herald, December i, 

1855-) 

In 1854 the exports were 11,736 tons and the imports 97,633 
tons; in 1855 the exports were 24,237 tons and the imports 276,690 
tons. The value of each had nearly tripled. Men, women and chil- 
dren crossing the ferry in 1854 were 21,020; the number in 1855 
was 38,400. The steamboat arrivals in 1855 were 846. In 1854 
2)T)2, new buildings of all kinds were erected; in 1855 471 were 
erected, among which were one college, one church, twenty-seven 
stores, three hotels. At the close of 1855 the city had twelve 
churches, seven common or select schools, forty-one dry goods 
stores, thirty-two groceries, ten warehouses, twelve hotels, five 
breweries, ten drinking saloons, twenty-four land agencies, twenty- 
eight law offices, sixteen medical offices, forty-eight lawyers, thirty- 
one doctors and 2,600 dwellings. From April to January the city 
spent $23,565 on streets. The city assessment in 1854 was 
$4,323,530; tax, $32,006. In 1855 the tax was $50,006; licenses 
alone brought $18,000. — (G. R. West's statistics.) 

"City Improvements. — Strangers visiting this city are struck 
with surprise at the rapid growth and enterprise manifested here. 
In every part of the city is heard the carpenter's hammer and the 
voice and din of business. Dubuque certainly has a bright and 
glorious prospect for the future, and nothing will impede its prog- 
ress but the want of enterprise and public spirit." — (Express and 
Herald, December 6, 1855.) 

In January, 1855, the Express and Herald installed an Adams 
book and news steam press of the largest size, weighing about six 
tons. Owing to ulterior reasons this press was not operated in 
1855. In the meantime, in November, 1855, the Davenport Ga-ette 



4»«^ 




ASYLUM 




DUBUQUE CLUB 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 113 

also established and put in operation a large steam press. Thus, 
though Dubuque was the tirst to install, it was second in putting in 
operation the first steam press in the state. G. W. Rogers built a 
shot tower here late in 1855. Graded common schools were estab- 
lished in 1855. The famous Hutchinson family of singers were 
here late in 1855 — Judson, John and Asa. 

On December 18, 1855, Washington Fire Company No. i, with 
their new engine, "threw three streams at once over the flouring mill 
of Nadeau & Rodgers, nearly eighty feet in height — each pipe 
having 100 feet of hose. They then tried their engine on Main 
street and threw a stream about ten feet over the flag staff of the 
Julien House." — (Express and Herald, December 19, 1855.) 

Lorimier Hall was not built by Peter Lorimier. It was erected 
by Coates & Wilde and christened in honor of P. A. Lorimier, one 
of the oldest citizens of Dubuque. The policy of having the city 
pay half the cost of paving the streets in vogue here was ridiculed 
and denounced here in December, 1855. It was demanded that the 
lot owners should pay the whole cost in proportion to their front- 
ages. Late in 1855 Odd Fellows Hall building was projected, to 
cost $40,000, and to be located at Eighth and Bluff streets. 

The Northwestern Express Company (J. C. Burbank & Co.) 
had been in existence here for many years. They dispatched pas- 
sengers and freight to St. Paul, etc. E. Hayden was local agent in 
December, 1855. 

At a meeting of the board of trade December 22, 1855, it was 
decided that on January 10, 1856, the merchants and business men 
of Dubuque should commence to reject the issues of the Georgia, 
Tennessee and Nebraska banks. The best men of the city to the 
number of 120 signed the refusal. — (Express and Herald, December 
24, 1855.) The banking house of W. J. Barney & Co. and F. S. 
Jesup & Co. refused to join the movement. They were criticised 
sharply by the press. 

The postoffice in 1855 was only eighteen or nineteen feet wide 
and at the rush hours people had to wait in line to get their mail, 
so great had become the business of the office. This room had been 
occupied in the spring of 1855 and was on Sixth street on what was 
called the "public square." Numerous sites were discussed at this 
time — land owned by General Jones, L. Molony's lot, Jesup & Co.'s, 
the new concert hall in the proposed new city hall at Sixth and 
Locust streets, and elsewhere. 

On December 3, 1855, the following prices prevailed in Dubuque: 
Timothy hay, $20 per ton; prairie hay, $15 to $18; wheat, $1 to 
$1.09 winter and 90 to 95 cents spring; corn, 40 to 45 cents; oats, 
45 cents; barley, $1.12; pork, $4.50 to $5; beef, 7 to 9 cents; 
mutton, 7 to 9 cents; venison, 8 to ii cents; butter, 18 to 20 cents; 
potatoes, 50 to 55 cents; hides, green, 5 cents, dried, 11 cents; flour, 
$8 per bbl. "Never before in the history of Dubuque have farmers 



114 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

received at this season of the year 40 to 50 cents for corn and oats." 
— {Express and Herald, December 3, 1855.) 

"The business in Dubuque seems scarcely to have diminished 
luitil the present week since the close of navigation, either in tlie 
busy market, the warehouses on the levee, at our wholesale and 
retail stores, or in the produce buying in the streets. The past 
season has been one of unexampled prosperity for our city." — 
(Express and Herald, January 8, 1856.) 

Several strong organizations for poor relief were in operation in 
January, 1856. On January 9 it was 26 degrees below zero here. 
From July 4, 1855, to January i, 1856, 5,200 persons registered at 
the Peaslee House ; others showed immense registries. F. D. 
Henning & Co., of Pittsburg, opened a banking house in January, 
1856; other bankers were Mobley, Dubuque Savings, F. S. Jesup 
& Co., W. J. Barney & Co., Dexter & Ripley, the Langworthys and 
others. 

The old calaboose was removed in 1856 and tlie lot on which it 
stood was leased for building purposes. It was dark, low and damp 
and the terror of topers who were put there to "cool off." In 
February, 1856, the cellar and first floor of the store occupied by 
Coates & Wilde were leased for $1,600 per annum. This was about 
the highest rent thus far charged. In February, 1856, there came 
here in one wagon load tliirty-two deer, brought from Bremer 
county by a Mr. Fogle. 

On February 4. 1856, the firemen held a grand parade and ball, 
on which occasion Washington No. i and Protection No. 2, both 
new engines, were exhibited and greatly admired by the citizens. 
The engines were decorated with banners and festoons of artificial 
flowers. 

J. P. Farley and others petitioned to have the old cemetery con- 
verted into a public park. New market grounds were secured in 
January, 1856, at Iowa and Clay streets — the present city hall now 
stands on these lots. On January 15 a water works ordinance 
passed the council. In March the islands were ordered surveyed 
and platted. In April, 1856, the Harbor Improvement Company 
asked permission to extend Fifth street to the river. Many ware- 
houses were going up along the levee and along Seventh and Jones 
streets. In February, 1856, a $1,000 share in the Harbor Improve- 
ment Company was sold to a Pittsburg gentleman for $2,000. Over 
a dozen new wholesale houses were established here during the last 
half of 1855. In 1856 judgment for $1,000 was obtained against 
Abel Hawley, at Milwaukee. Eighth street extended was the 
northern boundary of the Harbor Improvement Company's tract. 
Fire limits were established in February, 1856. Main street was 
continued south to Jones street. The $100,000 for city improve- 
ments was obtained from W. W. Corcoran, the famous philan- 
thropist of Washington, D. C. In March, 1856, the Dubuque 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 115 

Library Association had sixty members and 200 volumes ; the mem- 
bership fee was $5. On March 13 all persons having friends 
buried in the old cemetery were requested to remove them to the 
new cemetery. J. Bittman was connected with the Staats Zeitung 
in 1856. 

"Never before in the history of Dubuque did the preparations for 
building commence so early in the season as appears to be the case 
now. No city of the Mississippi valley should be allowed to surpass 
her in the beauty, style, commodiousness and convenience of her 
buildings." — (Express and Herald, March 6, 1856.) 

It was in 1856 and 1857 that Dubuque dealers awoke to the 
importance of the wholesale business here. Jobbers here for almost 
the first time agreed to duplicate St. Louis or Chicago bills. 

Herron Brothers, of Pittsburg, opened a banking house here in 
March, 1856 — on Main, between Third and Fourth. The Varieties 
theater in Lorimier hall presented Othello, Damon and Pythias, 
Black Eyed Susan, Ingomar, Virginius, School for Scandal, Romeo 
and Juliet, Iron Chest, Richard III., The Wife, Lucretia Borgia, 
Rob Roy, Irish Lion and Uncle Tom's Cabin early in 1856. Among 
the performers were W. S. Forrest, manager ; H. Van Liew, lessee ; 
H. Gossen, G. W. Johnson, Mrs. Powell, Miss Laura Bentley and 
Miss Azlene Allen. Theatres exhibited also at Globe hall. Mr. Bell 
packed about 700 hogs in 1855-6. At this time (spring of 1856) 
the following companies were conspicuous here : Harbor Improve- 
ment, Harbor, Dubuque & Pacific railway, Dubuque & Western 
railway, Dubuque & Minnesota Packet, Minnesota Packet, Water 
Works, Dry Dock, Tunnel. A fire alarm bell was demanded at 
this time. It was noted that in April, 1856, there were forty-one 
wholesalers here. From first to last such houses have constituted 
the backbone of Dubuque's business and prosperity. In the spring 
of 1856 the first three vessels upward bound brought 1,000 pas- 
sengers. The upper country was growing enormously and there- 
fore the great success of wholesaling here. Along Main street 
cisterns holding 1,000 barrels each were built for fire protection. 
A private house was converted into a calaboose in April, 1856. J. 
C. Jennings was resident government agent in charge of harbor 
improvement in 1856. It was necessary to open a smallpox hos- 
pital in April. Temporary fire engine houses were erected on the 
public square. On May 11, 1856, for the first time in Iowa, a 
newspaper was printed, dated and issued on Sunday. North's 
great circus was here in 1856; Colonel Wood's museum also; 
Professor Fowler, phrenologist, also ; Ole Bull, violinist, and 
Adelina Patti, prima donna, also. The latter sang at the Congrega- 
tional church to an immense audience. 

"Pure Water. — One of the things to which we wish to call the 
attention of the city fathers is the fact that most of the water which 
is supplied by the water carriers of Dubuque to their customers is 



ii6 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

obtained along the inner levee and at other most improper places." — 
{Express and Herald, May 31, 1856.) 

In 1854 a water company was chartered by the legislature, but 
nothing further occurred at that time. The gas pipe on Main street 
was re-laid in 1856. A big public schoolhouse in the Third ward, 
with a capacity for 600 children, was ready in September, 1856. 

The shot tower of George W. Rogers & Co. stood on an extension 
of Seventh street. The cost of the tower by November, 1856, 
was $7,000; total cost would be about $10,000. The total height 
was about 150 feet — no feet of stone and 42 of brick. The 
measurement at the base was 18 feet 10 inches — walls three feet 
thick at base and twenty inches at top of the stone work. There 
were nine stories in the tower. When completed its daily capacity 
was from six to eight tons of shot. 

Among the Masons of Dubuque in September, 1856, were the 
following: Dubuque Council of Royal'and Select Masters: Charles 
T. Gilliam, R. Spaulding, A. D. Anderson, C. H. Booth, A. Levi, 
G. W. Cummins, M. Hooper. Dubuque Royal Arch Chapter : A. 
Biles, J. T. Everett, H. Rouse, J. H. Lull, B. R. Watson, W. P. 
Allen, C. H. Booth, W. W. Woolsey, A. D. Anderson, A. H. Dillon, 
A. Harr and Wm. Hooper. Charles Gilliam was W. M. of Dubuque 
Lodge, No. 3, and T. S. Nairn was W. M. of Metropolitan Lodge, 
No. 9. 

In the fall of 1856 gas lighting was extended to the leading side 
streets. The bluffs back of the city began to be covered with resi- 
dences. Crowds of strangers thronged the city in the fall of 1856. 
The first two public cisterns were built at First and Second streets 
in September, 1856. Taylor Richards and Burden were bankers 
at Fifth and Main. The city was filled with law-breakers and 
robbers at this date. So bad was the money situation here late in 
1856 that mass meetings of business men endeavored to devise 
means to improve the situation. In one meeting the merchants 
agreed to take at par the post notes issued by the Dubuque Harbor 
Company and expressed confidence in the post notes of the Dubuque 
& Western railway. At another meeting attended by Burt, Lewis, 
Wilson, Mills, Waples, Dorr, Stimson, Hackley and Bancroft reso- 
lutions of confidence in these post notes were voted down 116 to 
103. This meeting demanded that the members of the companies 
should file a paper legally binding themselves as individuals to 
redeem the notes. 

In October, 1856, the Express and Herald people installed their 
steam press and connected with it was a book-bindery. 

The New England Society was a strong organization in 1856. 
The Sons of New York was another. The Northztrst, a newspaper, 
was issued here in 1856 by H. D. LaCassitt. 

J. F. Jesup, at his death in 1856, made the following bequest 
among others : "All the residue of my estate I give in trust to 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 117 

Morris R. Jesup, Piatt Smith and Louis Boisot, to be used by them 
for the benefit of the poor of the city of Dubuque." — (Express and 
Herald, November 12, 1856.) Immense quantities of slaughtered 
hogs were marketed here in November, 1856. The Northwestern 
Stage Company put on extra coaches for the trip to St. Paul from 
Dubuque during the winter of 1856-7. 

Late in 1856 Dubuque was infested with gangs of thieves, which 
fact caused the city authorities to double their efforts to catch and 
punish them. Morehiser was captain of police at this time. In 
1856 (December) Judge Corkery was postmaster with office on 
Eighth street in the Odd Fellows building. 

The Express and Herald of February 4, 1857, said: "Twelve 
years ago (1844) Dubuque was what we may call a small village, 
remarkable for nothing more than its being in the lead mining 
region. It had then, if our recollection be correct, about 700 inhab- 
itants all told. There was not a single street of what is now the city 
of Dubuque graded. There were but two brick houses, most of the 
rest of the buildings being frame shanties. A few stores were suf- 
ficient to supply Dubuque and all the country for six miles around in 
Iowa with all the commodities of household, mechanical and agricul- 
tural use. Main street lots that would now sell for $400 a front 
foot could be purchased then for from $100 to $200 for a 64-foot 
lot. Lands in the vicinity of the city that now sell for $r,ooo an 
acre, could then be taken up as claims and bought from the govern- 
ment at $1.25 per acre. The hotels then were the Jefferson, the 
Washington and the Western, three frame buildings, not a vestige 
of which remains we believe to awaken in the minds of the old 
settlers reminiscences of the early days of Dubuque. General Har- 
rison and Tim Fanning were then the principal caterers. Look at 
Dubuque now and judge whether she does not give warrant for 
future greatness which we anticipate she will ere long attain." 

"A Cold Snap. — Sunday was the coldest day of the season. 
Before sunrise the thermometer marked 37 degrees below zero, at 
8 o'clock 28 degrees below, and at noon 10 degrees below." — 
(Express and Herald, January 21, 1857.) 

"It is almost incredible to what a degree real estate has appre- 
ciated in this city witliin a twelve-month past. Take the Miller 
farm near town. A year or two ago it sold for $130 an acre. Now 
it is rated at $1,000 an acre. A short time ago Mr. San ford bought 
two lots corner of Seventh and Iowa streets for $30,000. The same 
lots were offered a year ago for $6,000 and could not find a pur- 
chaser at that price. It is within bounds to say that all the real 
estate within the city limits of Dubuque has doubled in value within 
a year. Some portions, we admit, have not risen at all apparently, 
while in other localities they have appreciated a thousand per cent." 
— (Express and Herald, January 28, 1857.) 

"We own to having become considerably indignant at the course 



ii8 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

pursued by our city banks in relation to paper money. They bring 
bank notes here for circulation by the hundred thousand and after 
paying them out to the community for good money, they refuse to 
take them back the next day unless perhaps at a discount." — 
(Express and Herald. January 28, 1857.) 

The Central Improvement Company was organized January 23, 
1857, with a capital of $2,100,000. It became the owner of two 
islands with an aggregate of twenty-eight acres and with enough 
shallows to make a total of sixty acres when filled in. Its boun- 
daries extended from the line of the Harbor Company on the south 
to the line of the Harbor Improvement Company on the north. Its 
design was to make a levee the whole extent, to fill all the interven- 
ing lands and sloughs and to run First, Second, Third and Fourth 
streets to the Mississippi. The corporators were Jesse P. Farley, 
Franklin V. Goodrich, Austin J. Goss, Robert C. Waples, Chris- 
topher Pelan, Robert M. Walmsley, Alexander Anderson and Fred- 
erick E. Bissell. The company began swift operations. 

Early in January, 1857, the bankers of Dubuque gave public 
notice that they would not guarantee tlie currency paid out by them 
beyond the da}' in which it should be paid out. In this extremity 
the press cautioned people to insist on specie in all their money 
transactions. 

In Januar)^ 1857, the Central Improvement Company was organ- 
ized ; they secured a large tract in front of the city between the 
grants to the Harbor and the Harbor Improvement companies. In 
February, 1857, Redman & Keim, bankers, succeeded T. S. Jesup 
& Co. and became associated with W. Y. Lovell under the name of 
Redman, Lovell & Co. In February Gen. John Hodgdon assumed 
editorial charge of the Northzvcst during the temporary absence of 
M. B. Mulkern, editor. In April Mulkern retired from the paper. 
The new constitution of Iowa was published in full here in March, 
1857. The establishment of the Republican here in 1857, by A. P. 
Wood in June, 1857, gave the city its fourth daily. Thomas F. 
Meagher, Irish patriot and orator, lectured here in June on "Royalty 
and Republicanism" ; he had been banished to Van Dieman's Land, 
but escaped and came to America; he lectured also on "Life and 
Times of Daniel O'Connell," at the Julien theater. The firemen 
paraded in June — Washington, No. i, had fifty-four men in line; 
Protection, No. 2, thirty- four men; Mechanic, No. 3, forty men; 
they gave an exhibition of water throwing. The new Lorimier 
House at Bluff and Eighth streets was erected in 1857 at a total 
cost of about $90,000. 

In 1857 Dubuque & Pacific stock was worth 90 cents on the 
dollar; Dubuque & Western, 85 cents; Dubuque Gas Light & Coke, 
75 cents; Dubuque Union Insurance, $1.15; Dubuque General Im- 
provement Company, 10 cents; Dubuque Harbor Company, 7^ 
cents; Dubuque Harbor & Improvement Company, 2 cents. 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 119 

"Life and Business. — What a stir was on the streets yesterday. 
On Main, for the major part, as far as the eye could reach, up and 
down, a Hving mass of beings were jostling each other — men, 
women, children, horses, wagons and drays — all one gay. happy, 
moving panorama of city life. It did one's heart good to witness 
it." — {Express and Herald, March 18, 1857.) 

"It is astonishing with what rapidity frame tenements and build- 
ings of different character are going up. We remarked a week ago 
or more that the season had commenced, but we did not dream of 
anything like the magical springing up of structures that the past 
few days have brought iorih."— (Express and Herald, March 18, 

1857-) 

On June 3, 1857, tlie money market here was very tight: high 
rates for loans were demanded. All bills were rigidly scrutinized. 

"Yesterday B. P. Power & Co. shipped to Dyersville seven boxes 
of merchandise, four of them weighing 1,220 pounds; twenty-four 
plows, I hogshead of sugar and thirteen large packages of groceries. 
This fimi made the first shipment over the road. They have shipped 
to St. Louis during the past week over 2,000 bushels of wheat." — 
(Express and Herald, May 20, 1857.) 

The Dubuque Times was started here in the spring of 1857 with 
Jesse Clement editor, and in politics was Republican. "An unusual 
stringency pervades our money market and business, generally 
speaking, is extremely dull." — (Express and Herald, July 28, 1857.) 

"As early as August, 1857, a horse railroad to be extended from 
Dubuque through Couler valley was projected and considered. It 
was proposed by W. R. Hopkins, who argued from experience that 
one should be built." — (Times, August 27, 1857.) 

The Secretary of the Treasury, in March, 1857, gave the contract 
for the new custom house and post ofifice in this city to John Bostater 
and Jacob Fonts for $87,334.50, the lowest bid. 

The Dubuque Times was first issued June 15, 1857, by a corpora- 
tion composed of twenty-four prominent Republicans. J. P. Farley 
was president; D. N. Cooley, secretary; M. Mobley. treasurer, and 
George G. Lyon, editor. The object was to establish here a perma- 
nent Republican organ and job ofifice. 

Work on the new jail was in progress in May, 1857. Kerosene 
oil explosions began to occur too frequently in 1857. 

On February 10, 1857, the new Odd Fellows building at Eiglith 
and Bluff streets collapsed, the roof falling in and part of the wall 
falling out, crushing Capt. S. C. Foss and his wife to death in their 
home adjacent. There were many narrow escapes. The post ofifice 
was buried in the ruins. Captain Foss was an old soldier of the 
War of 1812, and was one of the famous Dartmouth prisoners. — 
(Express and Herald. February 11, 1857.) 

In August, 1857, Dubuque had six daily newspapers — five in 



120 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

English and one in German, as follows : Times, Tribune, Express 
aftd Herald, Republican, Northivest and Democrat. 

In August, 1857, there were nine large warehouses in course of 
construction on the levee. 

A rumor against the M. Mobley bank caused a heavy run there by 
depositors on September 11, 1857, by the German and Irish popula- 
tion which held his certificates of deposit. Observing this run a 
notice was promptly issued by forty of the best business concerns 
and wealthiest citizens of the city pledging themselves to sustain 
"his entire ability to redeem any promise or other pecuniary lia- 
bility at call."' The men thus voluntarily backing Mr. Mobley were 
worth nearly $4,000,000. In August, 1857, ^h^ assessor's list 
showed over 240 concerns and persons here assessed over $10,000 
each. Among the wealthiest citizens were the following: J. D. 
Bush, $67,940; Richard Cox, $90,480; Jesse P. Farley, $72,200; 
M. Ham, $92,657; J. L. Langworthy, $126,090; E. Langworthy, 
$170,060; S. M. Langworthy, $74,725; P. A. Lorimier, $65,875; 
L. H. Langworthy, $90,475; A. McDaniel, $62,600; J. Ogleby, 
$63,025; William Rebman, $128,150; H. W. Sanford, $93,200. 
The wealthiest concern was the Dubuque Harbor Company, which 
was assessed at $330,000. The total footing of all assessable city 
property for 1857 was $10.645,663. — (Express and Herald, August 
12, 1857.) 

The Tribune alone of the newspapers here opposed the issue of 
post notes by the Harbor Company. It demanded that such notes 
should draw interest and declared that their issue was a violation of 
state law. The post notes of the Harbor Company began to make 
their appearance about November 18, 1857. They were in bills of 
$5 and $10 and were beautifully engraved in New York. Although 
the Express and Herald was "unalterably opposed to banking in all 
its forms," yet it favored the issue of the post notes by the Dubuque 
Harbor Company. It did so because it believed they were perfectly 
good and would relieve the situation here and did so as a "temporary 
necessity." 

Every banker in Dubuque except the house of J. L. Langworthy 
& Bros, agreed to take and use the notes of the Harbor Company, 
and they did not probably because they were interested in the 
Harbor Improvement Company and not in the Harbor Companv. 
The Tribune opposed the post notes of the Harbor Company, but 
not those of the Harbor Improvement Company, or the Central 
Island Company. Much of all this maneuvering was due to personal 
interests. "In the money market we have nothing new to report 
excepting the presence of the long expected notes of the Harbor 
Company, which made their first appearance some days since and 
are very readily taken by a greater portion of our merchants, bank- 
ers and business men," said the Express and Herald, November 18, 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 121 

1857. The notes of the Harbor Company were redeemable in specie 
one year from date. 

At a meeting of the friends of the Harbor Company's post note 
issues held late in November, 1857, there were strong delegations 
from both "Dublin" and "Germany." Over 100 of the best mer- 
chants and business men agreed to take the notes at par. There 
were present at this meeting George W. Jones, Warner Lewis, 
Robert M. Walmsley, E. S. Norris, M. Mobley, J. B. Dorr, R. C. 
Waples and J. H. Emerson. The following resolution was passed : 
"That we do most earnestly request the Dubuque Harbor Company 
to continue the issue of their post notes." Mr. Emerson, a member 
of the company, explained that the company did not want to issue 
the notes but had reluctantly consented to do so upon the earnest 
solicitation of many of the business men, and even then only on the 
ground that it might be a measure of relief to the community and 
not of profit to the company. — (Express and Herald, November 25, 
1857.) There came at once from many places in northern Iowa 
demands or requests for the post notes. 

M. Mobley's bank suspended and closed its doors early in De- 
cember, 1857. He issued a card in which he stated that his assets 
to the amount of over $100,000 over all liabilities would be turned 
over to his creditors if they so desired. He would keep back noth- 
ing except enough to feed and clothe his family. He said that all 
creditors would be paid in full. This failure caused great excite- 
ment here, coming as it did upon a money market already greatly 
depressed. "The past week has been one of unusual severit)\ in a 
financial point of view, causing a deep indigo tinge to pervade all 
business circles," said the Express and Herald of December 9. 

The Musical Association of Dubuque gave a brilliant entertain- 
ment at the Julien theater November i, 1857. Among the leaders 
were Abel, Dickinson, Newth and Adams. An investigating com- 
mittee of the city council found considerable irregularity, if not 
downright dishonesty, in the letting and management of the city 
printing. Late in December exchange on the East could not be 
procured here at any price. The money market was extremely 
stringent. 

Major Mobley, banker, who had suspended in 1857 during the 
panic, reopened his bank again late in May, 1858. He was the 
oldest banker here. The public charge that the post notes of the 
Harbor Company caused the suspension of the Mobley bank was 
answered in the negative by that gentleman. On the contrary, he 
said that they had aided him and that the charge was ridiculous. He 
needed them, because otherwise, in order to obtain currency, he was 
obliged to send gold to Chicago and that course could not long 
continue. 

Strong efforts to force down in value the Harbor notes were 
made. Farmers throughout the county generally believed them the 



122 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

best paper money they had and much was used in every township. 
A merchant in Cascade said the farmers there Hked them better than 
any other paper money. Another in Washington township said the 
same thing. The Central Improvement Company also issued post 
notes. Before the issue of the post notes the bankers here were 
compelled to bring in the notes of Wisconsin and Illinois banks, but 
after the issue of the post notes they were not forced to do so. — 
{Express and Herald, December i6, 1857.) A Mr. D. S. Moody 
engaged in buying wheat at Dyersville, used Harbor money exclu- 
sively with the farmers, who received it at par, while nearly all other 
paper currency was at from 3 to 10 per cent discount. A consider- 
able amount of city scrip was in circulation late in 1857. 

The city held $80,000 of the Central Improvement Company 
bonds in December, 1857. The city issued its own scrip in is, 2s, 3s 
and los. In 1857 a new city charter was demanded. The Protestant 
churches united on a plan to relieve the destitute late in 1857. The 
Catholic churches acted likewise independently. Late in 1857 work 
on the new passenger station at Iowa and Jones streets was com- 
menced. The manufacture of shot was begun here in 1857, but was 
suspended and resumed in 1859. 

The real reason why no more could be paid here for wheat and 
otiier grains was because it cost too much to be put down in St. 
Louis. Wheat that was bought here for 50 cents per bushel cost 
70 when put down in St. Louis, where the market price was 62 
cents only. 

The Central Improvement Company issued post notes about 
December 7, 1857. The stockholders were made individually liable 
for them. They were made payable at different times and bore 10 
per cent interest. During the winter of 1857-8 the newspapers were 
full of charges and countercharges concerning crookedness in the 
assignment of city printing. The points were fought out with great 
bitterness. A committee appointed to investigate made a majority 
and a minority report. 

The extensive flouring mill of James Pratt & Co., adjoining 
Dubuque, was a notable feature. It had been started about eighteen 
years before 1858, or as early as 1840. An old mill was of wood, 
but an immense brick addition had been built. The mill had cost 
$20,000. There were three runs of eight buhrs each with a capacity 
of 300 barrels in twenty- four hours. The power was water with an 
overshot wheel fourteen and one-half feet in diameter and fifteen 
feet wide. The dam and flume had cost $4,000 and the tail race 
$2,000. 

The People's theater was opened in September, 1857 ; the drop 
curtain, representing Cole's "Voyage of Life," was executed by Mr. 
Gulic, of Dubuque. Late in 1857 the heavy bank and business fail- 
ures in the East caused extreme caution here ; bankers loaned spar- 
ingly at 2 per cent a montii. In October the census then taken 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 123 

showed a population of 15,957- In September, 1837, the horse- 
railroad question was again considered ; a number of citizens applied 
to the council and were granted the riglit to construct a road ; N. A. 
McClure was connected with this movement. In October, 1857, 
the panic struck this city; the houses of Flaven & Co., Flinn & Bro. 
and A. C. Pearson suspended. Mass meetings of citizens decided it 
prudent for the harbor companies to issue post notes to relieve the 
situation. Later Cameron & Fry and Kemler & Cannon suspended. 
In January, 1858, Gray & Waldron and C. W. Arthur closed 
business. 

Among the improvements at this time were the following: In 
1856, 502 buildings of all kinds were erected and in 1857, 378; 
gas works, custom house commenced, Second Presbyterian church, 
First Presbyterian church, market house at Jones and Main, Malo- 
ney and Rebman five blocks, St. Raphael's church under way, Cen- 
tral market, Tammany stables, jail building at Clay and Eighth, 
Tremont hotel, Lorimier hotel, Congregational church started, 
county poorhouse commenced ; on Jones street levee nine ware- 
houses, on Seventh street levee three warehouses, white lead works. 
From April 13, 1857, to December i, 1857, the city spent in paving, 
grading and macadamizing $93,932. It built over ten miles of side- 
walks, eight miles of curbing. The three harbor companies had made 
vast improvements- — they were Dubuque Harbor, Dubuque Harbor 
Improvement and Central Improvement. Gas pipe laid extended 
4,550 feet. "We are at the most important point on the upper Mis- 
sissippi, a point which has given our city the soubriquet of 'Key 
City.' As the key she commands the whole of northwestern Iowa 
and southern Minnesota." — (Statistics of Express and Herald, 
January i, 1858.) 

An act of tne Legislature, January, 1858, revised and consolidated 
the laws of Dubuque and established a city court, of which the chief 
officers were judge, clerk and marshal. In December, 1857, the 
railway land in Dubuque county was restored to market. The whole 
number of business houses which had suspended, assigned or closed 
out during October, November and December, 1857, and the first 
half of January, 1858, was sixty-one, and yet the city and business 
houses had fair credit and prosperity. By January 12. 1858, the 
following companies had issued post notes : Dubuque Harbor, 
Dubuque Harbor Improvement, Dubuque Seventh (Central) Street 
Improvement, Dubuque & Pacific Railway, Dubuque & Western 
Railway, and City of Dubuque. 

In Januaiy, 1858, the immense new St. Cloud hotel on Main 
street between Ninth and Tenth, 113x194 feet and five stories high 
and 200 rooms and nine fine store rooms, was burned. It had 
cost $95,000 and was insured for $80,000; this was by far the worst 
fire ever here up to this date. 

In February, 1858, the new city hall at the corner of Thirteenth 



124 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

and Clay streets was occupied by the recorder, auditor, treasurer, 
board of education and engineer of the city. There the mayor's 
court was held thereafter. 

The Express and Herald attacked roughshod the "city plunder- 
ers" in February, 1858. "Not only are the 'city plunderers' to be 
headed off from their attempt to subjugate the First and Fourth 
wards, but the street commissioner is to be hauled over the coals." 

Among the reforms accomplished in city government in 1858-9 
were the following: Reduction of ferriage; blending of offices; 
closing of House of Refuge and City Hospital; macadamizing 
streets partly at private expense ; upbuilding of city credit ; funding 
of the city debt; providing for the payment of interest; abolishing 
the office of city printer, etc. A large bell was placed in the city 
hall on May 21, 1858. It weighed 3,098 pounds and cost the city 
$1,352. It was cast at Troy, New York. 

Mayor Hetherington, on taking his office in April, 1858, delivered 
an inaugural address from which the following points are extracted : 
He had taken the census here himself in 1852 and there were then 
4,012 inhabitants. Since that date to April, 1858, there had been an 
annual increase of about 30 per cent. "The outward signs of pros- 
perity are awfully deceptive. They indicate the disease and corrup- 
tion at work upon the citadel of life. Notwithstanding the apparent 
prosperity our city has become profligate, spendthrift, has wasted 
her substance and ruined her credit and good name by fast living, 
by projecting and carrying on costly improvements and going into 
extravagant expenditures, and not having the ability to meet the 
expense thus incurred. She is forced to make short loans and pay 
exorbitant interest until the regular interest upon the funded debt, 
together with heavy shares upon short loans, are swallowing up 
almost her entire revenue." 

He then reviewed the finances of the city and showed the extent 
of the extravagance. The whole amount of railroad bonds voted 
was $1,500,000, of which $550,000 had been issued. He showed 
that the last city council had expended $350,000, while the revenue 
amounted to only $137,000. For the fiscal year 1857-8 the gross 
expenditures of Dubuque were $350,963, and the gross receipts 
$137,817. The total liabilities or indebtedness of the city on April 6, 
1858, was $727,678. Of this amount there was outstanding city 
scrip to the amount of $47,926; city bonds to the Dubuque and 
Pacific railroad, $200,000; city bonds to the Dubuque Western rail- 
road, $250,000. There had been issued during the year $93,208 in 
city bonds to retire city scrip. The new market houses had cost 
$54,686, there being four in all. Street improvement cost $67,671 ; 
schoolhouses, $51,765; loss on city scrip and on Seventh Street and 
Central Island Company's bonds paid out, $25,308. 

Brackett & Howland packed pork here in 1857-8. The bankers in 
February, 1858, were Taylor, Richards & Burden; Redmand, Lovell 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 125 

& Co. ; Markell, Darrow & Co. ; W. J. Barney & Co. ; Finley, Burton 
& Co. ; Gelpcke, Winslow & Co., and the Langworthys. In the 
spring of 1858 H. H. Heath was postmaster. In 1858, on the pro- 
posed general banking law, Dubuque and Julien Township voted as 
follows: For the law, 1,105; against the law, 40. For a State bank, 
1,260; against it, 32. There was much complaint in 1858 over the 
management of the House of Refuge; the keeper was declared to be 
a brute ; it had been established several years earlier. In August, 
1858, as high as 175 teams were here in market at one time. On 
August 16, 1858, the Queen's message was received here over the 
newly laid Atlantic cable ; an immense celebration of the event was 
held. In the fall of 1858 A. Bayless, formerly of the Milwaukee 
Commercial College, opened here in the Maloney building the 
Dubuque Commercial College, which is yet in existence. Odeon, a 
German theater, opened in 1858 on Main between Eighth and Ninth. 
Of the new State bank in 1858 F. N. Goodrich was president and 
R. E. Graves cashier. It was called "City of Dubuque Branch of the 
State Bank of Iowa;" there were 109 stockholders. The Dubuque 
Musical Union gave attractive performances at Globe hall in Sep- 
tember, 1858. H. S. Hetherington was president. 

The Dubuque Daily Ledger was established in September, 1858, 
by Flaven & Co., publishers. The number of families in Dubuque 
in 1857 was 3,939, and in 1858, 4,411. The gas company, in viola- 
tion of their agreement, raised the price from $3.50 to $4.50 per 
thousand feet. The company reported a debt of $120,000 and 
receipts that did not warrant a continuance at the old figures. 
The Daily Times was discontinued in November, 1858, but in De- 
cember it again resumed lively existence. Jesse Clements wrote 
good poetry in 1858. In October, 1838, the National Dcmokrat 
began as a daily. Late in 1858 C. Childs wrote a history of 
Dubuque in 400 quarto pages. 

"Saturday the thermometer reached 98 and 100 in the shade; 
Sunday 100 and 103, and yesterday from 102 to 105." — (Express 
and Herald, August 10, 1858.) 

When the Central Island Company bought the islands, they 
assumed the Corkery loan of $100,000, the Jesup loan of $20,000 
and agreed to pay the city $80,000 in ten years with 10 per cent 
interest — in all $200,000. The company in 1858 notified the council 
that it would be unable to meet the interest on the bonds. The city 
held a mortgage on the property for $80,000, leaving $120,000 not 
provided for by mortgage. Against the proposition for the city 
to take back the property of the Central Improvement Companv, 400 
citizens remonstrated. The company had failed and was seeking a 
way out of its troubles. 

There was a big reduction in rents in Dubuque in the fall of 
1858. "Dwelling houses that a year or eighteen months ago would 
rent from $300 to $400, can now be rented for less than" half the 



126 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

amount, and in many instances go begging at these rates for tenants. 
Also stores which from eighteen months to two years ago were 
grasped by shylocks as soon as finished or empty and re-rented at 
bonuses at high rates from $i,ooo to $3,000 per annum, are now 
rented at from $400 to $600, $800 and $1,200 per annum." — 
(Express and Herald, September 12, 1858.) 

By September 27, 1858, the amount of city bonds issued in lieu 
of scrip was $127,647.32. They ran for one, three, four and fi\e 
years. 

At this time, owing to the great financial and commercial dis- 
tress prevailing throughout the country, the following resolution 
was passed : "That hereafter this council will not authorize, coun- 
tenance or consent to the issuing, sale, use or negotiation of the 
bonds above described, or any part thereof, or any transaction, 
arrangement or scheme which shall require the issue or expenditure 
of money other than for the payment of interest already con- 
tracted for, from the city treasury for railroad purposes." It was 
passed unanimously. 

In the autumn of 1858 there arose a serious controvers}^ between 
the school authorities and the city council as to the ownership of 
the school property in the city. It was vested in the city, but the 
school officers insisted it should be vested in their name and that 
they should have sole and exclusive jurisdiction over the same. 
The city council could not see the matter in the same light. Accord- 
ingly an agreed case was made an issue and argued by J. David. 
George L. Nightingale and D. S. Wilson for the city, and J. E. 
Bissell for the school authorities. 

In January, 1859, the outlook at Dubuque was anything but 
promising. The crops had failed largely, the financial crisis was 
still in existence and the railroads seemed at a standstill. There 
was little money at home and no credit abroad. But late in 1859 
the Dubuque & Pacific was finished to Independence and the 
Dubuque Western to Langworthy. Late in 1859 the city had 
grown rapidly, but its credit was low and its scrip far below 
par. In this emergency the house of Gelpcke & Co. agreed to 
advance the required funds and meet the different engagements as 
they became due, and to be repaid for the advances by the succes- 
sive collection of taxes. The taxes were not collected as expected, 
but the company promptly met every engagement according to 
agreement and only asked 10 per cent for the use of its money. 
No city scrip was issued in 1859, no floating debt was created. 

In 1857 the Dubuque city council had adopted the subterfuge of 
issuing bonds in lieu of scrip. It was a temporary financial expedi- 
ent to prevent the immense amount of scrip outstanding from 
becoming utterly worthless and to make room for a still heavier 
issue, exceeding in the space of six months $150,000. Holders of 
scrip were allowed to convert it into bonds drawing 10 per cent 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 127 

interest. All this led to an additional interest tax to meet the 
bonds as they became due. Being unable to meet these extra 
expenses, the city authorities were obliged to resort to the scheme 
for exchanging their bonds for new coupon bonds on longer time. 
Thus really the scrip was transformed into a permanent debt draw- 
ing a high rate of interest. "At the present value of scrip the hold- 
ers will have the full cost returned to them in less than four years 
in the shape of interest, continuing to enjoy the comfortable income 
of 25 per cent on their investment. The scrip upon which these 
bonds are based has been issued at from 40 cents to 75 cents on the 
dollar. It was necessary to continue this bond issue, otherwise the 
scrip would fall much lower." Probably the value to the city of 
scrip issued did not exceed 50 cents on the dollar. To meet the 
interest on the bonds there was required by 1859 an annual tax of 
$13,000. 

A committee of citizens prepared a new charter for the city in 
January, 1859. At this date the city had three fire engines, three 
hose carts, and one hook and ladder brigade; there were sixteen 
public cisterns, each holding 600 barrels. The entire system was 
yet wholly voluntary. J. B. Howard was chief, and Philip Sage, 
assistant. At this time the city recorder announced that thereafter 
no paper money except of the brandies of the State bank would be 
accepted in payment of taxes. 

All winter, 1858-9, this county and community suffered from 
dogs and mad dogs. Scarcely an issue of the papers was seen with- 
out accounts of "some doggoned canine outrage." 

"As predicted, yesterday witnessed the consummation of the 
scheme of plunder long known as the 'Central Island proposition.' 
The company and the members of the covmcil in their interests 
(B. B. Richards, Franklin Hinds, Robert Mitton, Samuel Virden, 
N. Nadeau) have at last succeeded in binding the city of Dubuque 
to pay the debt which two years ago Jesse P. Farley, F. V. Good- 
rich, A. J. Goss, F. E. Bissell, R. C. Waples, R. W. Walmsley, C. 
Pelan and A. Anderson bound themselves honorably to pay. Nay, 
more, by the villainy of these members of the city council the city 
is now made to pay $120,000 and interest amounting at least to 
two-thirds of the purchase money for one-third of the property 
then purchased for $200,000. Neither Jesse P. Farley nor any 
other man in the city can justify the manner in which the company 
then obtained the property ; but bad as it was it was righteous and 
honest compared with the present plunder scheme." — {Express and 
Herald, March 11, 1859.) "Gentlemen, I wash my hands of the 
whole Centra] Island fraud and shall enter my protest against it," 
said Mayor Hetherington. It was openly cliarged that the mavor 
was not sincere in this statement and that he secretly favored the 
transaction. 

A petition seeking to limit the power of the city council to buv 



128 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

and sell real estate and to incur indebtedness was circulated and 
largely signed at Dubuque in March, 1859. 

So great was the feeling against the city council in the spring of 
1859, the press and public did all they could to purge that body and 
elect men of known character and honesty. "One thing the men 
of property — the tax payers and all upright citizens — must remem- 
ber, that if good men refuse to take office and suffer from the 
wasteful or corrupt management of city officials they have no right 
to complain. We want men of substance, standing, integrity, busi- 
ness capacity — who will not go into the city council in order to 
promote selfish schemes of their own," said the Express and Herald, 
March 10, 1859. 

James E. Murdock, the celebrated actor, appeared here in April, 
1859. Miss Matilda Herron was here in April also, and was fol- 
lowed by James K. Hackett ; he made an excellent Falstaff. Henry 
Farren, actor, was given a "benefit" in May. 

Murdock, Hackett and Miss Herron were the earliest theatrical 
stars of the first magnitude to appear in Dubuque; but they were 
not well patronized. Henry Farren had made great and expensive 
efforts to provide a treat for the citizens, but was not remunerated 
for his enterprise. He had an excellent stock company. Mrs. 
Farren was an actress of more than ordinary taste, versatility and 
popularity. Mr. W. Edwards had great range of ability — excellent 
in comedy, good in tragedy. Mr. McClannin made an excellent old 
man. Mr. Pardy was good. Mr. J. F. Lytton was easy and a 
good singer. Miss Reignolds and Mrs. McClannin were good. 
Miss Llewellyn was a very graceful dancer. Mr. Noyes was good 
and improving rapidly. Mr. Farren was able, a favorite here, and 
usually took second part to the stars who came to Dubuque. They 
were the principal members of the Dubuque stock company. 

The dramatic season here closed on May 14, 1859, and the actors 
departed for other places. The profession was roundly abused by 
the Christian IVitncss for acting at all. It was known that the 
company had made great efforts to please the people and had 
mainly failed owing generally to the prejudice against the stage. 
Many citizens, however, favored the continuance here of the com- 
pany. Welsh Edwards and such other actors as he could get, con- 
tinued to give performances in Dubuque during the summer of 
1859. After the burning of the People's theater his company 
appeared in the Julien theater. Many amateurs made their 
appearance. 

In April, 1859, Pelig Talman & Co. leased the shot tower and 
began operations. The old Central market stood at Locust and 
Fifth streets. M. Mobley was one of the three state directors of the 
State Bank of Iowa in 1859. George W. Jones, who had been 
ap])ointed minister to Bogota, New Granada, was tendered a public 
dimier by about 200 of the most prominent citizens of Dubuque in 




Y. W. C. A. 




COUNTRY CLUB 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 129 

May, 1859. He was compelled to decline for want of time. During 
the'spring of 1859 the papers were filled with accounts of the move- 
ment westward to Pike's Peak. From the opening of navigation 
to May 18, 1859, there passed through Dubuque bound for Pike's 
Peak 720 teams. The press here did all it could to check this 
movement. Prices at Dubuque on May 24, 1859, were as follows: 
Flour, extra, $7; wheat, $1 to $1.10 old, 60 to 90 cents new; oats, 
old 55 cents, new 35 to 45 cents; corn, 55 to 57 cents; barley, 
45 to 50 cents; butter, 12 to 13 cents; eggs, 6>^ cents; potatoes, 
65 to 70 cents. 

At a fire here on May 27, 1859, there were destroyed Odd Fel- 
lows' block. People's theater. Masonic hall and several stores. 
Many small concerns and individuals lost heavily. The total loss, 
deducting insurance, was $58,350. The postoffice matter was all 
saved. Two big hotels had been burned here within eighteen months 
before — Merchants and St. Cloud. 

The disbanding of the police force in the spring of 1859 was 
followed by an increase in all manner of crimes in Dubuque — fires, 
burglaries, pickpockets, etc. During three months in the spring of 
1859 there were stolen in Dubuque alone twenty-five cows. This 
was one of the results of the disbanding of the police force. 

"A fellow who was trying to sell one of our citizens some ever- 
greens Thursday assured the citizen that the trees which he already 
possessed were of 'the ordinariest kind.' We learn that Stanton of 
the Dyersville Mcrcitrv has entered suit against the fellow for 
trespass." — (Express and Herald, June 26, 1859.) 

The corner stone of Turners' hall was laid June 20, 1859, at Clay 
and Twelfth streets. The names of the founders of the society 
were recorded as follows: George Weigel (died in 1854), Fred 
Wetzel, William Smith, Fred Jenkel, Charles Kerlike, Frank E. 
Deggendorf, Hugo Deggendorf, J. Kutsch and Gustave Ebert. 
Speeches were delivered by Dr. Hillgaertner, O. P. Shiras and 
Adam Koch. The Northzcest was revived about June i, 1859, 
under H. H. Heath, editor, and P. M. Guthrie, publisher. There 
were here also the Sim, Times, Herald, Republican and Tribune. 

In the spring of 1859 city scrip was worth 65 cents on the dollar ; 
old Harbor Improvement scrip, 50 cents ; new Harbor Improvement 
scrip, 65 cents; Central scrip, 50 cents; Dubuque & Pacific due bills, 
30 cents; Western railroad scrip, 10 cents; Western railroad bonds, 
15 cents; short city bonds, 45 cents; city coupon bonds, 60 cents; 
old school orders, 90 cents ; new school orders, 50 cents ; Dubuque & 
Pacific land scrip, 30 cents ; Harbor Improvement land scrip, 10 
ce.its ; Central Island coupon bonds, 50 cents ; Central Island con- 
struction bonds, county warrants, par. 

On July 6, 1859, the Daily Express and Herald became the 
Dubuque Herald, with J. B. Dorr & Co. as publishers. On July 4, 
J 859, the corner stone of the custom house was laid with due cere- 



I30 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

mony by the Masons. On July i6, 1859, it was 99 degrees in the 
shade. 

Previous to 1859 there was no old settlers' association at Dubuque 
— there had been an old settlers' supper a year or two before, but 
no organization. 

In October, 1859, the following breweries were in operation: 
Stahlman's, on Julien avenue ; Western, Tschirge & Schwind pro- 
prietors ; Schmidt's, in West Dubuque ; Heeb's, at West Dubuque ; 
Seeger's, near the bluff. The capital invested in breweries was 
$124,000; barrels made in 1859, 22,000; barley used, bushels, 
44,000; barrels exported, 7,443 ; men employed, 125. Mr. Schwind 
expressed the opinion to the Herald reporter that from thirty to 
forty glasses per day was about right for each individual. He said : 
"Too moosh visky ish too moosh, but too moosh logger bier ish 
choost enoof." The press late in 1859 wanted to know why 
Dubuque did not pack more pork ; it was behind in this industry 
almost every other large city in the state. The Turners dedicated 
their new hall at Clay and Twelfth, December 16, 1859. The Rock- 
dale and Dubuque debating societies contested on many questions in 
1859-60. At a shooting match in December, 1859, Samuel Cox, 
J. Van Alstine, William Ellison and J. McAleer contested for a 
purse of $20; twenty-one yards rise, ten birds; McAleer won with 
nine out of ten. 

The leading hotels here in May, 1859, were as follows: Baubien 
House, Mark Baubien, proprietor; Peosta House, Gilliam & Shields, 
proprietors ; Belfield House, T. Belfield, proprietor ; Tremont House, 
Plumbe & Alexander, proprietors ; Oregon House, William Schod- 
der, proprietor ; American House, Joseph Miller, manager ; Julien 
House. 

"Dubuque dogs are superior to ordinary dogs ; they breed faster, 
liowl more mellitluously and longer every night, are homelier and 
present more varieties than any other dogs of anv other citv in the 
Union." 

The Rockdale and Washington Literary clubs held several debates 
during the winter of 1859-60. A mock court was organized in Feb- 
ruary among the lawyers and citizens. In the Catholic Institute 
was a mock legislature and a debating club. The Washington Liter- 
ary club held weekly debates. 



CITY OF DUBUQUE, 1860 TO 1869. 

DUBUQUE during the fifties and sixties enjoyed the lectures 
delivered here by prominent men and women of the coun- 
try under the auspices of the Young Men's Literary Asso- 
ciation. 
In January, i860, Benjamin F. Taylor of Chicago lectured on 
"Washington Irving" before the Young Men's Literary Association 
and repeated the lecture by request. The new German theater at 
Turner's hall was opened in January. It seated 600 persons. 
Jackson's victory and Burns' and Thomas Paine's birthdays were 
celebrated. The chief speaker at the latter was Christian Wul- 
weber. Joseph Duggendorf proposed the following toast : "Thomas 
Paine and Thomas Jefferson — the discoverers of freedom, human- 
ity and intellectual progress." It was responded to by John Bittman. 
The committee on finance of the city council reported as follows 
in February, i860 : "The present is a critical time in the financial 
history of the city. Never will cautious and prudent management 
be more needed. The day of lavish expenditures is past, public 
improvements of all kinds abandoned, the credit of the city 
exhausted, a heavy burden of debt to be borne and the only source 
of revenue the taxation of a community embarrassed by unfortunate 
speculation and many of its numbers struggling to save tJiemselves 
from total ruin. The indebtedness of the city on the first of Janu- 
ary, i860, consisted of the following obligations: 

Clark, Dodge & Co. loan $ 10,000.00 

Jesup loan 20,000.00 

Ahem loan 2,000.00 

Corcoran loan 100,000.00 

Dubuque & Pacific loan 200,000.00 

Dubuque Western loan 250,000.00 

Loan of 1857 100,000.00 

Total of coupon bonds $682,000.00 

Short bonds, irregular sums 97,030.89 

Interest due and unpaid 76,2^3.36 

Scrip outstanding 25,168.91 

Other debts 8,326. 13 

Grand total debt $888,779.29 

131 



132 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

This sum was due, in varying amounts after the year i860. The 
total amount that must be met by January i, 1861, was $228,995.49. 
The property within the city limits, as assessed for taxation in 1859, 
was as follows: Realty, $3,931,639; personalty, $922,363; total, 
$4,854,002. These figures showed a reduction of $5,791,661, or 54 
per cent, from the assessment of 1857, and a reduction of $2,879,255 
or ;iyy2 per cent from that of 1858. The total resources from taxes 
to January i, i860, was $126,183.49, much of which was delinquent 
taxes. Two important steps were necessary : Settle the debt past 
due and reduce the interest rate on the whole debt. The house of 
Gelpcke, Reutgen & Co., of New York, early in i860 began an 
injunction proceedings to prevent the city from paying out its 
revenues until its dues were settled. The city began counter pro- 
ceedings to dissolve the injunction and ordered that no further pay- 
ments should be made to that company. 

"The year i860 has been remarkable in this section for a sort of 
voluntary temperance movement. There has been no organization, 
no apparent external movement; but simultaneously as it were, in 
the month of January, a large number of hard drinkers voluntarily 
suspended operations in this direction. It numbers among the vic- 
tims men of all classes, ages and conditions — honorables, ex-honor- 
ables, lawyers, doctors, bootblacks, horse jockeys, editors, printers, 
river men, hodcarriers — fellows who indulged in Heidsieck, Mous- 
siere lager, 'hale' and all the brands of whisky from 'instant death' 
and 'just around the corner' to the longer ranges such as 'eighty-rod' 
and 'Minie rifle.' There are other changes as marked." — (Herald, 
March i. i860.) 

On February 28, i860, the following prices were quoted at 
Dubuque : City scrip, 65 cents : Harbor Improvement scrip, 75 
cents ; the same new, 75 cents ; Central Improvement scrip, 20 cents ; 
Dubuque & Pacific due bills, 30 cents ; Dubuque & Pacific land scrip, 
20 cents ; Dubuque & Pacific bonds, 30 cents ; Western Railroad 
scrip, 8 cents ; Western Railroad bonds, 20 cents ; city short bonds, 
30 cents; city coupon bonds, 30 cents; old school orders, 60 cents; 
Harbor Improvement land scrip, 10 cents; Harbor Improvement 
bonds bearing interest, 95 cents; Central Island coupon bonds, 30 
cents ; Central Island construction bonds, 20 cents ; county warrants, 
85 cents. 

In May, i860, Andrew Keesecker became connected with the 
Herald. "Mr. Keesecker is the oldest printer in Iowa and it was 
by his hand that the first newspaper in Iowa was struck off. He 
was for a number of years publisher and editor of the Miners' 
Express, a paper which was subsequently merged in the Herald." — 
(Herald, May 16, i860.) 

A section in the southern part of Dubuque was called Dublin and 
became well known. Nearly all who lived there were guilty of the 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 133 

crime of being poor and whisky was their greatest enemy, said the 
Herald. 

"At ahnost any time from September (1859) up to May (i860) 
McGregor, Cassville and other points up and down the river paid 
from 2 to 6 cents more per bushel for wheat than our Dubuque 
buyers. * * * jf the fault is with the Ferry company then we 
say that no monopoly has a right to exist whose operations succeed 
in driving thousands of bushels of grain per season to other and 
less accessible points. If. however, the fault is found in the pic- 
ayunish spirit of our grain buyers, a different but none the less 
needed remedy is demanded. We lay down this proposition with a 
perfect confidence of its entire truthfulness : Dubuque did not buy 
the last season but a very little over one-third of the grain which 
naturally falls to this point." — (Herald, July 13, i860.) 

The Rockdale House at Catfish Mills was kept by William John- 
son in i860 and was one of the best in the county. It had excellent 
and extensive stabling. 

During the summer of i860 for the first time the fact that Chi- 
cago was the central market for the West for grain and stock was 
fully recognized here. The Grain Exchange here then paid for the 
first time Chicago prices less freight rates and no longer paid serious 
attention to St. Louis as either a grain or a live stock market. — 
{Herald, September 5, i860.) 

Dubuque lacked facilities for receiving and shipping grain in bulk 
and on July 14, i860, the grain buyers and millers met for the pur- 
pose of establishing a grain market with a view of regulating 
freights and prices ; G. R. West presided. At the second meeting 
steps to establish a grain market were taken. 

Gen. George W. Jones, upon his return from Bogota in July, 
i860, was tendered a public reception by the citizens of Dubuque. 

On August 8, i860, about fifty of the grain buyers and millers 
duly organized the Dubuque Grain Exchange. 

During the summer of i860 the Dubuque Temperance Society 
petitioned the city council to close saloons, gardens, etc., on the 
Sabbath. At the same time a petition signed by several hundred 
citizens asked that no such Sunday law be passed. After sharp 
debate both petitions were laid on the table. It was claimed that 
the existing Sunday law was strong enough if enforced. 

In August the petition for a grain market was considered by the 
council. It was signed by forty-five millers and others, and asked 
that the First ward market be designated the grain market. There 
were two counter petitions signed by many citizens. The council 
finally established the market in the First ward. 

In August the city council, made desperate by want and while 
endeavoring to "raise the wind," passed an ordinance providing 
that 10 per cent of the proceeds of all sales of property not assessed 
for city purposes made b\- auctioneers within the limits of the cor- 



134 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

poration should be paid into the city treasury. This act was 
denounced by the press as unprecedented and extraordinary and void 
on its face. It was passed in response to an urgent and numerously 
signed petition. 

On October 20, i860, city scrip was worth 65 cents; Harbor 
Improvement scrip, 95 cents ; Central Improvement scrip, 20 cents ; 
city short bonds, 60 cents; city coupon bonds, 35 cents; school 
orders, 60 cents; Harbor Improvement land scrip, 10 cents; Central 
Island coupon bonds, 30 cents; county warrants, 82I/2 cents*; 
exchange on New York, % buying, 134 selling; exchange on Chi- 
cago, 1/4 discount buying, Yo premium selling; gold, >4 to 1^4 
premium. 

"Just now there is huge rejoicing among the sons of Nimrod, for 
air, bluff, estuary, river, marsh and morass are teeming with game. 
Quails, salmon, turkeys, geese, ducks, squirrels, raccoons, partridges, 
snipes, etc., are thick beyond all imagination. Sportsmen just now 
are in their element. Never was game plentier or weather finer than 
at present." — (Herald, October 26, i860.) 

"Large numbers of fatted hogs are daily coming into town — 
some stopping here, others going East. The packing season is hardly 
yet commenced, but will be as soon as the weather will permit. 
Very extensive preparations are being made for packing here this 
{aW— (Herald, October 26, i860.) 

The Branch of the State Bank issued new bills in September, 
i860, of the denominations of $1, $2, $3, $5 and $10. They were 
very handsome. 

The comparative merits of Milwaukee and Chicago as a grain 
market for Dubuque were duly considered in i860. It was argued 
that Chicago was the better, because the grain that went there v/as 
more like that from Dubuque than that which went to Milwaukee. 

"The Harbor Improvement Company will offer for sale at auction 
at their office on Seventh street today at 10 o'clock 200 lots in tlieir 
addition to Dubuque. The land dividend scrip of the company will 
be received in payment." — (Herald, November i, i860.) 

"Pork — The pork business is or ought to be one of the heaviest 
departments of business in our city. Heretofore it has been neg- 
lected — any quantity of hogs have passed through here and been 
carried to other points. This is a mistake. Dubuque should not, 
under any circumstances, allow a hog or any cattle of any kind to 
pass through here. The trouble heretofore has been a lack of 
capital. No one had sufficient to embark in the business. A few 
have done so, but with limited means ; and they have been obliged to 
sell immediately after packing in order to turn their money. This 
was shown last spring, when dealers in pork were obliged to import 
from St. Louis the very article which they sent thither last fall." — 
(Herald, November 14, i860.) 

With the close of the Presidential campaign in i860, J. B. Dorr 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 135 

retired permanently from the editorship of the Herald, with which 
he had been connected over eight years. This left D. A. Mahony 
to manage the paper alone. 

The annual assessment in Dubuque for a series of years was as 
follows : 

1854 $ 2,762,638 1858 $ 6,080,917 

1B55 4-323.560 1859 4,854.002 

1856 8,221,228 i860 2,625,862 

1857 10,200,000 

From 185 1 to 1857 there was a natural growth of great rapidity 
due primarily to its excellent reputation and to the capital already 
secured. This growth continued because it was believed Dubuque 
was fitted with natural facilities possessed by no other city of the 
Northwest, and because it was believed that the river, the approach- 
ing railroads and the vast tributary country to the westward and 
northwestward must contribute to the permanence of its growth. 
By 1857 other cities had made great gains in securing the western 
trade which Dubuque had coveted ; the river traffic began to decline 
— due to the appearance of the railroads. On the heels of all this 
came poor crops and the dreadful panic of 1857 — all of which 
together dissipated in a large measure the dream of future greatness 
and metropolitan distinction and proportion. Business men lost 
heart as fast as they lost trade permanently and many closed their 
shops and stores and went elsewhere. During 1858 and 1859 a com- 
plete blight fell like a frost on all commercial transactions here, 
but in i860 there was a much better feeling and a distinct revival 
of prosperous conditions. 

"Judging from the evidences of activity in business, the lowering 
of city indebtedness, the absence of foolhardy speculation, the incom- 
ing of immigration, the inquiries for real estate, the improvements 
begun or projected, Dubuque has passed through the valley and 
shadow of financial Death and is now with vigorous steps climbing 
once more the ascents beyond." — (Herald, November 24, i860.) 

A well ten feet in diameter was dug on Tenth street between 
Jackson and Washington for the use of the fire department, in 
November, i860. It was thought the well woidd be better than cis- 
terns. The tri-weekly Demokrat was discontinued and only the 
weekly issued after November 17, i860. By November 17 exchange 
on New York was up to 5 per cent premium selling. Exchange on 
Chicago had not risen, was at from J4 per cent discount to y^ P^i' 
cent premium. City scrip was worth 65 cents and county warrants 
85 cents. On the 19th city scrip advanced to SyYz cents. The 
Dubuque banks began about November 20, i860, to throw out the 
bills of all doubtful institutions, and to exercise great care in the 
circulation handled. 



136 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

J. H. Kothe composed music here late in i860; one of his com- 
positions was tlie Duhuque Waltz, published by W. J. Gilbert of 
this city — all home productions. The Germanic band arranged it 
for the street. Dubuque caught the billiard fever which was raging 
over the country late in i860. S. S. Palmer was chosen chief 
engineer of the fire department December 3, i860. 

The large grain elevator of tlie Dubuque & Sioux City Railroad 
and the Dubuque, Marion & Western Railroad, completed Tate in 
i860, had a capacity of 150,000 bushels. The cost of storage for 
twenty days was 2 cents a bushel, for four months 4 cents. It 
adjoined the track of the railroads. 

On December 4, i860. New York exchange was quoted at 7 per 
cent premium selling; gold, 10 per cent selling; city scrip, 70 cents; 
county warrants, 85 cents. 

In Dubuque, in December, i860, in one house on Sixth street 
near Clay, were some fifty or sixty negroes — all black Republicans. 
They got in a row over the right of a state to secede, whereupon 
one of them seceded from the others, was arrested and fined and 
sent to jail for thirty days for assault, said the Herald. "Very few, 
if any, live hogs are being cut up in this city, but are carried through 
to Chicago. This is wrong. We think our dealers are missing it, 
very materially." — (Herald, December 18, i860. ) A lodge of Good 
Templars was organized in Dubuque in December, i860, with E. R. 
Shankland as worthy chief. 

On January 4, 1861, the National Dcmokrat (German) entered 
upon its fifth year, four of which it was under Hon. F. A. Gniflfke. 
"Yesterday forenoon Conductors Northrup's and Cawley's train.s 
both came in. The latter left here one week ago last Tuesday, the 
former one day later. Cawley was frozen at Jesup and Northrup 
two miles the other side of Independence. Slow traveling to and 
from Jesup in eleven days — yet fast enough considering the going." 
— {Herald, February 2, 1861.) In January, 1861, there was strong 
talk of building a horse railroad from Dubuque up the valley of the 
Turkey river and eventually on to the Minnesota line. 

"Two years ago the same property (lots in Davis', West's and 
Cook's additions) or any other offered for sale at auction would 
not have attracted three buyers. In fact, at that time a man would 
no more bid on real estate than he would on an elephant or an acre 
in some valley of the moon. Thursday, however, Jordan's auction 
room was so crowded at the hour of sale that perhaps a hundred 
people were unable to gain admittance. The bidding was spirited 
and we believe the prices, although almost infinitely below those of 
'55-'6, are an indication of a healthy condition. As an illustration 
of the character of the tremendous expansion and collapse of things 
hereabouts we will cite the history of two or three of the above lots : 
Lot 308 of Davis' Farm addition was bought by D. A. Mahony of 
Mr. Sanford for $500 in April, 1857. It was sold Thursdav for 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 137 

$105 — just about what it is actually worth. The two Locust street 
lots were bought by H. W. Sanford in 1852 for $800. In 1856 he 
sold them to Captain Kinsey for $7,000 on ten years' time. Major 
Mobley, who was regarded as one of the shrewdest business men 
in Dubuque, very shortly afterward gave Captain Kinsey $5,000 
cash for his bargain ! Thursday both were bought by A. McCann 
for $1,920. Such have been the changes through which real estate 
has passed in the last five years. There is now. however, every indi- 
cation that the valuation of real estate is upon a substantial basis. — 
{Herald, February 2, 1861.) 

Delinquent Taxes, March, 1861. 

Delinquent tax of 1857 $17,161 

Interest 1 1.755 

Delinquent tax of 1858 24,278 

Interest 10,318 

Delinquent tax of 1859 22,813 

Interest 3.992 

Delinquent tax of i860 35.494 

In February, 1861, Col. Richard P. Morgan proposed a horse 
railroad and argued that as steam railroads had really taken trade 
away from Dubuque horse railroads could and would bring it back 
if extended as they should be. The Herald noted that previous to 
February 13, 1861, snow to the depth of nineteen inches had fallen 
and most of it still lay upon the ground either where it had fallen 
or in drifts. On the 13th and 14th fifteen inches more fell. In 
February, 1861, Adam Jaeger began here the distillation of alcohol 
and the manufacture of whisky on Bee Branch. 

On March 22, 1861, city scrip was quoted at 55 cents; school 
orders, 50 cents ; county warrants, 90 cents : exchange on New York, 
6 per cent premium selling; gold, 6 per cent premium. E. C. David 
received the appointment as postmaster of Dubuque late in March, 
1861. About the middle of March, 1861, the Herald began the issue 
of a bi-weekly in addition to its daily and weekly editions. It was 
issued as an experiment. 

Newman & Cooper and Cooper & Smith were large manufac- 
turers of wagons and plows in 1861. The former were selling 
from five to ten wagons a week in March and the latter were turn- 
ing out annually 1,000 plows. They also manufactured harrows 
and other agricultural implements. 

The banking houses here in March, 186 1, were as follows : State 
Bank Branch, H. Markell & Co. ; J. L. Langworthy & Bros. ; Bab- 
bage & Co. ; Theo. Gelpcke & Co. The second mentioned were the 
successors to Markell, Darrow & Co., and the last mentioned were 
the successors to Gelpclce, Winslow & Co. 



138 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Mike Blumenauer's school of gymnastics had a class of twenty- 
five men and about fifteen boys early in April, 1861. Gymnastics 
had been taught here before by Professor Schill. The Cincinnati 
Price Current said that Dubuque in 1860-61 packed 5,068 hogs, 
against 3,400 the year before. 

For the fiscal year 1860-61 the receipts were $55,249.05, and the 
expenses $36,484.76. 

Of the receipts above nearly $50,000 was delinquent or old school 
and special tax previous to i860. From the special interest tax of 
1859 and the delinquent tax of the same year alone the receipts 
were $26,000. The largest items of expense were $8,665.90 inter- 
est on coupon bonds and $9,425.30 for outstanding city bonds. 

The Dubuque Elevator Company during the winter of 1860-61 
shipped large quantities of grain to Chicago. Many times it sent 
from 10,000 to 20,000 bushels at one date. In the spring of 1861 
it was shown that in Dubuque few if any residences either of the 
rich or poor had water, gas or proper ventilation. Few if any 
houses had been constructed with a view to ventilation. Many 
houses had no water in their yards, and not over a dozen in the 
city had water accommodations inside. This was, no doubt, owing 
to the absence of waterworks. Gas was a luxury scarcely to be 
afforded by the richest citizens and for the average and poor citi- 
zens was quite out of the question.— (HrraW, April 11, 1861.) 

The failure of Gelpcke & Co., May 6, 1861, caused great excite- 
ment among the depositors and throughout the business circles of 
Dubuque. A large crowd collected at tlie bank. It became rumored 
that Theo. Gelpcke had left the city, taking all the gold with him, 
or else had secreted himself here. About fifty men accordingly 
gathered at his residence on Locust street with the intention of 
searching the premises. Upon learning that he was not at home 
the crowd, now about one hundred, moved down Main street, where 
they were addressed at the Washington House by William B. 
Allison, who stated that he, as assignee, was preparing a statement 
of the bank's condition. He said he had $5,000 of the bank's 
cash and that the amount due depositors was about $40,000, and 
notes soon due to the amount of about $12,000 more. He promised 
to do all he could for depositors. Rev. Mr. Dennis also addressed 
the crowd (now over 200) and advised moderation. He said on 
-authority that 50 to 60 per cent of the bank's debts would be paid. 
The crowd slowly dispersed. In June the assignee paid 20 per cent ; 
total liabilities about $37,000. 

On May 15, 1861, New York exchange was 10 per cent pre- 
mium selling, and American gold 1 5 per cent same ; Chicago 
exchange was at par. The merchants assembled in mass meeting 
late in May, 1861, to devise means to get rid of the pest of depre- 
ciated currency from which all suffered. F. V. Goodrich was chair- 
man. The subject was fully considered, and protests against any 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 139 

action were presented. At an adjourned meeting Patrick Quigley 
presided. Tlie committee appointed at tlie previous meeting recom- 
mended the E. K. Willard & Co. list of Chicago for Ihinois bills. 
An 80 and 90 cent list was recommended for Wisconsin bills. They 
further recommended 35 cents for depreciated Illinois bills and 40 
cents for depreciated Wisconsin bills. There was much difference 
of opinion as to what should be done, and all realized that any list 
adopted would need constant revision. 

The Eighteenth Annual Grand Communication of the Grand 
Lodge (Masonic) commenced at Dubuque, June 4, 1861, in Tur- 
ner's hall. Thomas H. Benton, G. M. of Council Bluffs, was pres- 
ent and in his official position. E. A. Guilbert, of Dubuque, was 
senior grand warden: J. S. Dennis, of Dubuque, grand chaplain; 
W. K. Hall, of Dubuque, A. G. T., and H. S. Jennings, of Dubuque, 
G. P. They passed resolutions regretting the death of Senator 
Douglas. 

On June 20, 1861, New York exchange was 10 per cent premium 
selling; American gold. 15 per cent premium selling; city scrip, 
55 cents; county warrants, 90 cents; school orders, 50 cents; Cen- 
tral Improvement scrip, 10 cents; city short bonds, 50 cents; city 
coupon bonds, 30 cents. By the last of June, 1861, the walls of the 
custom house were up and ready for the roof — no more could be 
done yet. On July 21, 1861, the Herald came down to the new 
financial gold basis and quoted New York exchange at 2 per cent 
premium and American gold at 1/2 per cent premium. The Fourth 
of July, 1861, was celebrated here in grand style. Lincoln Clark 
was the principal orator. A chorus of eighteen singers rendered the 
national airs. Bands, parades and boat excursions were features. 
On Wednesday, July 29, 1861, the mercury reached 98 degrees in 
the shade; on the 30th, 98; on the 31st, 99, and on August i, 91. 
There was much complaint because hogs were permitted to roam 
the streets. The city had plenty of laws, but the hogs would not 
mind them, humorously observed the Herald. 

In August, New York exchange was 2 per cent premium selling, 
American gold 14 per cent premium selling, city scrip 50 cents, 
county warrants 88 cents, school orders 50 cents. 

"In passing around town and seeing now and then an empty 
building once filled with goods or occupied four or five years ago 
by some man who soon ran his peculiar race of folly or extrava- 
gance, we are reminded of the contrast between the flush times of 
18S6-57 and the dullness of 1861-62." — {Herald, August 10, 
1861.) 

One of the most extensive branches of business here in 1861 and 
before was the lumber trade. Seven or eight firms were thus 
engaged with a large capital. 

In September, 1861, over 130,000 bushels of wheat were received 
here by railroad from the West. There were also received 5,000 



I40 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

barrels of flour. In one week 48,000 bushels of wheat were 
received. One of the best improvements of the city council in 1861 
was the building of Southern avenue in its continuation over 
Cavanaugh hill ; it cost over $200, but was considered well worth 
the money. 

Samuel McXutt succeeded J. B. Dorr in editorial charge of the 
Union. A new cable was successfully laid across the river from 
Dunleith to Dubuque, September 3. 1861. Furniture on a large 
scale was manufactured here in 1861, but it was a recent industry" 
on so large a scale; only a few years before Dubuque had bought 
its furniture in the East. Herancourt began this business in 1846. 
and ten years later built a big factory and employed from twenty- 
five to forty men; he made chairs, sofas, tables, desks, etc. 

Immense quantities of "stumptail currency" of Eastern institu- 
tions were in circulation here and throughout the West in Novem- 
ber, 186 1. Farmers were warned against it and advised to take 
nothing but gold and silver for their wheat, etc. 

Large quantities of wheat arrived here in November, 1861, and 
were handled by the Dubuque Elevator Company. The Elevator 
Company was shipping thirty to forty carloads of wheat per day — 
12,000 to 14,000 bushels. The Elevator Company was now ready 
to store wheat for the winter. 

"Look Out for Bad ^Nloney — The farmers are beginning to 
'smell a rat' about the State Bank paying out the 'promises to pay' 
of Tom, Dick and Harry's Eastern bank instead of the notes of 
the branches of the Iowa State Bank, the only bank paper that any 
farmer ought to take for his produce. A sensible German farmer 
slightly opened the eyes of one of the wheat dealers yesterday who 
ofifered him checks on the State bank. Said he, 'No. I must gold 
haben for my veat." And he got the gold. If the wheat dealers 
are in the bank's interest in shoving off rags that in a few weeks or 
months may be like the Illinois or Wisconsin currency, paid out by 
the State bank and that hit the farmers, lead miners and everybody 
else six months ago, it is time for the farmers to understand it." — 
(Herald, November 16, 1861). 

In December, 1861, the Herald favored the recommendation of 
Secretary Chase concerning the establishment of National banks, 
because it believed they would drive out wildcat issues. Late in 
December Eastern banks began to suspend specie payments and 
trouble here was anticipated and in a measure forestalled. Samuel 
McNutt retired from the Union in December, 1861, and the daily 
ceased to be issued. 

Dubuque market, January 3, 1862. — Extra flour, $4.75; wheat, 
choice, 58 cents; eggs, 12V2 cents; oats, 12 to 14 cents; corn in ear. 
15 to 17 cents; hay, timothy, $6; butter, 10 cents; potatoes, 35 to 40 
cents; prairie chickens, $1.50 per dozen; quails, 65 to 70 cents per 
dozen; dressed pork, $2 to $2.50; dressed beef, $2.25 to $3.50 per 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 141 

cwt. ; beef steaks, 6 to 7 cents a pound ; pork steaks, 5 to 6 cents a 
pound ; turkeys, 40 to 65 cents each. 

A Mr. K. bought flour at a mill and received in change a half 
dollar coin which he was later told was bogus. He returned, 
demanded good money, was refused and brought suit before Justice 
O'Meara. There were se\-eral witnesses and a long trial. Sud- 
denly the court thought best to test the coin, whereupon a jeweler 
pronounced it genuine. It was suggested that the constable should 
pay the costs. 

Pat, an Irishman in the wood market here, described to the 
Herald reporter his girl in Ireland, as follows : "A fine, strappin' 
goil wus Mary as iver tied a shafe of corn or driv a lump of a pig 
to market. The divil a bit of harm was in her and she was as full of 
fun as an egg is of mate. She was as straight as a rush wid the 
complexion of the rose and peaches united in one." 

"Send Us Treasury Notes — We will take United States treasury 
notes for subscription to the Dubuque Herald in preference to any 
bank notes, whether of Iowa, Ohio or Indiana. Persons remitting 
us money will act accordingly." — {Herald, January 19, 1862.) 

The marshal began to sieze game under the game law in Janu- 
ary, 1862. Bayard Taylor lectured here in January. Gen. Tom 
Thumb was here also. On January 31 all trains were stopped by 
a big snowstorm. A concert of 200 children under Mr. Wheeler 
was an interesting event of the winter of 1861-2. This concert 
was repeated several times by request — "Wheeler's Juvenile Con- 
cert." Another feature was the immense shipment of wheat to 
Dunleith by teams. 

Pork Packing in Dubuque, Winter of 1861-62. 

Weight, Barrels Mess 

Firms. Hogs. Aver. Lard. Pork. 

F. Weigle 360 320 141 97 

Strobel & Rath 800 290 226 tc 300 

H. Brinkman & Co. . . . 825 299 253 187 

Mr. Rosenburg 350 280 140 80 

J. Hughes 930 290 250 tc 350 

Richard O'Brien 300 310 45 tc 130 

Brackett & Morse 4,750 280 1,200 bbls 2,200 

Totals 8,315 2,048 3,305 3,344 

In addition about 5,000 were shipped from here in bulk, and 
many live hogs were shipped during the winter. 

The old Express and Herald office was sold by the sheriff and 
bid in by H. Knowlton for $1,500, subject to a mortgage of $2,000 
held by W. H. Merritt : the power press alone was worth the $1,500. 



142 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

After much tribulation the council finally paid James Rowan for the 
market ground — $7,000 for the $10,000 owed him. On February 
2, 1862, the mercury reached 28 and 30 degrees below zero on the 
bhififs. In February the price of pork was the lowest in years — 
$2.25 to $2.40 per cwt. In February it was rumored that the State 
bank branch here would soon suspend specie payments. Everybody 
welcomed the treasury note bill — it was expected to relieve the dis- 
tressful local currency condition. Rouse & Williams operated iron 
works, built engines, etc. Many shooting matches were held in 
February. A grand musical service was held at the Julien theater, 
mainly by Dubuque musicians. It ended with a grand tableau and 
festival at St. John's Episcopal church, February 13. The new 
Iowa banking law made Iowa State bank notes and United States 
treasury notes receivable for taxes — the former only in case it did 
not suspend specie payments. Another immense snowfall late in 
February tied up hundreds of carloads of produce all over northern 
Iowa. 

Cooper & Smith in 1862 conducted a big plow and harrow factory 
here. Early in 1862 the Legislature refused to repeal the prohib- 
itory liquor law, though strongly urged to do so by Dubuque and 
other river cities. Early in 1862 it was noted that the price of 
pork was governed largely by successes and reverses on the battle- 
field. McNutt was editor of the Times in February, 1862. 

This law jirovided that on the affidavit of any person private 
houses might be searched for liquors and the right of a change of 
venue was cut off. "A greater outrage than this has never been 
attempted in the most despotic countries on earth," said the Herald. 

"Dubuque has never yet had the advantage of a prominent pork 
packing establishment and the want of it has been a serious loss to 
this city. Instead of packing every hog brought to this market for 
sale, the great bulk of the pork is shipped either on foot or in the 
carcass to Chicago or some other distant point. This city loses also 
by its failure to manufacture lard, lard oil, stearine, etc. Instead 
of grinding up all the wheat brought to this market this city is 
scarcely more than a station on an accommodation railroad route." — 
{Herald, February 19, 1862.) 

The bill of 1862, which aimed to stop the manufacture and sale 
of lager beer in Iowa, was vehemently denounced here by press and 
mass meetings. Dimes, quarters and half dollars of zinc were thick 
here in April. Nearly every business man had a few in reserve to 
work off on his neighbor. There was great complaint against the 
extortions of the Illinois Central Railway company in April, 1862; 
it was even found advantageous to ship to Chicago via Prairie du 
Chien. In June city scrip was down to 40 cents. Edward Everett 
lectured here on "History of the Origin and Character of the War;" 
he took the usual northern view and the Herald said, "Whatever 
Mr. Everett believes we do not believe." In June, 1862, City Treas- 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 143 

urer Guthrie announced the delinquent tax of 1857 ^t $13,272.87; 
interest on the same, $7,034.62. He announced that dehnquents 
could pay in city scrip at 50 cents on the dollar. Immense quanti- 
ties of wheat were conveyed to Dunleith by the ferry-boat and 
barges in June. The Herald said in July that McGregor was a 
better wheat market than Dubuque, owing to the lack of enterprise 
and concert here. Sometimes as high as 700 wagons loaded with 
wheat reached McGregor in a single day. It came from as far as 
200 miles and lumber was cheaper there. 

The Fourth of July, 1862, was generally celebrated all over 
Dubuque county. At Dubuque the day was ushered in with a salute 
of cannon and with the peals of bells. Major Brodtbeck was chief 
marshal. Everybody joined the parade. Rev. A. A. E. Taylor was 
principal orator. Judge T. S. Wilson was president of the day. 

Resolved, by the council. That the holders of all bonds known by 
the name of short bonds, may have the ordinary evidence of claim, 
i. e., city orders or scrip, issued them for the same by returning 
them to the office of the auditor, who will cancel them and cause 
slips to be issued for the same, for the amount' of the original at 
face named (less 10 per cent) and with 6 per cent interest thereon 
from the date of said bonds." Adopted July 3, 1862. 

Early in 1862 specie began wholly to disappear as it was steadily 
overreaching in value all paper issues. A number of business men 
made the attempt in July, 1862, to retire all small change then in 
circulation and have the banks substitute therefor their own change 
or scrip checks. 

H. Markell & Co. and Babbage & Co., bankers, issued scrip about 
July 15, 1862, as follows: 



Dubuque, July 15, 1862. 
Twenty-Five Cents 
Redeemable in United States or Iowa Currency in sums 
of One Dollar, at the Banking Houses of H. Markell & 
Co. and Babbage & Co. 

Jno. Ware, Jr., Teller. 
R. Scott, Teller. 



"We are very sorry to know that these bits of paper are to drive 
out what little silver change there is among us, but derive some con- 
solation from the fact that it will not be a general system of plasters 
— the tradesmen and merchants refraining from going into the busi- 
ness while the bankers are prosecuting it. Undoubtedly great incon- 
venience is felt from the scarcity of change but the prevention is 



144 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

worse than the cure. Good-bye little half dime and soporific 
quarter." — (//rraW, July 17, 1862.) 

In July, 1862, A. Heels shipped beer to Memphis, the river thereto 
having been opened by Union gunboats and troops. By July, 1862, 
the delinquent tax of 1858 was $29,822.33; interest, $12,527.97. In 
1862 Rouse & Williams made iron columns for Dubuque and out- 
side buildings; Woodworth's new brick block contained them. Peo- 
ple hoarded silver and passed as soon as possible all paper received. 
A new lot of city scrip was issued in August, 1862. The new frac- 
tional currency of the government was anticipated in August with 
much confidence. A floating planing mill — an ingenious contriv- 
ance — was here in August doing work at the levee. Prof. O. S. 
Fowler lectured on "Phrenology" in August. Owing to the enforced 
absence of Mr. Mahony in August, 1862, Stilson Hutchins became 
editor of the Herald. The Grand Lodge of Odd Fellows assembled 
here October 22, 1862. W. P. Allen, of Dubuque, was elected 
R. W. G. representative. In 1862-3 a new passenger depot for the 
Dubuque and Sioux City line was built. In October, 1862, county 
warrants were worth 80 cents on the dollar; school orders, 65 
cents ; city scrip, 40 cents ; gold, 22 per cent premium selling. In 
October, Welch Edwards appeared here with his theatrical troupe. 

On September 30 and October i, 2 and 3 the State Fair was held 
in Dubuque. The city and county made donations of money to 
secure this event. The city also at its own expense and that of the 
leading business men enclosed the grounds, cleared the track, erected 
the buildings. The local committee were Richard Bonson, E. R. 
Shankland, Judge King, Solon M. Langworthy, W. C. Chamberlain, 
H. S. Hetherington and Peter Melendy. The fair was a great 
success, much to the credit of Dubuque. 

"Awful. — Coal oil is up to 70 cents a gallon; potatoes to 50 
cents a bushel ; wood, $4 a cord ; butter, 15 cents a pound ; eggs, 12 
cents a dozen ; shirting, 30 cents a yard ; cotton batting, 40 cents a 
pound, and the end is not yet." — {Herald, October 30, 1862.) 

Under the delinquency of 1858, 1859 and i860 a great deal of 
land all over the county, even in the city of Dubuque, was sold for 
taxes. 

Mr. Dorr, who held a mortgage on the Herald, foreclosed it and 
took possession of the office in November, 1862. Stilson Hutchins 
bought the ofiice of the old Northivcst and part of the office of the 
old Dubuque Times and prepared to issue the Dubuque Democratic 
Herald to take the place of the Herald of Mahony. By this time 
there was no gold nor siher in circulation; there were sufficient 
treasury notes for all ordinary purposes. The Dubuque skating 
club was organized in December. For many years skating had 
been the principal pastime during the winter months. A hog weigh- 
ing 980 pounds came here from Monticello in December ; it passed 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 145 

on to Chicago. Ten acres of the cemetery were ordered laid off 
into lots and streets at this date. 

A committee of the council appointed to investigate the harbor 
question reported at the January session, 1863, that in a short time 
the harbor would be wholly unfit for landing purposes unless the 
formation of the sandbars could be prevented ; that the bar was 
caused by the filling up of the inner slough at the Third street 
bridge ; that the Third street bridge should be removed or extended 
in one span over the whole slough and that the right of the city to 
remove such bridge which had been built by the Central Improve- 
ment Company was in doubt. 

On the loth of September, 1853, the city of Dubuque executed 
to F. S. Jesup a deed of trust on the Central island to secure a large 
amount of indebtedness, say about $30,000. On October 24, 1856. 
the city also executed to W. W. Corcoran a mortgage on Central 
island, with other lands, to secure the payment of $100,000, payable 
at New York, May i, 1876. The Jesup trust was not acknowl- 
edged, so far as the records showed. On March 20, 1857, the city 
contracted with J. P. Farley and others known as the Central Island 
Improvement Company to convey the said island to said company 
in consideration that the company should assume the indebtedness 
of the city to Corcoran and Jesup. The company thus assumed 
such indebtedness and on October 19, 1859, the city executed a deed 
of Central island to the Central Improvement Company by which 
the city conveyed all the right it then had or might afterwards have 
in the island and the beds of sloughs with the right to fill or dredge 
the same. On March 3, i860, Congress granted to the city all the 
title of the state of Iowa to the sloughs and beds of sloughs within 
the said property. Whatever right this act conferred upon the city 
would thus inure to the benefit of the Improvement Company 
under the prior act. On March 14, 1859, in consideration of a 
release from the indebtedness before assumed, amounting without 
interest to $120,000, the company made a contract with the city by 
which the company reconveyed to the city every third lot of the lots 
into which the island was laid out. In this contract the company 
obligated itself to pave a levee on the main channel of the Missis- 
sippi river along the entire front of the island and to have the work 
done by January i, 1861 ; also to fill and grade Second and Fourth 
streets from the east line of lots of the old town of Dubuque not 
less than forty feet wide with proper slopes for embankments and 
to have Second street finished by January i, 1862, and Fourth street 
by January i, 1863. These conditions were never fulfilled, nor the 
work of paving or grading the streets ever commenced. This con- 
tract was never signed by the city, but the company claimed the 
contract to be valid, inasmuch as the company signed it and made 
the conveyance to the city of the said lots and the conveyance was 
afterward accepted by the city by resolution. By January i, 1863, 



146 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

the incumbrances on the island were far beyond its then actual 
value. There was the indebtedness of $120,000 and interest for 
several years and a county tax of $6,447.31 from 1857 to 1861 
inclusive. In addition there was the city tax due and unpaid. 

On January i, 1863, the office of city auditor was declared vacant, 
that official having been absent for a long time and neglected his 
duties. On January 9 about 250 wagons of pork were here at one 
time. On another day 100 wagon loads of firewood were on the 
streets; wood was worth $4.50 and $5, much higher than usual. 
George Francis Train lectured here January 17 on "English Shams: 
American Realities." John G. Armstrong, of Dubuque, formed a 
business connection with him and took the road. The printers had 
a big festival on Franklin's birthday. During 1862 and much of 
1863 there was a great scarcity of small change; small packages of 
postage stamps were used — 5, 10 and 25-cent packages. There was 
a great drouth in January, so that water haulers were employed to 
fill the city cisterns to be in readiness for fires. January, 1863, was 
ver}' mild, so that ferry boats ran as regularly as in summer. In 
January live hogs were worth only $2.90 to $3.25 ; wheat, 95 cents 
to $1 ; beef cattle on the hoof, $1.75 to $2.25, and whisky was going 
up, notwithstanding the efforts of most men to put it down. The 
Democrats here called the fractional currency "Chase's shinplasters." 
Immense quantities of ice were put up in 1862-3, George Zumhofif 
alone storing 45,000 tons. 

Early in January, 1863, Dubuque was shut ofif for a week from 
the outside by the deep snow and intense cold. Many domestic 
animals throughout the county perished. About this time $50,000 
was offered for Kelly's bluff, but the eccentric owner refused to sell. 
James Burt was president of the skating club. Treasury notes on 
March 2 were at a small premium on 'change, city short bonds were 
worth 45 cents ; county, warrants, 97^ cents ; Iowa state warrants, 
98 cents ; quartermaster's vouchers, 90 cents. In February green- 
backs were here in abundance and were accepted by all business 
houses and farmers. In February all prices began to advance in 
leaps and bounds. The Herald seemed to lose no opportunity to 
denounce the branch of the State Bank. Gold ran up to about 
$1.70 here, but soon fell to $1.45. Early in 1863 Professor 
Lascelles and his assistants gave their series of grand concerts at the 
Julien theater ; parts of the performance were "Blue Beard," "The 
Ship on Fire," "The Spirit of the Storm," "St. Patrick's Day," etc. 
The press declared this to be the grandest musical event ever in 
Dubuque up to that date. "The Lascelles third concert was 
attended by a large audience, which testified almost breathlessly to 
the rare and beautiful music. Mrs. Lascelles possessed a soprano 
voice of rare sweetness and compass, and Miss Anna Lascelles cap- 
tured the audience with her Yankee songs. Mr. Lascelles played 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 147 

and sang with a power and sweetness never approached on a stage 
in Dubuque. 

A special committee, consisting of Aldermen Quigley, Mason and 
Matthews, found that the indebtedness of the city of Dubuque on 
March i, 1863, was as follows: 

Outstanding coupon bonds $ 682,000.00 

Interest due March i, i860 76,253.36 

Interest due March i. 1863 204,600.00 

Interest on short bonds, $97,000 22,050.00 

Outstanding short bonds, March i, 1863 48,800.00 

City currency and scrip out 16,047.30 

Due Rowan for central market 3,500.00 

Due Harbor Company for repairs 3,951.61 

Other debts and judgments 7,250.00 

Total $1,064,452.27 

The amount of bonds issued by the city for railroad purposes: 
Dubuque & Sioux City Railway Company, $200,000 ; Dubuque & 
Western Railway Company, $250,000. The Gelpeke Company 
brought suit to recover interest on the railway bonds for over three 
years. The county was interested to the extent of $200,000, which 
it voted the Dubuque & Sioux City Railway Company. 

By the recent supreme court decision both city and county now 
had to pay up. This sad fact caused people to be despondent. 
War claims added to the crushing burden; yet in spite of all the 
city and county were prosperous owing to the flush of war. 

In March, 1863, the air was dark with countless myriads of wild 
pigeons on many days. There was a big strike on the newspapers 
late in March, 1863; half sheets were issued. In the end the union 
which demanded better wages was forced to give up the fight. 

In 1861-2 there were packed in Dubuque 8,315 hogs; in 1862-3, 
13,285. In the latter year Burlington, Des Moines, Farmington, 
Fort Madison, Keokuk, Muscatine and Ottumwa packed more than 
Dubuque — a few three or four times as many. 

In 1863 the mail distributing office was removed from Dubuque, 
which act was believed to be due to the opposition to the war shown 
here. John Hodnett had been and was yet connected with the 
Herald. D. A. Mahony and Stilson Hutchins conducted in the 
Herald one of the ablest papers in the West ; they assailed the Lin- 
coln administration with ability, vigor and severity. The council 
in May declared cottonwood trees a nuisance and ordered them cut 
from city lots, streets, etc. A. Schaefle conducted a book bindery 
here in 1863. 

Dubuque county warrants were at par June 8, 1863. A 
Sylvester's patent grain separator was the invention of a Dubuque 



148 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

man. A dispute between the saloons and breweries was settled in 
May, 1863, by fixing $9 as the price of a barrel ; elsewhere the price 
was $10. On June i, 1863, Assessor Kniest reported in Dubuque 
2,719 dwellings; families, 1,600; males, 5,998; females, 6,628; 
total population, 12,626; voters, 2,409; colored population, 65. 
Dubuque real estate was assessed at $1,893,000; personalty, 
$867,434. In a horse race at Bee Town between Kitty Clyde and 
a Bee Town horse for a stated purse of $700 a side, distance 500 
yards, the horse won by four and one-half feet; it was said that 
over $8,000 changed hands as the result of the race; $100 green- 
back bills were numerous. On June i, 1863, the Times was 
enlarged to eight columns. About this time the Chicago Times was 
suppressed by order of the military authorities, but after a few days 
was permitted to continue. D. N. Cooley, agent, called for the 
federal tax in June and announced that it must be paid within ten 
days or a 10 per cent penalty would be added. The board of trade 
was again organized in June ; it issued for a while the Commercial 
Reporter. Every cistern in the city was dry in June; water haulers 
did a big business — 15 to 20 cents below, and 25 to 35 cents per 
barrel above the bluffs. 

"A Game of Ball. — The Fourth ward recently challenged the 
Third ward to try a star game of baseball for the championship 
belt. An enormous set-to came off lately between the clubs of the 
several wards. ... A very exciting and astonishing game was 
played. The Third ward after two hours threw up the sponge and 
the Fourth ward were proclaimed victorious." — {Herald, June 9, 

The "Up-town" club and the "Down-town club were pitted 
against each other. In the former were Markell, Root, Cox, 
Blatchley, Bates, J. Ware, C. Ware, Donaha and Perigo, and in the 
latter W. Mills, N. Mills, Waples, Lewis, Bugh, Morgan, Pinto, 
Potter and Coyle. The "Up-town" won in July at the race track. 
They also played on the circus grounds near the Third ward school- 
house. Another club here at this time was the Key City. This was 
the first year that matched games were played. 

The old cemetery at Dubuque consisted of twenty acres, about 
one-half of which was laid out into lots. It was not well drained, 
because a circular tract in the middle was lower than the surround- 
ings. It was thus thought best to secure another 20-acre tract 
lying immediately west and contiguous to the old yard. It was 
arranged that 70 per cent of the proceeds of the sale of lots should 
be paid to the owner of the land, and the other 30 per cent go to 
the treasury to be used in laying out the ground, fencing it, etc. 
To Alderman Kiene was due this successful plan of securing the 
new tract. Mr. Norris laid out the lots, etc. The cemetery thus 
laid out and expanded consisted of forty acres in a regular square, 
beautifully situated and commanding a view both of the Mississippi 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 149 

and the city. The price of the lots was fixed at sums varying from 
$5 to $25 each. About four acres were set apart for a potter's field. 
The cemetery was named "Linwood" by the city council. 

In July, 1863, drovers began to drive large numbers of cattle 
across the river to Dunleith for shipment to Chicago. Immense 
herds of sheep passed through Dubuque, bound for farms to the 
westward. A hunting party in July killed over 100 woodcock on 
the upper river and anotlier party returned from northern Iowa 
with over 300 prairie chickens. C. Brownson established a big 
tobacco factory here in July. At this time the following com- 
manded the highest prices ever known here — timothy hay, $18; 
best prairie hay, $15; slough hay, $12. 

"Certain parties in town are figuring for the establishment of a 
national bank. If they succeed there will be two after the first of 
January next, as other parties have the same object in view." — 
{Herald, August 24, 1863.) 

Late in July, 1863, boats under necessary restrictions passed down 
the river to Vicksburg and New Orleans. Considerable beer was 
sent down by Dubuque brewers ; no mails were permitted on the 
boats. In September, 1863, during the fair the streets were lighted 
with gas and the press asked to have it made permanent. Several 
fast horses were at the fair: Young Bashaw, Tom Hyer, Kitty 
Hunt, Grey Hawk Morgan, May Day, Abe Lincoln, etc. 

In October, 1863, Professor Steiner ascended in a balloon on 
Main street, between Seventh and Eighth ; reached an altitude of 
10,000 feet, passed southeastward down the river, was visible for 
forty minutes, and landed safely near Bellevue; he used city gas to 
carry him aloft. A complete set of counterfeiters' tools was 
unearthed at White and Thirteenth streets in October; they doubt- 
less belonged to a gang that was convicted in 1859 and sent to the 
penitentiary. Telegraph poles were erected in November; they 
were for the new line west to Cedar Falls, etc. A large grey eagle 
was shot near Dubuque ; it fell into the river and was secured. The 
new postoffice and custom-house was about half finished in No- 
vember. The Brothers of New Milleray sold many fat hogs here 
and at Dyersville — no such in November brought them $412. A 
panther appeared near Dubuque in the fall of 1863, and killed pigs, 
chickens, calves, tore a bull terrier to pieces, frightened women and 
ciiildren; it evaded hunters wlio went after it and left the neighbor- 
hood; it had been seen near Stewart's place. The southern part of 
Dubuque was called Dublin, the northern part Germany, and the 
center was called Babel. A carload of twelve fine elks passed 
through here in November, 1863, bound for the stock preserves of 
Victor Emanuel of Italy and brought $1,500 put down in New 
York; buffaloes and antelopes were also shipped thus later. 

"National Bank. — We learn that a national bank is to be started 



150 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

in this city after January next by parties wlio generally succeed in 
what they undertake." — (Herald. November 29, 1863.) 

On December 3, 1863, the telegraph line to Cedar Falls was 
finished. The freight blockade late in 1863 caused great loss to 
Dubuque business men. Mass meetings failed to improve matters. 
The old plan to drain the adjacent mines to secure pure water were 
again considered at this time. 

The year 1863 saw much improvement in the city, more in repairs 
and ornamentation than in new buildings. There were no vacant 
houses. Among the improvements were buildings by Emerson 
Shields & Co. (Peosta House), Bishop Smyth, General Hodgdon, 
Capt. J. W. Parker, Richard O'Brien, Custom House, Dr. E. L. 
Clark, engine house at Washington Park, Woodworth & Jaeger's 
brewery on Lake Peosta, round-house for the railway, Plenis & 
Beach's soap factory, etc. Late in 1863 Dubuque newspapers 
received telegraphic dispatches several hours ahead of Chicago. 

The large panther was again seen in Stewart's grove late in 
December, 1863; several hunters went after it but it had left the 
neighborhood. On January 7, 1864, the first mail from the East 
for a week arrived ; there had fallen deep snows and the cold was 
intense. 

The coldest period since 1856 extended from December 29, 1863, 
to January 2, 1864. On the 29th it was 4 degrees below at 3 p. m., 
10 below at dark, and 15 below at 10 p. m. ; on the 30th it was 29 
below in the morning, 20 below at 3 p. m., and 15 below at dark; 
on the 31st it was 21 below in the morning, and below all the rest 
of the day ; on January i it was near zero all day, but always below ; 
on the 2d it was 13 below at sunrise, 2 below at 2 p. m., and 6 below 
at 6 p. m. The 2d was the severest as a cutting wind blew almost 
a gale. 

The Gelpcke case against the city and county for $650,000 and 
interest at 10 per cent went to the supreme court of the United 
States. It was on the railroad bonds issued in the fifties by both 
city and county. The recent decisions in the Iowa courts had led 
the people to expect that the bonds would be declared unconstitu- 
tional by the highest court. The case came up in January, 1864, 
and the supreme court of the United States held that the bonds 
were valid in the hands of bona fide purchasers. Several other cases 
of a similar nature were decided at this time — all mantaining the 
validity of such bonds. It was now seen that the city and the county 
of Dubuque would have to pay these bonds and accumulated 
interest ; this caused much despondency and in a measure checked 
the growth of the city. City and county were thus large stock- 
holders in the roads. 

Hose Company No. i disbanded January 8, 1864. The North 
American Fur Company advertised for $20,000 worth of furs. The 
first mail from the West in six days arrived January 5. Eighteen 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 151 

tons of wild game passed through to Chicago in one lot. Sporting 
men held several cock fights here in January. Two large wolves 
were seen near the city. Horses were raced on Lake Peosta. 

Hogs packed in 1862-3 • 

Brackett & Morse 5,935 

J. Hughes 1 ,600 

H. Brinkman & Co 1,100 

Mullally & Walsh 500 

Quigley & Brown 5°° 

Coates 600 

Rosenberg 35° 

Strobel & Rath i.ooo 

W. Lawther 100 

F. Weigle 700 

Tutwiler 200 

12,585 
Hogs packed in 1863-4: 

Brackett & Morse 8,000 

Curtiss & Parker 1,700 

Strobel & Rath i ,000 

F. Weigle & Co 700 

H. Brinkman & Co 600 

Coates & Roberts, Nagle & Co., Dunn, Flynn & Conway. . . . 1,200 



13,200 



Bought and shipped from Dubuque 25,800 

Number barrels pork packed 3,500 

Number tierces lard 1,300 

Packed 1861-2 8,315 

A produce dealer here early in 1864 estimated the following 
receipts by wagon in this city for 1863: Wheat, 250,000 bushels; 
oats, 50,000 bushels; flour, 25,000 barrels; dressed hogs, 20,000; 
pork, 5,000 barrels. — (Herald, January 26, 1864.) 

Thirty tons of prairie chickens passed on to Chicago; they were 
worth $1.60 per dozen ; they retailed here for 6 cents each. Tschirgi 
& Schwind doubled the capacity of their brewery in January, 1864. 
In February the Herald was enlarged to eight columns. 

On February 9, 1864, county warrants were 95 to 98 cents ; city 
scrip dull at 30 cents; treasury notes at 1/2 per cent premium; 
national bank notes at a slight discount, because it could not be used 
in paying taxes; gold, $1.57; silver, $1.47; demand notes, $1.58; 
Chicago exchange at par; New York exchange, 14 oi i per cent 
premium. 



152 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Professor Agassiz delivered several lectures here on natural his- 
tory in February. On March i, 1864, Mahony, Hutchins and 
Hodnett left the Herald permanently ; Robb and Ham took their 
places as editors and managers. "I need not say with what mingled 
feelings of pleasure and pain I make the announcement — pleasure 
that I am no longer obliged to fight a profitless battle, pain that I 
thus become virtually separated from so many brave, consistent, 
self-sacrificing Democrats," said Mr. Hutchins. "We do not enter 
upon the undertaking without some reluctance and a full apprecia- 
tion of the duties, difficulties and responsibilities which the position 
involves. We shall endeavor to make the Herald thoroughly Demo- 
cratic in its principles and usages, dignified in its tone, candid in its 
opinions, reliable in its statements and particularly valuable for its 
news, always seeking the harmony and welfare of the party and the 
preservation of our free republican institutions," said the three new 
managers, Patrick Robb, F. M. Ziebach and M. M. Ham. Under 
the new editors the Herald was mild and agreeable to what it had 
been. 

"First National Bank. — We understand that a national bank is 
about to be started in this city in Molony's block where the State 
Bank formerly was. F. Hinds is to be president and H. M. King- 
man, cashier." — {Herald, March 4, 1864.) 

In April, 1864, the local bankers, in mass meeting, agreed as had 
been done in Chicago to throw out all wild-cat issues after May i ; 
there were a few exceptions. The city was under Democratic rule 
in 1862 and under Republican rule in 1863. On March 31 wood 
was worth from $10 to $12 a cord — the highest price by far on 
record. At this date Congress appropriated $30,000 for the com- 
pletion of the custom house. City scrip was 40 cents on the dollar 
in March. Early in 1864 the canal convention was an important 
event ; it passed resolutions favoring a canal to connect Lake Mich- 
igan with the Mississippi. "Has the county a right to tax the city 
to secure a fund to be used in building bridges within the city 
limits?" was the main question early in 1864. Plans to commence 
a negro school were prepared in June. J. I<v. Graves bought the 
interest of Charles Aldrich in the Times in June. 

"The First National Bank of this city opened today for business 
and issued its notes." — {Herald, June 20, 1864.) Franklin Hinds 
was president and H. M. Kingman cashier. The first quarterly 
report, issued July 4, 1864, was as follows: 

ASSETS. 

United States bonds $128,150.00 

Due from banks 1,793.22 

Circulation on hand 54,400.00 

Loans and discounts 2,000.00 

Specie and other lawful money 22,654.89 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 153 

Furniture and fixtures paid 1,987.75 

Exchange paid 37i-3i 

Total $211,357.17 

LIABILITIES. 

Capital stock $100,000.00 

Circulating notes received 90,000.00 

Deposits 17,395.61 

Due to banks 3,906.90 

Other items 54-66 

Total $211,357.17 

For the month of July, 1864, Mr. Jaeger paid a government tax 
of $12,573 on his distillery product. In the summer of 1864 it was 
proposed to issue new bonds to take up the interest and floating 
debt and thus reduce the city obligations to system and order with a 
view to future liquidation. 

"All that is now necessary to reduce the indebtedness within 
limits that can be readily met and liquidated is for the capitalists 
of the city to come forward and take the $180,000 or $200,000 in 
bonds which the Council proposes to issue and with which they can 
place our finances in a healthy and comparatively easy condition. 
These bonds bear 8 per cent interest and one-half of the city tax is 
pledged each year to payment of the interest, which is ample for that 
purpose." — (Herald, July 15, 1864.) This step was taken and the 
new bonds were issued August 8. On August 23, 1864, Mahony 
and Crane, trustees, deposited with Babbage & Co., bankers, 
$174,000 in railroad bonds and unmatured coupons. There were yet 
to be surrendered $26,000. 

"In natural advantages, enterprise and improvements Dubuque 
has no equal in the state. Other things being equal, these are suf- 
ficiently attractive to insure her a leading and commanding position. 
But we are greatly and overwhelmingly in debt. Probably a million 
of dollars would not liquidate our liabilities at their face. This 
debt operates as an incumbrance in all property here or that comes 
here, and if our citizens are wise and consult their own interests they 
will not let matters rest in this condition any longer. Its principal 
creditors now propose a compromise by which the entire indebted- 
ness of the city can be paid with less than $200,000. But to do this 
the requisite sum must soon be raised. This the Council proposes 
to do by issuing bonds bearing 8 per cent interest and payable to 
the amount of about $20,000 annually. The project is liberal, safe 
and feasible and must not fail. About $80,000 in bonds have thus 
far been subscribed for, while some of our heaviest capitalists have 
as yet hardly stretched forth a helping hand. . . . The city 



154 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

taxes now amount to about $80,000 annually. One-half of this is 
pledged to the payment of the interest and maturing installments 
of these bonds. The current expenses of the city are now reduced 
to the greatest economy compatible with efficiency and will not 
increase. Here then will be an unconsumed tax of $30,000 coming 
into the treasury annually not needed for either the current expenses 
or the sums falling due on the bonds, and this amount could be 
applied at once to the redemption of bonds before maturity. We 
venture the opinion that when this arrangement is completed and 
the city debt, all but this $200,000, is lifted, the aggregate value of 
property in Dubucjue will be increased in a sum greater than the 
amount of the bonds." — {Herald, August 7, 1864.) 

Nearly all bills except greenbacks had disappeared by August 10, 
1864. City scrip sold at 60 cents in August. There was a great 
increase in crime at this date, due to an attempt to run the city 
without adequate police protection. In this emergency the marshal 
recommended an ordinance establishing a chain gang and his advice 
was accepted. 

"The wife of the market gardener residing at Eagle Point gave 
birth in August, 1864, to twins which had heads and necks resem- 
bling snakes. In other respects they were normal. The physicians 
in attendance, it was said, let them bleed to death. A few months 
before this date her husband had frightened her by throwing a 
snake in her lap." — {Herald, August 21, 1864.) Later this event 
was confirmed by the Herald, and was published throughout the 
country. It was not generally known what became of the monsters. 

Several baseball clubs were organized in 1864, but they did not 
flourish as they had in 1863. Two were called Key City and 
Hawkeye. 

A committee of the city council in September, 1864, after due 
examination and deliberation, reported that in its opinion it had no 
authority to open a harbor on Third street as desired by officers of 
a packet company. The council thereupon passed a resolution 
instructing the harbor committee "to open a channel at the inter- 
section of Third street with the slough leading into the inner harbor 
and to build a bridge across said channel with a draw of sufficient 
width to allow boats to pass up into the inner slough, thus giving 
steamboats access to the inner harbor and levee, affording a safe 
and convenient place for laying up steamboats and barges in winter 
and also furnishing a convenient place for building barges and doing 
all kinds of steamboat repairs ; that the committee be also instructed 
to take up the bridge which now crosses the inner slough at Third 
street and to fill up the channel under said bridge." 

On November 29, 1864, $1 1.76 was paid for fancy dressed hogs. 
On December 9 the price jumped to $13.50. Five days later they 
sold at $14.06. "Pork has reached such a high figure that it is a 
luxury. Landlords talk of striking it from the bill of fare and 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 155 

serving it only on important occasions. Who wouldn't be a hog?" 
— (Herald, December 11, 1864.) The First National Bank's state- 
ment of October 3 showed $208,837 in deposits ; specie and legal 
tenders on hand, $117,414.22. It was thus in a healthy condition, 
In April, 1865, the German Savings Bank, with a capital of 
$150,000, opened at 57 Main street. Its president was J. H. 
Thedinga ; cashier, William Fuchs. 

In 1864 Rhomberg & Co., distillers, operated sixteen fermenting 
tubs, each with a capacity of 300 barrels; three high wine receivers 
of 200 barrels' capacity each, and could handle when working at its 
best 1,000 bushels of grain per day. This distillery was put in full 
operation late in 1864. Soon after the war the famous suit of the 
Government against J. H. Rhomberg & Co. for about $755,000 was 
instituted. The claim was that the Rhomberg company had manu- 
factured some 9,000 or 10,000 barrels of whisky or distilled spirits 
upon which it had paid no revenue. The property of Mr. Rhomberg 
was finally seized, but every step was fought in the courts. Other 
seizures were made here by the government agents. The case finally 
came up in the United States Circuit Court at Des Moines and a 
judginent for $103,000 was secured against Mr. Rhomberg. Green 
B. Raum, commissioner of internal revenue, said there was no donbt 
as to the justness of the government's contention ; but Mr. Rhom- 
berg's friends here declared their belief in his innocence and assisted 
him all in their power. The best legal talent obtainable was 
employed in the case. In the end, after many years, the case was 
compromised. 

Late in 1864 and early in 1865 the freight accommodations at 
Dubuque were so burdensome and extortionate that there was a 
general demand for a railroad bridge across the river. Numerous 
meetings were held, protests registered, and relief was demanded. 
The transfer system was robbery, it was declared. Numerous hold- 
ups, burglaries and shootings at this time roused the city and caused 
the council to take steps to end the reign of terror at all hazards. 
Haas", Bissell's, Bradley's, Johnson's, Woodworth's, Scott's, Hodg- 
den's, Taylor's and other residences were burglarized. The council 
ordered removed by April 17, 1865, a" bodies in the old cemetery 
outside of the fence. During the fiscal year 1864-5 the Gelpcke 
interest was settled ; revenues were increased ; the reign of terror 
was ended, and better transfer facilities were secured from the 
Illinois Central Railway Company. 

On January 19, 1865, Dubuque was lighted with gas from Iowa 
coal for the first time. At this time Woodworth & Jaeger planned 
an immense distillery. The new Merchants' National Bank stock 
was all subscribed late in January. F. H. W. Sheffield became 
president and R. A. Babbage cashier; it began business May i. 
The branch bank here had a circulation of $283,837 and total 
resources of $859,465. Later this bank took steps to go out 01 



156 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

business and change to a national bank. Early in February the 
stock of the Second National Bank was subscribed and a charter 
was souglit. 

At the celebration of Washington's birthday in 1865 the right 
hand of George Higley was so mutilated by a premature discharge 
of the cannon that it had to be amputated. 

Tlie amount received by the city treasurer for the fiscal year 
ending March 31, 1865, from all sources was $50,208.53; total 
disbursements, $39,286.25. Of the expenses $9,894.59 was in old 
debts, principal of bonds and scrip redeemed. The total amount of 
old debt settled was $23,684.50. 

On June 10, 1865, the early settlers organized as the "Early 
Settlers Association." The first members were P. A. Lorimier, 
John Simplot, George W. Jones, Jesse M. Harrison, S. M. Lang- 
worthy, A. McDaniel, Richard Bonson, J. R. Goodrich, N. V. 
Descelles, Mathew McNear, A. B. Harrison, B. F. Emerson, S. M. 
Lorimier, T. C. Roberts, A. Levi, T. S. Wilson, George O. Karrick, 
J. D. Graffort, Peter Wapies, H. A. Wiltse, John King, J. H. 
Thedinga, Jacob Christman, M. McNamara, Joseph Ogilby, Nathan 
Simpson, J. H. Emerson, John Goldthorpe and C. H. Booth. This 
was the first list, but others were immediately added. Timothy 
Mason was elected president of the association, and P. A. Lorimier, 
Patrick Ouigley, John King, Edward Langworthy and George W. 
Jones, vice presidents ; J. H. Thedinga, treasurer, and C. Childs, 
secretary. Eliphalet Price, of Clayton county ; Ezekiel Lockwood, 
of Washington, D. C., and Patrick Ouigley, Thomas McKnight and 
C. Childs, of Dubuque, were elected honorary members. They 
passed suitable resolutions upon the death of Lucius H. Langworthy. 
— (Herald, June 13, 1865.) 

In June, 1865, J. Rich and G. T. Stewart became editors and 
managers of the Times, the former becoming editor-in-chief. About 
this time there were nearly 200 saloons in the city ; the license was 
fixed at $15 every six months; as many did not pay up, suit was 
threatened. A rainstorm of unusual violence late in June did 
immense damage all over the county and several lives were lost ; 
five bridges in Langworthy hollow alone were swept away. On 
July 4, 1865, eighteen baseball players of Dubuque went to Free- 
port, 111., to witness a game between the Empire club, of that city, 
and the Empire club, of St. Louis ; the latter won by a small margin ; 
it was pronounced a great game. The leading club here in 1865 v.'as 
the Julien ; they had good grounds. In July, 1865, the Times was 
controlled by W. S. Peterson, E. M. Newcombe, G. H. Marsh, 
W. J. Gilbert and Philip Ryan. A large delegation went over to 
Galena in August, 1865, to participate in the reception to General 
Grant. At the head of this movement were W. B. Allison, John 
Thompson, Henry A. Wiltse, H. L. Stout, George L. Mathews, 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 157 

O. P. Shiras and others. In August, 1865, city scrip was worth 70 
cents and county warrants 90 cents. 

In 1865 the Julien baseball club consisted of two nines, which 
played several matched games. One of the games resulted as 
follows : 

Winning side 201391122 21 

Losing side o 2 3 i o i i 2 2 12 

Fly catches by winning side, 12; by losing side, 9; time of game, 
2 hours and 15 minutes. The Herald said this was the best game 
ever played in the city, if not the best west of the Mississippi. It 
was the first tune that there were full nine players on each side and 
full nine innings played. Gen. Henry Wiltse was umpire at the 
second game. 

In 1865 John D. Bush proposed the laying out of Grand avenue, 
commencing at Ouigley lane opposite the brewery on Julien avenue 
and extending along the ridge road until its intersection with the 
Military road on the top of Whisky hill. A real mad dog ran 
through the streets on August 19. In the fall of 1865 the citizens 
and press declared that the real future prosperity of the city 
depended upon the wholesale interests and meetings were held to 
expand business in this direction. The city was growing rapidly. 

Late in September, 1865, the Empire baseball club, of St. Louis, 
came here and defeated the best Julien nine by a score of 35 to 29. 
Against the strong St. Louis team, Dubuque made a better showing 
than had been anticipated. On September 29 the Empires, of St. 
Louis, and the Empires, of Freeport, played a match game in 
Dubuque for the prize of a silver ball ; the former won by a score of 
12 to 5; S. J. Cox, of the Dubuque club, was umpire; the game 
lasted three and one-half hours. On the 29th the Dubuque gave a 
complimentary supper at the Tremont House to the St. Louis and 
Freeport clubs. The next day the Empires, of St. Louis, defeated 
the Juliens by 16 to 9. 

In the threatened injunction case of the city against the county to 
prevent the collection of bridge tax, the former agreed not to com- 
mence such proceedings pro\'iding the county would allow a portion 
of the expense of building bridges within the city limits. The 
driving park, consisting of thirty acres, was up Couler avenue and 
had a half-mile track; it was opened in November, 1865. 

MEMBERS OF THE EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 

Alexander D. Anderson. A. Christman. 

John V. Brown. C. J. Cummings. 

A. L. Brown. N. V. Descelles. 

Richard Bonson. J. H. Emerson. 



158 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 



J. R. Goodrich. 
John Goldthorpe. 
Jesse M. Harrison. 
Jonathan Higgins. 
Henry Hunter. 
W. F. Jaeger. 
A. Keesecker. 
John Spencely. 
R. Spaulding. 
Genge Strasser. 
J. H. Thedinga. 
Richard Waller. 
T. S. Wilson. 
R. C. Waples. 
P. Williamson. 
C. H. Booth. 
John Bell. 
Thomas R. Brasier. 
Jacob Christman. 
William Crummer. 
Richard Cox. 
Mathew McNear. 
John Maclay. 
Elias McCants. 
Rudolph Nolte. 
James Pratt. 
Benjamin Rupert. 
Xavier Reinfred. 
Nathan Simpson. 
Alexander Simplot. 
Martin Shaffner. 
John King. 
S. M. Lorimier. 
Oscar A. Langworthy. 



A. Levi. 

Dr. R. S. Lewis. 
Timothy Mason. 
M. McNamara. 
William Myers. 
John W. Markle. 
John M. Moore. 
Christopher Pelan. 
John Palmer. 
T. C. Roberts. 
John Simplot. 
H. L. Stout. 

B. F. Davis. 
John R. Ewing. 
John D. Graffort. 
Joseph Glew. 

A. B. Harrison. 
S. Hempstead. 
George W. Jones. 
George O. Karrick. 
Peter Kiene. 
P. A. Lorimier. 
S. M. Langworthy. 
Edward Langworthy. 
Warner Lewis. 

C. J. Liest. 
A. McDaniel. 
John Simpson. 
James Slone. 
James W. Taylor. 
H. A. Wiltse. 
Peter Waples. 

L E. Wootten. 
Jesse Yount. 



In November, 1865, so unclean had the streets become, the citizens 
turned out en masse, formed a brigade, and cleaned them. It was 
now realized that the railroad bridge should have been built in i860 
and that the city during the war had paid large sums as unjust 
freight and transfer charges. Now, in earnest, the people demanded 
the bridge. It was called a "commercial necessity." Over 5,000 
barrels of apples were stored here in November, 1865, for shipment 
to the back country during the winter. In 1865, for the first time, 
a regularly paid and disciplined police force was maintained. B. M. 
Harger and J. D. Langworthy represented the Dubuque baseball 
clubs at the baseball convention in Chicago late in 1865 ; the North- 
western Baseball Association was formed at this time. 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 159 

The National State Bank succeeded the State Bank Branch in 
November, 1865; L. D. Randall was president. 

In December, 1865, Howard and IVIc Arthur contracted to supply 
the city with gas ; fifty lamps were in use — twenty-three on Main 
street. The Dubuque Produce Exchange was formed before 1865. 
In January, 1866, the National Savings Bank was established with 
Franklin Hinds as president ; this institution was closely associated 
with the First National Bank. In December, 1865, the boiler in 
Jaeger's distillery exploded, wrecking the building and killing one 
and injuring several persons. William McLenan was elected presi- 
dent of the Julien baseball club for 1866. At this time the council 
refused to appropriate $500 for the State Fair to be held here in the 
fall of 1866. Within a few days the citizens raised $3,421 to secure 
the fair for two years, prepare the grounds, etc. The city failed to 
get the fair in 1866. The city paid 70 cents on the dollar for its 
own scrip in February. 

The Mississippi Navigation Convention was held here in Febru- 
ary, 1866, and assembled in the hall of the Produce Exchange. A 
large delegation from all upper river points was present, five states 
being represented. The Iowa legislature attended in a body. E. O. 
Stanard, of St. Louis, presided. The resolutions adopted demanded 
extensive improvements in the Mississippi, particularly at the 
rapids. The Dubuque Savings Institution was established in 
February, 1866, with $100,000 capital and George A. Blanchard, 
president, and R. A. Babbage, secretary and treasurer. The Young 
Men's Library was opened in Julien hall in February. The People's 
Savings Bank was opened in April, 1866, with John Thompson 
president and J. K. Graves treasurer. Henry A. Wiltse was chosen 
president of the Julien baseball club in 1866, vice McLenan resigned. 
D. A. Mahony, Stilson Hutchins and John Hodnett established the 
St. Louis Daily Times in June, 1866. Immense improvements on 
sewers and streets were made in 1866. A big Fenian demonstration 
occurred here July 4, 1866. 

In the summer of 1866 a baseball tournament was held at Rock- 
ford, 111. ; a golden ball and a gold-mounted bat were the prizes. 
Special prizes were offered to the best base runner, best thrower, 
most home runs, worst beaten club. etc. Ten clubs, including Julien, 
of Dubuque, were present. The latter's players were J. R. Clark, 
catcher; Cox, pitcher; J. Ware, short stop; Markell, first base; 
Langworthy, second base; Donaha, third base; C. Ware, left field; 
Ballou, center field ; W. R. Clark, right field. The game with the 
Cream Citys, of Milwaukee, was as follows : 

Cream City 540061 142 2;^ 

Julien I 4 2 I o 2 I 4 o 15 

The Dubuque Street Railroad Company, in July, 1866, petitioned 



i6o HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

the council to grant them the right to occupy the streets; Graves, 
Stewart Randall and others were back of this step. Water works 
for the city were proposed in July, 1866. It was declared that the 
old method of hauling water from the river must be abandoned and 
a new modern system installed. From the bluffs north of the city a 
large supply of pure water could be secured, it was announced. 

In July, 1866, a marine railway and boat yard was projected at 
Eagle Point; Captain Webb inaugurated the movement. At this 
date the Young Men's Library contained 4,000 volumes and had 
300 regular subscribers. Many buildings were erected this summer. 
A. Heeb and others petitioned for a ferry at Eagle Point. The 
council committee reported against granting the use of the streets to 
a railway company until such step was clearly authorized by the 
legislature. The citizens demanded a large public park at this date. 
In August, 1866, the council authorized the Water Company to lay 
pipes in the city. John H. O'Neill, city attorney, rendered the 
opinion that the council had no right to grant the streets to a cor- 
poration for street car purposes. Judge King expressed the opinion 
that the city alreadv possessed that right. "Steam railroads already 
occupied the streets; why could not horse railways do likewise? 
it was asked. In September, 1866, C. C. Frinke, of Chicago, and 
S J. Cox, of Dubuque, played a billiard match here— i. 000 points. 
Cox was conceded 200 points and won by 42 points— cushion carom. 
In one week in September, 1866, there were sold at the market- 
house 143 hogs, twenty-seven steers and five cows. In October the 
fire companies demanded higher pay. The horse fair of November, 
1S66 was the best ever held here. The horse Kirkwood trotted a 
mile 'in 2:34^4, which was very fast for that period. The wagon 
factory of A. A. Cooper was one of the largest industries here. He 
was now finishing 600 wagons a year ; they were used all over the 
West By Februarv, 1867, the town clock had cost $2,871.72. In 
March 1S66, the First National and National State banks were con- 
solidated, the combined capital being $300,000 and surplus $60,000. 
R E Graves became president and VV. H. Clark cashier. The 
council had trouble with Citv Attorney O'Neill and dismissed him, 
but later rescinded the order upon his agreement to behave himself. 
Gas in 1867 cost $5.50, although the ordinance of 1853 limited the 
price to $3 50. The Excelsior baseball club in 1867 consisted of two 
nines— married men and single men— who played numerous games 
with varied results. 

In the spring of 1867 the Dubuque and Dunleith Bridge was 
incorporated with a capital of $1,200,000, among the members being 
Piatt Smith, H. L. Stout and W. B. Allison. After much contro- 
versy it was finally determined to submit to popular vote the ques- 
tion of permitting the horse railway to occupy the streets. The 
result was as follows: For the railway, 2,185; against the railway, 
127. O. P. Shiras became aldemian in April, 1867. At this time 




DUBUQUE BOAT YARD, SHOWING THE ALBATROSS, THE LARGEST STEEL 
BOAT EVER BUILT ON INLAND WATERS 




_;__jff ;i r i- - 




MOUTH OF CATFISH CREEK. NEAR JULIEN DUBUQUE'S TOMB 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY I'lr 

the Times and Staafs Zeitung became the official city papers. The 
Key City Flouring Mills exploded April 22, 1867, killing four per- 
sons and wounding eight others ; the mill was torn to atoms ; the 
cause was "mill dust." On April 24 three distinct earthcjuake shocks 
were felt here; chairs were set rocking, window panes rattled, pic- 
tures on the walls swayed and tilted, chandeliers swayed and plaster 
fell. People rushed from the buildings and many were nauseated. 
The shocks came like waves from north to south. The people 
demanded that the proposed railroad bridge should have a foot and 
wagon attachment. 

On June 21, 1867, Odd Fellows hall, in Facade block, was dedi- 
cated. The Excelsior and Clipper baseball clubs played a match 
game June 27 and the former won — 55 to 17; J. A. Miller was 
umpire. In June, 1867, Julien township was constituted the sixth 
voting precinct. In July, 1867, the city was sued on the W. W. 
Corcoran loan — the principal bein^ $100,000, with a large amount 
of interest past due. E. McCeney was city attorney in 1867. By 
August, 1867, Dubuque had subscribed $600,000 for the river 
bridge and at this time W. B. Allison became president of the com- 
pany. The census of August, 1867, showed in the city a total popu- 
lation of 21,133 whites and 89 colored. The number of voters was 
3,487. There were six colleges and academies ; manufactures were 
valued at $3,194,350. A new fire engine costing $5,500 was 
received September s and put in the new rooms on Iowa street ; it 
was named the "J. K. Graves." Hawkeye Hose Company, No. i, 
took possession of the new engine. 

In September, 1867, the Manchester Excelsiors and the Dubuque 
Excelsiors, after several months of bluster and bragging, played a 
matched game of baseball at Dubuque. The largest crowd ever 
assembled here for baseball gathered to witness the contest, many 
ladies being present; the game lasted three hours and resulted as 
follows : 

Dubuque Excelsiors. .. 20 221215113 47 
Manchester Excelsiors. 75004025 2 25 

In September, 1867, A. A. Cooper's wagon factory was destroyed 
by fire; within one month he rebuilt temporarily and continued 
operations about as large as ever. 

By ordinance of October, 1867, the Dubuque Street Railway 
Company and their successors were granted "the exclusive right and 
privilege to construct, operate and maintain over the streets of the 
city of Dubuque street railways for carrying passengers and freight 
for the term of twenty years." They were required to have at least 
two miles of track completed and in operation within one year. By 
act of July, 1883, additional rights and privileges were granted to 
the company and additional requirements were exacted from it. In 



1 62 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

April, 1890, the right to operate an electric street railway was 
granted. Many provisions were added. In August, 1890, the 
company was granted the right to erect an electric light and power 
station within the city limits, and was limited to twenty-five years 
duration. Proper reservations were made by the city. By ordi- 
nance of September, 1890, the company was permitted to lay and 
maintain a double track on certain streets. An ordinance of 
February, 1892, permitted the company to extend its lines to cer- 
tain other streets. In August, 1891, the ordinance concerning an 
electric street railway was amended and additional rights were 
granted — one provision being that regular cars should be run to the 
main entrance of the Dubuque Driving Park. Additional rights 
were extended by the ordinance of July, 1897. The life of the com- 
pany was extended thirty-three years from April 25, 1915, and it 
was required "to construct, create, establish and permanently main- 
tain a park and pleasure resort on both sides of the Maquoketa river 
at Sageville," and to create and maintain therein a lake to be formed 
b}' damming up the waters of that river, the dam to be built about 
100 feet west of Thompson's mill. The company was required to 
extend its lines to this park. Three years was the time fixed for the 
completion of the park and dam. The city reserved the right to 
purchase the entire plant of the street railway company and required 
half-fare tickets for working people during certain hours. Various 
other rights and extensions have been granted the company. 

In November, 1867, the sheriff sold at public auction many lots of 
the Harbor Company for non-payment of taxes ; they were all 
bought back by the Harbor Company. Settlement of the city with 
Mrs. Porter was finally effected in November ; the original debt was 
$10,000. At this date Waterloo charged Dubuque with grain 
elevator frauds — five bushels on each car taken, a biased inspection, 
unlawful commissions, fictitious transfer rates, etc.; the charge was 
laid by Dubuque to the Illinois Central railroad. In the fall of 1867 
four church choirs united and under Professor Seager gave public 
concerts with great success, the benefits going to the Young Men's 
Christian Association. The first work on the street railway was 
done late in November, 1867, near Heeb's brewery: the first section 
ended at Tivoli gardens, whence extensions could be run to Eagle 
Point and to the driving park. The stables were near Heeb's 
brewery ; the company started with fifteen horses. Wharfage in 
November, 1867, amounted to $604.53. For years a steady revenue 
had been obtained from this source. 

The lumber dealers in 1867 were Knapp, Stout & Co., E. R. 
Lumbert & Co., George Edwards, Pelan & Randall, Dubuque 
Lumber Co., Mitchell & Kiene, J. M. Robison, Johnson & Bro., 
Ingram, Kennedy & Co., Clark & Scott, Gibbs & Parmenter, Solo- 
mon Turck, W. H. & E. T. Allen, J. Scott & Co. and T. O. Sullivan. 
About 25,000,000 feet were landed here in 1867. In eleven months 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 163. 

18,033,668 feet were shipped, mostly westward over the Dubuque 
& Sioux City railroad. 

Dubuque in 1867 handled in bushels: Wheat, 4,246,561; oats, 
826,482; corn, 86,000; barley, 41,499. 

H. Markell & Co.'s bank was closed forever January 6, 1868; 
assignment was made to H. L. Stout and T. C. Roberts, two of the 
heaviest creditors; the liabilities were placed at $70,000. The cred- 
itors held an excited meeting. 

The Library Lecture Course in 1867-8 embraced eight lectures of 
the following persons : Dr. Vinton, Dr. Holland, Dr. Hayes, Prof. 
Mason, Rev. J. C. Fletcher, Anna E. Dickinson, Prof. Youmans 
and E. P. Whipple. That of Anna E. Dickinson netted at the door 
$291.75 ; her house was worth $396.75 ; none of the others exceeded 
$100. Season tickets yielded $839.33. 

The wharfage in May, 1868, amounted to $963.92. The Herald 
statistician said in January, 1868, that during 1867 about one hun- 
dred buildings had been built. The boiler of the Tschirgi & 
Schwind's brewery exploded in February, 1868, killing one person 
and severely injuring four others. Half a block on Main street 
between Sixth and Seventh was destroyed by fire in February, 1868, 
the loss being about $50,000. The hogs packed here in 1866-7 
numbered 6,400; in 1867-8, 8,978. In March, 1868, the United 
States marshal sold at public auction the Central island property to 
Stout, Graves and others. All sales were subject to the Jesup mort- 
gage of 1853 for $30,000. This sale was made by order of the court 
under the Corcoran claim which had grown from $100,000 in 1857. 
to $175,000 in March, 1868. The city receipts for the fiscal year 
1867-8 were $60,327.35 and expenses $68,029.60; cash on hand 
April I, 1868, $19,215.61. J. K. Graves, retiring mayor, was 
accused of irregularities by a council committee appointed to 
examine his accounts. In May, 1868, old city bonds were worth 
20 cents and new city bonds 85 cents on the dollar. 

On May 27, 1868, Solon Langworthy rode on the first street 
railway trip in the city ; he rode over 1 20 acres which were bought 
thirty-four years before for $500 and broke up in the spring of 
1864. The tract extended from Tenth to Eighteenth streets and 
from Iowa to the river. It was afterward divided between the four 
Langworthy brothers. 

M. B. Mulkern was city attorney in 1868. The city complained 
in 1868 because, although it paid over one-half of the bridge tax, it 
received no benefit. The county replied that the city was benefited 
by the trade which came over the bridges to the city. 

Immense damage all over the county was done by a furious storm 
which occurred June 5, 1868. All the bridges on the Dubuque & 
Sioux City railroad were swept away. Damage to the amount of 
$10,000 was done in the city. Portions of skeletons were washed 
out on the streets from the old cemetery. Another stomi, June 27, 



i64 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

was almost as damaging. On May lo, 185 1, there fell in Dubuque 
in about fifteen minutes 3.35 inches of rain. July 14, 1868, it was 
102 degrees in the shade here. The J. K. Graves fire engine saved in 
one year all it had cost. A. A. Cooper's new wagon factory was 
dedicated in August, 1868, by over 300 couples who assembled to 
do honor to this first citizen of Dubuque. Sixteen sets at one time 
danced in the big hall. His employes thus showed their high regard 
for Mr. Cooper. City officials and bands were present. In 1868 
Dubuque had seventeen dry goods houses, twenty-six groceries, four 
hardware stores, five drug stores, nine boot and shoe stores, fourteen 
clothiers, nineteen churches and free public schools worth $150,000. 
By September 17, 1868, the second span of the railroad bridge was 
up in place. Mathias Ham was called the father of the Eagle Point 
ferry, which started September 19, 1868. 

The fastest horses in the West were at the driving park in 
October, 1868. Bashaw Jr. trotted a mile in 2:261/2- A red fox 
was caught within the city limits late in 1868. Under a recent act 
of the legislature the city voted late in 1868 on the question of 
compounding the city debt ; new bonds were to be issued to cover all 
the old indebtedness, which aggregated nearly $1,000,000. The 
overwhelming question at this date was the city debt. Mass meet- 
ings with all shades of opinion were held. Many thought the city 
could secure a great reduction from creditors ; a few wanted to 
repudiate; but the great majority were willing to pay their honest 
obligations. The city had received the benefits of the money, mostly 
well spent, and should not now think of repudiation, was the better 
thought and conclusion. Judge Shiras had been sent to Des Moines 
to secure the passage of the law. The city under the new law could 
not issue more bonds than the sum of the old debt and interest. If 
the new bonds were not issued the city could borrow no more 
because its credit was gone with a vast debt hanging over it. The 
vote was finally postponed. 

A prize fight between John Bernard and Peter Toohey was 
fought at Menominee station December 12, 1868, and was attended 
by a large number of Dubuque sporting men. The stakes were $200 
a side and the fight was won by Toohey on a foul. William Daily 
was referee. On December 14, 1868, the draw for the railroad 
bridge was swung into position for the first time. The first pas- 
senger train crossed December 22. In 1868 there were erected in 
Dubuque about 150 buildings costing $800 or more each. 

The Iowa Institute of Science and Art was organized here early 
in 1869, and its rooms were in the Facade building. Dr. Asa Harr 
was president; for many years he had been the observer here of the 
Smithsonian Institution. Rev. J. W. Hanson was secretary. Many 
citizens contributed valuable relics. In February the fire companies 
disbanded, but immediately reorganized. 

A committee of the council was sent East early in 1869 to com- 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 165 

promise matters with the city creditors. Turck and Thompson, both 
ex- mayors, were on the committee. A brick house on Dodge street, 
bought of J. J. E. Norman before 1868, was converted into a house 
of refuge. It was burned probably to get rid of a nuisance early in 
1869. On April 17 many ladies of Dubuque met at the residence of 
Mrs. D. S. Wilson and organized a society the object of which was 
"to secure the development and enfranchisement of women." Mrs. 
D. S. Wilson was elected president ; Mrs. W. P. Large, vice presi- 
dent ; Mrs. Austin Adams, corresponding secretary ; Mrs. J. L. 
McCreery, recording secretary. All Iowa women in sympathy with 
the objects were invited to join the society. 

The population of the city in May, 1869, was announced as 
23,543. By ordinance of July, 1869, the council granted the Du- 
buque Lumbermen and Manufacturers' Railroad Company permis- 
sion with the right of way to construct and for fifteen years main- 
tain a railroad track along certain streets and public places in the 
city. The ordinance was elaborate and contained many requirements 
and provisions. 

In June, 1869, at a special election to decide on compounding the 
debt, the vote stood : Yes, 228 ; no, 265. Thus the citizens decided 
against the issuance of new bonds to pay the old debt. Under 
contract with the council William Rebman graded down, leveled 
and planted with trees the old cemetery now called Jackson park : 
all bodies were removed. At a fight here between a Chicago dog 
and a Dubuque dog owned by Mr. Sutton the latter won in fifteen 
minutes. The total eclipse of the sun in August, 1869, was wit- 
nessed by everybody here. Base ball was not thought much of in 
1869. 

At the suggestion of George W. Jones the council, in September, 
1869, prepared a memorial to Congress to grant 640 acres at Peru 
for a public park. The horse fair in October, 1869, was larger and 
better than ever. Over forty fast horses were present. The Mer- 
chants' Protective Union was organized in November, 1869. By 
the census of 1869 Dubuque city was shown to have a population of 
17,969, 3,542 dwellings and 3,448 voters. In 1869 the fire depart- 
ment consisted of two steam engines, three hose carts, one hose 
carriage, sixteen men, eight horses, 4,500 feet of rubber hose, two 
hand engines — Washington No. i and Protection No. 2 — an old 
hook and ladder truck and three or four ladders ; public cisterns 
supplied water. 

In 1867 there were erected 121 buildings; in 1868, 135, and in 
1869, 176. The largest improvements in 1869 were Ryan's packing 
house, $100,000; gas works, $16,000; Methodist church, $22,000; 
Second Presbyterian church, $50,000; Manson block, $23,000; Levi 
block, $12,000; Ogelsby block, $12,000; thirty buildings cost over 
$5,000 each. 

Late in 1869 a big meeting was held to consider the question of 



i66 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

discriminating tariffs. B. B. Richards was the principal speaker. 
About this time the mayor and aldermen were served with a man- 
damus to levy a special tax to pay the recent Corcoran judgment of 
$76,716.05. This was for unpaid interest on the Corcoran loan. 
In 1869 and early in 1870 the council paid $117,500 of the city 
debt. The old cemetery occupied by the Catholics near the 
cathedral was adjudged the property of the city early in 1870; it 
had been patented to no one. 



CITY OF DUBUQUE, 1870 TO 1893. 

DURING the fiscal year 1869-70 city debt to the amount of 
$142,846.33 was paid. Edward Langworthy gratuitously 
surrendered to the city his claim of $9,750, making the total 
amount of debt settled $152,596.33. Of this amount 
$123,846.36 was settled for less than 27 cents on the dollar. This 
settlement was an extra good one, in view of the fact that the courts 
had already decided that the city debt was valid. This council 
deserves special credit, because many of the best men of the city, not 
wishmg to take hold of the complicated and vexatious debt question, 
had refused to become candidates for aldermen. The city receipts 
for the year 1869-70 were $94,638.52, out of which the mayor and 
council managed to save to be applied on the debt the sum of 
$51,881. In January, 1870, bondsmen of City Treasurer Quigley 
paid $5,000 in past due interest coupons as a full settlement of his 
defalcation. 

The total city debt on March i, 1870, was $882,745.42. The 
actual debt was not known, because it had not yet been learned 
which of the creditors would be willing to settle for less than 100 
cents on the dollar. The city began in earnest early in 1870 to 
consider a system of water works ; other cities were visited by the 
council committees and the various water systems were inspected ; 
the Holly system was popular. Kiene and Jaeger were active in 
this movement. Early in 1870 the members of St. Raphael's, St. 
Mary's and St. Patrick's churches and of St. Raphael's Cemetery 
Association petitioned the council to surrender to them the cemetery 
on Third street in view of their right to the same under the claim of 
Patrick Quigley. After consideration the council stated that the 
title to the cemetery was in the city, but the graves would not be 
disturbed unless satisfactory to the Catholics. Miners endeavored 
to secure the right to dig under the cemetery for mineral. 

Andrew Keesecker, "Nestor of the Iowa press," died in Dubuque 
in April, 1870. He was born in Virginia in 1810 and in early life 
was a sailor, visiting many lands. He served in the Greek revolu- 
tion of 1822-27. He early learned the printing business at Balti- 
more and New Orleans. In 1832 or 1833 he came to the lead mines 
and was first connected with the Galcnian under Dr. Phileo. He 
often composed his editorials at the case. In 1836 he joined Judge 
King in establishing the Dubuque Visitor, the first newspaper in 
Iowa, and set up "The Linwoods," a story, the first copy given out 

167 



i68 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

in the state. He was the first pressman with an old Smith Cin- 
cinnati press. In 1842 he was associated with D. S. Wilson in 
founding the Miners' Express. Ever afterward until his death he 
was connected with the press of Dubuque. He had spent thirty- 
seven years in Dubuque. His wife was formerly Clara Roberg, of 
Dubuque. Suitable resolutions were passed by the printers and 
early settlers at his death. 

A change of city administration caused the city printing in 1S70 
to pass to the Times and the National Dcniokrat, thus rousing the 
ire of the Herald and F. A. Gniffke. Edwin Forrest appeared here 
in 1870 as Richelieu and other plays. In April. 1870, the council 
levied a special tax to pay otif the Corcoran interest judgment of 
$76,716.05. A general system to improve cross streets was adopted 
at this time. Fourteenth street to the bluff was opened in 1870. On 
June 29, 1870, it was 102 degrees in the shade here. In 1870 
authority to lay water pipes in the streets was granted ; the city 
agreed to take 100 hydrants. Of the water company John Thomp- 
son was president ; the company had a capital of $300,000. The 
war between France and Germany stirred up the foreigners here 
from those countries. 

It was noted in the Herald August 18, 1870, that after a fire 
alarm had been sounded, it took from one-half to three-quarters of 
an hour before the engines were ready for work; the horses were 
kept out on the levee, far away from the engines. "It is sickening 
to hear the bell ring 'ding dong' for half an hour while valuable 
property is being destroyed."' 

The Dubuque County Woman's Suffrage Association was in 
existence in 1870 and met regularly in Good Templars' hall. The 
old Lorimier house down the river was burned in 1870. In October. 
1870, the total city debt was estimated at $1,095,077.89, of which 
$226,019.27 was in judgments and $38,357.28 in interest on judg- 
ments. The population of the city in 1870 was 18,432. of wh.ich 
12,071 were natives and 6,361 foreigners; there were 3,619 dwell- 
ings and 3,506 families. In i860 the city population was 12.926. 
In October, 1870, the water company was disbanded — had made 
a failure. Almost immediately afterward another water company 
was organized, with Mr. Chamberlain among its officials. 

The Julien theater, built in 1856 by McKinley & Poor at a cost 
of $17,000, stood at Locust and Fifth. In 1858 the People's theater 
was built, but did not pay and was occupied as lawyers' offices. 
Later the Young Men's Association used it. In November, 1870, 
a prize fight between Mike O'Connor and J. C. Clark was fought 
across the river at Boat Yard Hollow. Clark was whipped in four 
rounds. 

It was charged by the press late in 1870 that a conspiracy existed 
to buy up the city debt from creditors at a great reduction and 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 169 

then force the city to pay par ; it was charged that the bondholders 
here were connected with this intrigue. 

Baseball flourished in 1S70. The "Key City" was the name 
chosen. Charles Hathaway was president ; N. A. Mills, secretary ; 
H. M. Kingman, treasurer. The leading nine were Parker, Rob- 
ison, Gibbs, Seaman, A. Clark, Leach, Jaeger, Gregoire and How- 
ard. Granes were played on the old fair grounds. In August the 
Key Citys defeated the Baltics of Chicago, 39 to 23, but in a return 
game they lost, 18 to 4. They defeated the Excelsiors of Man- 
chester, 18 to 8, but were defeated in the return game, 60 to 43. In 
September they defeated the Crescents of Galena, 44 to 24, and 
again 50 to 15. They were defeated by the Actives of Clinton, 
26 to 18. They also defeated the Forest City club of Rockford 
by 79 to I ; they made thirty scores in the first inning. Late in 
1870 they made a tour of the state and won nearly every game; 
they were almost up to the standard of professionals. The Excel- 
siors were another club here. 

During 1870 business in Dubuque was unusually prosperous. 
There were sold here 2,500 sewing machines; sales of sasli, doors 
and blinds, $518,000; brewery products, $201,600; wagons, etc., 
$285,615; bricks, $125,000; engines, $220,000. Already the city 
was celebrated for its manufactures. Total fire loss was $274,250; 
insurance, $171,950. The thirteen lumber firms sold 60,564,056 
feet of lumber. 

In a prize fight at Boat Yard Hollow, January 20, 1871, Mike 
O'Connor defeated E. St. Clair in twenty rounds. There was 
trouble over city bonds between the council and Mr. Thompson 
and others. It was at this date, at last, that the local bondholders 
united and demanded 100 cents on the dollar. The city refused 
temporarily to pay anything. It had become so firmly fixed in the 
minds of the city fathers that they could get a great reduction from 
creditors, that this action took tliem by surprise, dumfounded them, 
and they required time to collect their scattered senses. It was 
claimed that bondliolders had bouglit the bonds at 25 cents on the 
dollar and now demanded 100 cents. Among the city bondholders 
here were P. A. Lorimier, Richard Bronson, J. T. Hancock, J. S. 
Randall, H. L. Stout, W. L. Bradley, R. A. Babbage, John Hodg- 
don, L. D. Randall & Co., Edward Langworthy, Alexander Levi 
and W. G. Stewart. These men in mass meeting announced their 
intentions to have 100 cents on the dollar. A resolution of Mr. 
Thompson was finally adopted by the mass meeting, viz. : To accept 
in lieu of their city bonds new 6 per cent twenty-five year bonds on 
the same conditions granted to outside creditors. The council 
refused to accept, and ordered suit brought for the recovery of 
the Thompson bonds, which, it was alleged, had been fraudulently 
transferred. In January, 1871, the old Corcoran debt was merged 
into new 7 per cent twenty-five year bonds. East Dubuque was 



I70 fllSTORY OF DUBUQUE COUXTV 

between F"ourteenth and Seventeenth streets. By the middle of 
February, 1871, tlie new water works company was in full opera- 
tion, taking subscriptions and preparing plans. When their new 
hall in the Julien theater building was ready, the Masons held 
memorable ceremonies and festivities in February, 1871. On Feb- 
ruary 14, 1871, Anna Dickinson lectured here on "Jeanne d'Arc." 
Her powerful appeals for the uplifting of women were not lost 
upon the packed house which heard her. During the Civil war the 
Herald had denounced her in scathing terms for favoring abolition- 
ism and woman suffrage. 

Pork Packing in 1870-71. 

Ryan 30,000 

Strobel 2,800 

Walters & Co 2,700 

Zumhoff 2,334 

Brinkman 2,01 5 

Rath 2,000 

C. Schloth I -500 

F. Schloth - 1 ,000 

Total 44,349 

Butchers and private parties cuts were not included; fully 45,000 
in all. 

The annual report of the Young Men's Library Association in 
March, 1871, showed 7,426 books on hand. They received from 
the Anna Dickinson lecture $258.25 ; but the expenses were $250.40. 
The expenses of the city for the fiscal year 1870-71 were $93,947.21, 
of which $37,332.38 was an old debt and interest: $16,007.49 on 
roads and bridges, $7,580.93, fire department; $3,329.80, poor 
relief; $10,785.18, officers' salaries. 

On March 13, 1871, ]\Iike O'Connor and Danny Carr fought a 
prize fight near Dubucjue for $500 a side, under London prize ring 
rules. Carr trained here. The packet Claudie Rogers conveyed the 
crowd for $2 each to the ground on the Wisconsin shore, a little 
above Eagle Point. The location was purposely kept secret until 
the last minute, and when the steamer started the river was alive 
with small boats of all descriptions loaded with men determined 
to see the "mill." Carr was the favorite at odds of 50 to 40 and 
later 2 to i. Carr got the worst of it, but managed to win a draw. 
O'Connor surprised all by his gameness, wind and staying qualities. 

The Commercial National Bank was organized early in 1871 with 
ten original subscribers. The first officers were R. E. Graves, 
president ; H. L. Stout, vice president ; H. M. Kingman, cashier. 

W. J. Knight, mayor, was succeeded by James Burt in 1871 ; 
he was credited with having given the city an excellent administra- 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 171 

tion. In his valedictory he said ( i ) that the poHce force was 
under a man unfit for the place and had been removed; (2) the 
city treasurer was a defaulter; (3) the recorder used the name of 
the city without authority; (4) a definite method to settle the city 
debt had been adopted. The ordinary city expenses in 1869-70 
were $36,167.87, and in 1870-71 were $38,572.79; all this was paid 
in two years and in addition $107,389.58 in city debt was paid at 
reduced rates, settling $231,505.19 claims against the city; also 
$198,047.11 of debt had been refunded in twenty-five year bonds, 
"making the aggregate between indebtedness paid by us and thus 
discharged and that funded as explained a total of $431,064.05, 
which cannot by any possibility trouble us," said Mr. Knight. As a 
recognition of his honesty the council unanimously passed the fol- 
lowing resolution : 

"Resolved, That Mayor W. J. Knight alone has had the courage, 
the will and ability, in grasping with this vexed question of indebt- 
edness and by his energy and untiring industry he has succeeded in 
the retirement of a large portion of our public debt, and his untiring 
energy and zeal for the public welfare in preservation of order by 
a faithful execution of laws entitle him to the lasting gratitude of 
the citizens of Dubuque." 

The spring of 1871 was unusually bright here; improved freight 
facilities on the railways; new waterworks; great development of 
wholesaling and manufacturing; and the adoption of a definite 
method to pay the city debt filled the hearts of all with anticipation 
and hope. Selah Chamberlain was president of the new water 
company. 

Mrs. Livermore lectured here in 1871. Her first lecture here 
was in 1861-62. She had been south with sanitary stores for the 
soldiers and upon her return was invited to relate her experiences. 
One earnest invitation came from Dubuque. She came here expect- 
ing to meet about 200 ladies in a quiet hall. She reached the other 
side of the river when that stream was thick with running ice and 
the ferry had stopped for the winter. She tried to hire two men 
to bring her over in a skifif, but they at first demurred because the 
trip was dangerous, but they finally consented. She was astonished 
and frightened to learn that she was expected to lecture to a large 
audience in the Congregational church. She wavered and refused, 
but finally consented to go on. Governor Kirkwood was present. 
She said that for the first fifteen minutes she could see nothing 
and could hear only her own voice. She was so filled with her sub- 
ject that she spoke over two hours, which seemed not over twenty 
minutes. She credited this event as her start as a lecturer. At the 
conclusion of her address she had $1,200 for the soldiers, with 
much more promised. 

In March, 1871, the water company agreed to have six miles of 
pipes laid in thirty days and the whole system in working order 



172 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

in ninety days ; their contract did not reacli tlie bluffs. In May, 
187 1, T. S. Hinds, his wife Emma and son Robert were drowned 
while crossing the Maquoketa near Thompson's Mill. In the spring 
and Slimmer of 1871 the council was served with mandamus to 
levy tax to pay judgments against the city. In a suit the city 
lost in its contention with the Central Island Company. Wash- 
ington square was neglected and in very bad condition. On July 31, 
187 1, the first water pipe in Iowa was laid between Main and Iowa 
on Seventh. Weston, tlie walker, was here in 1871. In August 
the German citizens planned a new opera house to cost $25,000. 
In October the grand encampment of Odd Fellows assembled here. 

The great fire at Chicago in October called out a big mass meet- 
ing here; a thorough organization for relief was effected through- 
out the whole county. Mayor Mason, of Chicago, wired here : 
"Can you send us some bread and cheese for 100,000 people?" The 
council appropriated $2,500 relief. By October 23 there had been 
shipped from Dubuque 471 boxes and barrels, mostly clothing and 
provisions. The new waterworks were fully completed in October, 
1871, and tested ; the capacity of the reservoir was 250,000 gallons; 
its height above low water was 1293.^ feet. It was seen that a new 
reservoir would be necessary and one holding 2,000,000 gallons 
was planned. Early in November, 1871, the mayor and aldermen, 
who had failed to levy the tax ordered by mandamus, were sum- 
moned to appear at Des Moines to answer for their neglect. In 
October, S. J. Arnot received judgment against the city for $86,379. 
About 80,000,000 feet of lumber of all kinds wer.e handled here in 
1 87 1. An annual levy paid the Corcoran debt from 1871 to 1874, 
inclusive. Among the important improvements in 1871 were the 
following: 

(i) Railroad additions; (2) waterworks, eight miles of 8-, 10- 
and 12-inch mains; (3) Fourth street improvement costing $16,- 
184.37; (4) numerous fine residences and commodious business 
blocks; (5) iron bridges over the inner slough, six spans of ninety- 
si.x feet each. 

It was about this time that steps to build a suitable monument to 
Julien Dubuque were taken ; this had been talked of for many 
years, but nothing definite was done until this time. Funds were 
raised by subscription, but the monument was not yet erected. 

By March i, 1872, there had been issued $163,889.97 of the 
new 6 per cent twenty-five year bonds in exchange for old bonds. 
When the council of 1871 began their duties mandamus suits to the 
amount of $175,000 and small judg:nents aggregating $100,000 
more hung over them, the treasury was empty, but the citizens were 
not without confidence. The sharply defined differences between the 
bondholders and a large element of taxpayers was sufficient to 
check permanent improvements. But during the year 1871-72 all 
urgent demands were met and there was in the treasury at the close 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY i??, 

$34,386.09. The town clock building collapsed in May, 1872, 
killing Enima, wife of Herman Ellwanger; the clock and tower 
had cost $3,000; the town clock movement was started by Dr. Asa 
Horr in 1864. He had found the longitude of Jackson square to 
be 6 degrees, 2 minutes and 39.38 seconds west; and the latitude 42 
degrees and 30 minutes north. In 1872 the city secured the few re- 
maining lots necessary to complete Jackson square. A violent storm 
on September 24 did $10,000 damage in Dubuque. In the fall of 

1872 A. F. Jaeger succeeded Sol. Turck, resigned, as mayor. By the 
fall of 1872 there had been refunded of the old city debt $606,- 
177.04 in new 6 per cent twenty-five year bonds; of this $113,- 
887.29 was refunded in four months, beginning late in May; there 
was yet owed to home creditors $90,000. 

The American Association for the Advancement of Science met 
here in August, 1872, in the Congregational church. Dr. Asa 
Grey, of Cambridge, Massachusetts, was elected chairman. Wil- 
liam B. Allison welcomed the scientists ; he was answered by Dr. 
Asa Grey. Prof. J. Lawrence Smith was elected president of the 
association. "The delta of the Mississippi" was considered in 
detail. George C. Dean was chairman of the finance committee 
that raised $2,297 to defray local expenses. 

In 1872 Graves and Rhomberg assumed charge of the street 
railway and under their management "it became useful and orna- 
mental to the city instead of being a nuisance and a disgrace as it 
formerly was." The lumber sold here in 1872 was 51.707,195 
feet. 

The new water reservoir, completed in the spring of 1873, was 
230x56 feet; walls, 18 feet high; walls, 6 feet at the base and 3 
feet at the top; capacity, 2,000,000 gallons; cost, $22,000. The 
epizootic, a horse disease, swept the city and county in 1872-73. 
The aggregate building in 1872 was about $800,000. The city spent 
in 1872 $13,270 for sidewalk construction. In 1873 the town clock 
cost $1,686.50; the bells were raised in the tower in March. In 

1873 boys had several baseball clubs here — "Live Oaks," "Modocs," 
"Lone Stars" and "Actives." In May, 1873, Joe Jefiferson rendered 
"Rip Van Winkle" at the Athenaeum. In 1873 for the first time a 
signal station was established and regular meteorological reports 
were made here. In 1873 the school census showed 22,002 whites 
and 149 colored population in Dubuque. Grand View avenue was 
opened in 1873, after almost open war between land owners and 
the city authorities. Of about eighty residents on the proposed 
avenue, only five or six objected to the damage awarded by the 
appraisers. 

The failure of Jay Cooke & Co. in September, 1873, precipitated 
financial and business trouble here. About September 25 several 
Chicago banks suspended. Grain markets in Dubuque became 
demoralized; wheat declining 10 cents. On September 25 Dubuque 



174 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

banks refused to discount all commercial paper except for small 
amounts. Wheat continued to drop here until it had fallen 25 
cents. A meeting of the bankers was held on the 25th. Shall the 
banks here suspend? was the question discussed. The Merchants' 
National voted to suspend ; the First National and the Commercial 
voted not to suspend. The next morning the Merchants" National 
closed its doors. A big crowd gathered, but no trouble occurred. 
All the banks sustained a heavy run. Gen. C. H. Booth was 
appointed custodian of the Merchants' National. At its last state- 
ment it had shown larger deposits than any other bank here — 
$298,239.49. An examination showed an enormous deficiency — 
$329,000. F. W. H. Sheffield and R. A. Babbage were short this 
amount ; the formed turned over his property and made good but 
the .'atter left the city and country. Their private property waa 
sold at auction — buggies, sleighs, harness, blankets, horses, etc. 
Many business men lost heavily, and some failures resulted. In less 
than a week the other banks began to discount again on a small 
scale. 

In December, 1873, there was organized an association for the 
encouragement of manufacturers, among the members being Lang- 
worthy, Ryder, Stout, Burt, Howard, Amsden, Christman, Robin- 
son, Kingman and others. Several meetings were held and great 
enthusiasm was shown. The city receipts for the fiscal year 
1872-73 were $217,976.95 and the expenses $205,782.80. In 
1873-4 the receipts were $229,968.06 and the expenses $216,850.05. 
In the latter year the street expenses were $16,109.46. Late in 1873 
a wagon bridge was talked of. 

In January, 1874, M. S. Robinson, president of the Manufactur- 
ers' Association, visited many Eastern cities in order to secure 
manufacturing concerns for Dubuque and to see if a wagon bridge 
could be financed. A large meeting assembled to hear from him 
upon his return ; he recommended a donation of land to desirable 
manufacturers who should come here and announced that a wagon 
bridge could be financed in the East. In 1873 there was collected in 
the Dubuque revenue district $365,890.20. In February, 1874, 
there was held here a grand reunion of old settlers. Suits against 
the city in 1873-74 aggregated $185,000. A big temperance crusade 
was started here in ]\Iarch, 1874; the liquor people united in oppo- 
sition and demanded the license system. The crusaders demanded 
the enforcement of the existing prohibitory law. In 1873 the liquor 
trade here was about $500,000; should tliis be abolished Dubuque 
finances would receive a deadly blow, it was stated. Many of the 
best citizens resolved to back the liquor interests in their fight for 
existence under a license system. Immense meetings were held by 
both sides. The crusade did not succeed because it attacked liquor 
selling and not intemperance. It assumed that it was a crime to use 
intoxicating liquors. The law had the right to punish men for 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 175 

becoming drunk, but not for drinking. Liquors were seized and 
numerous suits resulted. 

The Dubuque Art Gallery opened in June, 1874, with R. E. 
Graves president ; over one hundred good paintings were exhibited 
at the commencement. In 1874 the ball and chain gang could be 
seen on the Dubuque streets. In August, 1874, the Dubuque Cen- 
tral Improvement Company sued the city for $550,000. To obtain 
its land the company in 1857 had assumed the Corcoran and Jesup 
debts of about $200,000; later the city took back this debt providing 
the company would make certain specified improvements. 

A pontoon bridge was considered in 1874. The Harbor Com- 
pany filled the slough at Jones and Iowa streets in 1874; W. G. 
Stewart superintended this work. The old Globe building, built in 
1848, was torn down in August. 1874. The new Driving park up 
the Couler was opened in August ; the stalls sold for $1,160. A new 
city charter was demanded at a large citizens' meeting, December 
29, 1874; a reduction of taxes and new manufactures was 
demanded ; too much money was spent on fancy streets, said Chair- 
man D. A. Wilson. A similar meeting had been held in Novem- 
ber. A. A. Cooper and D. A. Mahony were the principal speakers ; 
the latter attacked the city, which was defended by Mr. Cooper. 
It was realized that taxation could not be reduced much if the city 
debt and the current expenses were to be paid. It was a mistake to 
abuse the council, because they were simply trying to meet neces- 
sary expenses. Undeserved charges of dishonesty were hurled 
against the city by Mahony and others. "Can any council do bet- 
ter?" was asked. Late in 1874 the city was paying at the rate of 
about $6,000 a year for its water, and now began to consider buy- 
ing the waterworks, but the big tax prevented. During 1874 a 
large amount of filling on the river front was done. There was 
talk of a union railway passenger station. 

During 1874 there were many improvements. Railway branches 
were extended ; the Driving park was opened ; sloughs on the front 
were filled; two new schoolhouses were built; $23,000 was spent 
on streets; $700,000 was spent on buildings of all kinds; a new 
engme house was built at Locust and Fourth streets, etc. The fire- 
fighting apparatus consisted of the "J. K. Graves" and "Sol. Turck" 
engines, the hook and ladder truck and the Fifth ward hose com- 
pany. D. A. Mahony was editor of the Telegraph in 1874-75 ; he 
succeeded Michael Brady. In 1874 assessors began to pursue tax 
dodgers in earnest for almost the first time. In 1874-75 they col- 
lected $187,494 in delinquent tax. Engineers reported against a 
pontoon bridge. 

In 1875 the People's Savings Bank merged with the First Na- 
tional. The total city receipts in 1874-75 were $228,845 and the 
total expenses $207,810; the current expenses were $71,327.84. 
The police force was reorganized in June, 1875. A furious storm 



176 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

did $15,000 damage to Dubuque September 9, 1875; Seventeenth 
street was badly damaged. In June, W. B. Allison became presi- 
dent of the Dubuque & Dunleith Bridge Company. The original 
Linwood cemetery, twenty acres, was bought of Langworthy & 
Davis; in 1875 nineteen acres more were purchased of Mr. Levi 
and added. 

What were known as the Gelpcke bonds had been compromised 
with Jesup & Co. long before this time at the rate, it was alleged, 
of 25 cents on the dollar, and were secured by local speculators 
who expected to raise the price and thus clear up a large sum of 
money. It was charged that agents of the council sent East to 
accomplish this result in the interests of the city, proved false to the 
trust and secured about $276,000 city bonds for about $6g,ooo for 
local speculators (among whom were two ex-mayors of Dubuque) 
who immediately raised the price of the bonds to par and in the 
end managed to obtain therefor at about par new 6 per cent twenty- 
five year bonds. Several of the so-called best men of the city were 
charged with this offense. A number of bitter controversies grew 
out of this transaction. 

In October, 1875, the citizens voted on the question of turning 
Linwood cemetery over to a private association, as follows : For 
sale, 697; against sale, 308. At the big exposition and fair in 
October, 1875, the receipts were $34,187.13; expenses the same less 
$476.96 on hand. The grounds were bought of Stout and Peabody 
for $5,000, but in the end with all improvements cost $33,894.48. 
This fair was really a credit to the city. In 1875 the Dubuque 
liquor dealers petitioned the Legislature to abandon prohibition and 
adopt license in its place. In November, 1875, the Dubuque County 
Bank was organized, with W. G. Stewart president ; A. Lumback, 
vice president; E. A. Lull, cashier; capital, $50,000. 

The Central Island case embraced the following points : ( i ) The 
city sold the company island property ; (2) the company gave the city 
its bonds for the property; (3) the individual members of the com- 
pany indorsed the bonds; (4) the city put its gviaranty on the back 
of the bonds; (5) the bonds were sold to outsiders; (6) no interest 
was paid on the bonds; (7) the company became insolvent, but its 
individual members were rich; (8) these individuals, to save them- 
selves, bought up the bonds at about 25 cents on the dollar; (9) the 
city had warranted the title to the company; (10) Jesup & Co., who 
held a prior mortgage on this island property, foreclosed the same 
and the property was sold to H. L. Stout, who secured a deed. The 
island company now contended that the city was bound to take care 
of the mortgage, because the title had been warranted and therefore 
now sued the city for $33,000. This amount the city finally 
agreed to pay, partly because in doing so it could secure a with- 
drawal of the suit for $550,000. In the suit on the guaranty the 



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HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 177 

Supreme court decided ihat the city had no power to make the 
guaranty and therefore the decision was in its favor. 

A large prairie wolf and a full-sized catamount were killed near 
Dubuque late in 1875. Late in 1875 ^ temperance crusade secured 
400 signers to the pledge. In December, 1875, the total debt of 
the city was as follows : 

Seven per cent bonds $i53'539-45 

Six per cent bonds 649,099.10 

Ten per cent bonds 25,000.00 

Total $827,638.55 

Or the same as follows : 

Twenty-five year bonds $802,638.55 

Three, four and five year bonds. . . . 25,000.00 

Total $827,638.55 

The Hyde Clark baseball club of 1875 played good ball. Water- 
loo defeated them in September by 10 to 7. The leading nine were 
Sullivan, Dalrymple, Spoor, Colford, Byrne. Cooney, Bissell, Robi- 
son and Clark. 

Dubuque was prosperous in 1875. Among the improvements 
were Connolly's carriage factory ; Armstrong's same ; Wunderlich's 
same; Young's same; Duddy's wireworks; deed's brewery; Carr, 
Austin & Co.'s planing mill; Schmidt's brewery; Peabody block. 
Eagle block, Finlev block and several fine private residences. The 
number of business blocks built was twenty-eight; dwellings and 
other buildings, 181. Street improvement cost $13,020; school- 
houses and grounds, $14,000; city hall and engine house improve- 
ments, $2,490. In the livery business alone Dubuque had $129,715 
invested. The bricks made numbered 8,400,000; in this industry 
were Knapp, Graham, O'Neill, Taltz, Platz, Keim and Ham. 

In January. 1876, the board of trade was reorganized, with 
H. S. Hetherington president. Many suits against the city for 
accidents to individuals were commenced in 1875-76. Senator 
Allison introduced a bill in Congress in 1876 giving Washington 
square to the count}' for courthouse purposes. Many here opposed 
this bill, because the county could afford to buy it. 

"Never has there been a more positive damage to the interests 
of the city of Dubuque than those gatherings known as public 
meetings. The city would have been better off in that it would 
today have had a debt less by half a million than it now has. These 
meetings have created more ill feeling and bad temper among citi- 
zens than most other causes combined. During the flush times of 
1856-57 they recommended and voted away hundred of thousands 



178 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

of dollars of city bonds in aid of railroads, few of which were ever 
built. After the crash of 1858 and when it was found impossible to 
pay interest on the bonds, the public meetings were just as unani- 
mous that the debt should be repudiated. The Supreme court of 
the state had made a decision that the bonds were not good: the 
city charter alleged that no tax of more than i per cent could be 
levied ; so the public meetings told the creditors to whistle and 
hooted at anybody who believed the city would have to pay. After 
the war. when our whole city debt could have been compromised 
on an average of 20 to 25 cents on the dollar, the public meetings 
said not a cent on the dollar. Had public meetings then said what 
they shoukl have said, our indebtedness now would be no more than 
$250,000 instead of $800,000. Who does not remember the wagon 
bridge meetings in 1868 that gave rise to so much angry contro- 
versy and bad blood? — the Third street cemetery meetings: the 
home creditor meetings in 1869 and 1870: the reform meetings of 
1873, and the small results from them. A year ago there was a 
taxpayers' meeting at which it was seriously proposed to organize a 
combined resistance to tax paying. On Monday we had a public 
meeting to see about the celebration of the Fourth of July, which 
was just about on a par with all the rest." — (Herald. Februarv v 
1876.) 

The Second National bank was organized late in 1875. with 
W. L. Bradley, president ; W. P. Large, vice president : G. V. Smock, 
cashier: capital, $100,000. The citizens here generally opposed 
the pending bill for the repeal of the railway tarifif. This sentiment 
caused the Illinois Central Railway to make threats which were 
resented by the citizens. The city receipts from all sources in 
1875-76 were $207,631.70: expenses, $196,896.93: from saloon 
licenses, $8,196.40 was received. The suit of William Hentrager 
against Bishop Hennessy was conspicuous at this date; the Bisho]". 
won in the end. In March, 1876, the Board of Trade gave a 
public banquet to Graves, O'Donnell and Lyon, Dubur|ue members 
of the Legislature, for their efforts at Des Moines to retain the 
railroad tariff. In 1875 Myers, Tice & Co. paid the government 
$77,188.20 tobacco revenue. A thorough survey for a new sewer 
system was made early in t876. At this time there was a general 
demand that the street railway system should be extended to the 
bluffs. There were in use at this date 148 city public lamps. 

A terrible storm early in July, 1876, practically destroyed Rock- 
dale and caused the loss of several lives. The Gleason, Knapp and 
Bradbury children and others were drowned. The original mill 
there was built in 1834-5 : it was first a log structure, but in a year 
or two a small frame took its place : it was built by David and Wil- 
liam Hutton; this is said to have been the first grist mill in Iowa. 
For many years it was known as the "Catfish Mill." Later under 
Pratt & Manson it was called "Rockdale Mills." In the forties its 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 179 

capacity was fifty barrels a day, but in the fifties it was increased 
to 250 barrels a day. For many years it had a monopoly of the 
miners' trade. 

In 1876 there were three distilleries here with a capital of $100,- 
000 — J. Wimmer, John Glab and I. Beekman. Four wholesale 
houses did an annual business of 700,000; 138 saloons paid city 
license; total saloon capital, $100,000; retail liquor dealers sold 
here annually $150,000 worth of product. 

Notwithstanding the hard times and the strikes and political and 
financial upheavals, the year 1876 was fairly prosperous in Du- 
buque. Over $300,000 was spent in building; the Ingram, Kennedy 
& Day saw mill cost $30,000; poorhouse, $13,500; Linwood ceme- 
tery, $10,000; Fair Association, $20,000, and the churches and 
railway spent large sums. 

In September, 1877, the Dubuque Charity Hospital was duly 
incorporated. In September the bar in front of the city was 
removed by dredge boats. The shot tower northwest of the city 
burned in 1877. 

In 1877, though the aggregate amount spent in Dubuque for 
buildings fell off somewhat from former years, advancement, how- 
ever, was in that and other respects on a large and permanent scale. 
Linwood cemetery was improved about $17,381 ; Illinois Central. 
$28,000; opera house by Eighmey & Waller, $25,000; St. Patrick's 
church, $25,000; Episcopal church, $30,000; Dubuque shot tower, 
$3,000; poorhouse, $2,000; waterworks, $7,000; sanitarium by Dr; 
E. A. Guilbert, $1,600; harbor improvements, $12,000; school 
buildings, $5,000; Key City hotel, by J. N. Hill, $13,000; Dubuque 
and Dunleith bridge, $4,000 ; Alexander Young's dwelling, $20,000 ; 
Richard Bonson's dwelling, $15,000; Hill street railway and build- 
ings, $25,000; W. J. Knight, on dwelling, $10,000; C. C. D. & M. 
railway, $100,000; on streets, alleys and highways, $53,766; parks, 
pagodas, etc., $3,000; sidewalks, $15,000. All told on buildings, 
streets, walks, industries, etc., $1,005,917. Over $700,000 of this 
was spent within the city limits. The completion and success of the 
hill or bluff railway was pointed to with pride. Not a business 
house had failed during this eventful year of strikes, turmoil and 
financial flisaster. Not a bank here experienced serious trouble, 
though elsewhere scores went down, ne\-er to rise again. 

The law of 1878 authorized cities to build bridges over the Mis- 
sissippi or to allow them to be built ; Mr. O'Donnell introduced the 
bill. The Dubuque Ladies' Literary Association held its second 
anniversary meeting in January, 1878. An immense temperance 
movement was conducted here early this year, A special commit- 
tee of the Board of Trade appointed to investigate, reported that 
a large saving annually could be made from present cit}- receipts. 
The annual interest on the city debt was about $60,000, the city 
debt being $829,118 late in 1877. In 1877-78 the citv spent on 



i8o HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

streets $43,578.17; this was declared by many to be too much; but 
others deemed it necessary. Mrs. Livermore lectured to the temper- 
ance people in February, 1878; during the crusade over 500 took the 
pledge; this was a remarkable fight. On January 13 the artesian 
well in Linwood cemeter)' was down 1,040 feet; the water came up 
to within forty-nine feet of the surface. Electricity in city light- 
ing was demanded in March. The Herald thought three lights 
would be sufficient to illuminate the whole city. 

Dubuque wanted railroads taxed, because this meant about 
$20,000 annual revenue to the city. The stock restraining ordi- 
nance was enforced more generally. There was a small reduction 
in police and fire expenses Eagle Point and Windsor avenues were 
improved. Secret sessions of the council as a committee of the 
whole were generally condemned. Dubuque tax dodgers were 
relentlessly pursued. 

In June, 1878, the Dubuque Harbor Company decided to go out 
of business — sell all of its property in September; it had large hold- 
ings, including about 5,000 feet frontage on Main street south, and 
several blocks covered with buildings. There were sold 1,678 lots, 
which were bought by Cooley, Stout, Bonson, Bush, Shields, Wal- 
ler, Staples, Langworthy and others ; the two days' sale brought over 
$100,000. There were 130 saloon licenses out in 1878. 

Mayor Burch said in his valedictory : "Our street expenses have 
been much more than any of us intended they should be during 
the past year, but it appeared to be necessary in order to give our 
laboring men employment. At least such a course was advised by 
some of our large tax payers during the time some of the Eastern 
cities were infested with rioters and our own city overrun witli 
tramps and many of our laboring men out of employment." 

In July, 1878, Rev. Dewitt C. Talmage lectured here on the 
"Bright Side of Things," in the Congregational church. In August 
the artesian well at Linwood was abandoned at a depth of 1,667 
feet ; water came within twenty-six feet of the surface. The low 
water mark in the river here was 610 feet above the sea level and 
the surface of the hill was 197 feet above low water mark. The 
Fair here in 1878 was one of the best and most successful ever held 
in the West; as high as 15,000 people were present on the third 
day. Rarus, the famous trotter, tried to beat 2 :20, but made only 
2:20 14 • Lulu trotted a mile in 2:20j4. The total receipts were 
$23,963.24, and expen.ses about the same; the total assets of the 
Fair Association were $29,097.21. 

The boiler of the Dubuque Planing Mill exploded in September, 
killing one person and injuring several others. A Dubuque book, 
the Waverly Dictionary, was issued by May Rogers in September. 
In September, 1878, greenbacks were at par with gold in this city. 

The Rockdale mills were destroyed by fire late in December. 
1878; it was caused by an explosion of gas generated by the mid- 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY i8i 

dlings purifier used. The 3'ear 1878 gave continued prosperity to 
Dubuque ; over $700,000 was spent on improvements of all kinds ; 
the largest sums were spent by the Diamond Jo line, Bush, Hosford, 
Young, Robinson, Ryan the packer. Bishop Hennessy, Simplot, 
cracker factory, the railways, street extension. The banks paid out 
gold freely on January i, 1879. 

The baseball club was thoroughly organized early in 1878. The 
leading players were O'Rourke, pitcher ; Comiskey, catcher ; Brady. 
second base; Burns, left field: Colford, third base; Byrne, center 
field; Sullivan, shortstop; Cooney, first base; Phalen, right field. 
Two Chicago players were hired to drill the club. It was one of 
the best clubs in the West and was considered semi-professional. 
The Milwaukee club beat it twice, 6 to o and 15 to 4. Davenport 
beat it 6 to 4 in thirteen innings. It divided victories with the 
Oaklands, was defeated by Peoria, 12 to i ; defeated Davenport, 
2 to o; defeated Nashua, 20 to i and 13 to 5; defeated Galena, 
9 to 2 ; but was defeated by Peoria again, 3 to i ; divided victories 
with Rock ford, 9 to 4 and 9 to 13. In the Peoria club were nine 
professionals; in the Dubuque club were three professionals and 
six home boys. The club played twenty-one games. Sullivan was 
best batter and fielder; then came Dolan, Brady and Comiskey. 
They were called Red Stockings, and were backed by R. H. Graves. 
H. E. Tredway, B. H. Trumbull, T. P. Sullivan, C. D. Ham, C. T. 
Hancock, C. M. Peaslee, T. G. Lewis and others. 

There were several business failures in 1878-79. Congress in 
1878 gave Dubuque authority to build a pontoon bridge over the 
river. In January. 1879, George W. Jones and his wife, who was 
formerly Josephine Gregoire, celebrated their golden wedding; 
great honor was shown the distinguished couple at the Lorimier 
House. M. M. Ham addressed the couple and General Jones replied. 
In 1878 the phonograph was exhibited here for the first time.' 
Croxie. a Dubuque mare trained by J. H. Lawson, won large sums 
in the trotting races of this year ; she was in the 2 :29 class. A fire 
alarm telegraph was installed in 1878. In the spring of 1879 Dun- 
leith changed its name to East Dubuque. Heating the city from a 
common center was considered in 1879. The year 1879 was very 
prosperous here. The trade in dry goods, boots and shoes, clothing, 
groceries, hats and caps, hardware, cigars, leather, notions, horse 
collars, shirts, overalls, etc., was almost double that in 1878. Among 
the largest expenditures were St. Joseph's Mercy Hospital, Farley, 
Loetscher & Co., oat meal factory. Steam Supply Company, Dia- 
mond Jo line, Farley residence, Norwegian Plow Factory ; the rail- 
ways ; city improvements. 

In December, 1879, General Grant was here as the guest of John 
Thompson. A large procession escorted him to the residence of 
Mr. Thompson. Governor and Mrs. Gear were present at the recep- 
tion given to 700 guests ; the whole city was decorated in honor of 



i82 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

the event and the schools were dismissed. General Vandever wel- 
comed the distinguished guest to the city. General Grant replied 
as follows : 

"General — I thank the citizens of Dubuque and yourself for the 
kind welcome which you liave extended to me. I sliall not attempt 
to make any remarks further than to say that I most heartily thank 
you. After an absence of two and a half years I have returned 
to our country, appreciating it more highly than ever." 

"General Grant extended his white-gloved hand to all who were 
presented to him and the best looking ladies he greeted with an 
osculatory salutation, which perhaps he would have declined had 
Mrs. Grant been present. But some of the ladies thought him so 
stoically sweet that they could not resist being kissed by an ex- 
President and a general." — {Herald, December 2, 1879.) 

The Dubuque baseball club in 1879 was even better than it had 
been in 1878; they were called "Red Stockings," as in 1878, and 
were backed by wealthy men here. They were members of the 
Northwestern league of four clubs: Davenport, Rockford, Omaha 
and Dubuque. Early in the year the players were Thomas Sullivan, 
catcher ; Lawrence P. Reis, pitcher ; W. B. Lapham, first base ; 
Thomas J. Loftus, captain and left field; John Gleason, third base; 
William Gleason. shortstop: Charles Comiskey, second base ; Charles 
Radburne, riglit field and pitcher : \\'^illiam Taylor, center field. 
They beat the Rockfords 8 to o in May. Later they beat Chicago 
I to o in a famous game. They were very successful. 

Late in 1879 Wendell Phillips lectured here on "Daniel O'Con- 
nell." A large audience heard this wonderful piece of oratory. 
O'Connell was declared to have been the greatest orator since 
Demosthenes — greater than Webster, Clay or Calhoun. 

The Irish patriots and orators, Parnell and Dillon, came here in 
'February, 1880; they were met at McGregor by a special committee 
sent to receive them — J. K. Gra\'es, F. T. Walker, Fred O'Donnell 
and G. B. Busch. As the train appeared a salute was fired at Eagle 
Point by Hayden's battery. They were received with great cere- 
mony and escorted to the Julien House. That evening at the opera 
house they were welcomed by a packed room and by a speech from 
Mr. Graves. Parnell's address was especially pleasing. The total 
receipts were $743.10: net, $637.50. 

The total receipts in 1879-80 were $196,128.46; expenses, $192,- 
290.61. On Marcli i, 1880, the total bonded debt was $790,434.21. 
In April, 1880, there were in the Young Men's Library 10,029 
books. General Grant was here again in May, 1880, to see a few 
friends; the visit was informal; his wife accompanied him. The 
wholesale business in 1879 was larger than ever before. The lum- 
ber trade aggregated $5,000,000: groceries, $2,500,000; hardware, 
$2,000,000, and dry goods, boots and shoes and crockery reached 
$1,000,000 each; tlie total trade was approximately $16,000,000. 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 183 

City improvements aggregated $600,000. Among the largest items 
were Eagle Point boatways, St. Francis" convent, St. Joseph's acad- 
emy, Novelty Iron Works, Ryan, packer. Linseed Oil Works, Mc- 
Donald's pump works, Peabody's residence, Andrew & Tredway 
block. Brown's block, Globe building, Milwaukee & St. Paul shops. 
Chamberlain's Plow Works, street improvements, etc. In 1879 
there were made here by six breweries 25,639 barrels of beer; in 
1880 there were made 39,553 barrels. In February, 1880, the deep- 
est snow in twenty years blocked every transportation line. 

In April, 1880, the Chicago baseball club defeated the Dubuque 
club in four games, as follows: 27 to o, 10 to i, 22 to 2, 9 to 4; 
later the Cleveland's defeated the Dubuques 5 to i ; the Dubuque's 
!)eat the St. Louis Reds 4 to i. 

The total receipts in 1880-81 were $244,477.52. The steam motor 
on the hill failed to work during the cold weather in 1880-81 : the 
council in a fit of indignation declared it a nuisance and revoked 
the charter of the company. At a meeting of the citizens indigna- 
tion at this procedure was expressed ; the road was declared to be a 
great public improvement and worth continuance. 

In April, 188 1, the new mayor, Mr. Linehan, declared that the 
most important considerations for the coming year were ( i ) manu- 
facturing enterprises; (2) a wagon bridge over the river; (3) an 
inner or ice harbor; (4) water reservoir for fires on the blufifs; 
(5) good men for office holders; (6) the collection of all taxes 
possible; (7) equalization of assessments; (8) economy in expenses; 
(9) good streets and avenues; (10) floating debt must be paid; 
(11) public health must be maintained. 

In May the first electric light company was formed ; among its 
incorporators were Glover, Booth, Cooper, Hinds, Hancock, Ryan 
and Tredway; $12,000 was subscribed in a few days. In June the 
council was petitioned to change the fair ground into a park. A 
union slaughter house was proposed. In 1880 and 188 1 consider- 
able grain was shipped from the upper Mississippi to Liverpool — 
to New Orleans in barges, then out in ocean steamers. The 
Dubuque Cattle Company was incorporated in July. On August i, 
1881, the bonded debt was $781,785.27; floating debt, $79,470.13; 
total debt, $861,255.40. In December, 1881, Governor Hempstead 
moved to Memphis to live with his son ; two years later he died. 
Among the large expenditures in 188 1 were those by Iowa Iron 
Works, Carr, Ryder & Wheeler, Dubuque Building and Loan Asso- 
ciation, Dubuque and East Dubuque bridge. Cabinet Makers' Asso- 
ciation, Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul shops, city streets and 
buildings and St. John's Episcopal church. Diamond Jo line, Illinois 
Central, etc. 

In December, 1881, Hon. T. P. O'Connor, Irish envoy, spoke in 
the opera house to an audience that filled every seat. About this 
time it was shown as a finality that Babbage was short $267,000 



i84 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

and Sheffield $62,000 in the Merchants' National bank crash of a 
few years before. Dubuque was very prosperous in 1881 ; among 
the largest investments were by the Iowa & Minnesota Telegraph 
Company, Dubuque & St. Louis Packet Company, and J. P. Farley 
Manufacturing Company; Elevator Safety Gate Company. 

Early in 1882 the Dubuque Opera Company was organized to 
prepare and present "Martha" and "Bohemian Girl." A strong 
anti-prohibition club was here in 1882; its object was to defeat the 
proposed amendment to the prohibitory law of Iowa which would 
amount to the practical confiscation of the property of saloon keep- 
ers. In March, 1882, the bonded debt was $774,625.27 and the float- 
ing debt $67,466.16. The electric company began to use the Brush 
electric light. Governor St. John of Kansas spoke here in the 
Tabernacle on "Prohibition," in June. On the question of amend- 
ing the prohibitory law the vote in Dubuque stood 1,223 for the 
amendment ; 6,283 against the amendment ; the amendment was 
carried in the state by a large majority. In z\ugust, 1882, Congress 
appropriated $20,000 for an ice harbor here. In September, 1882, 
the Industrial and Art Association was opened by Mr. Allison at 
city hall ; it was the grandest industrial display ever held in the 
state. In December, 1882, the Novelty Iron Works were lighted 
for the first time by electricity. The roller skating craze had 
Dubuque in its relentless grasp in 1882. Among the big expendi- 
tures in 1882 were those by John Bell, A. A. Cooper, Cathedral 
chapel, C. N. Clark, Paper Mill, White Lead and Paint Works, 
Oat Meal Mills, Diamond Jo line. Telephone Company, Iron and 
Brass Works, Novelty Iron Works, Iowa Iron Works, Iowa Coffin 
Company, Buggy Top factory, etc. The June races in 1882 were 
popular and successful. The Iowa State Horticultural Society met 
here in January, 1883. At this time the Supreme court declared the 
prohibitory amendment recently adopted to be unconstitutional. 
In 1882-83 the floating debt was increased to $77,131.44; the total 
cash received was $229,981.70. The Emma Abbott Opera Com- 
pany was here in March, 1883. The floating debt was commenced 
by a subsidy to the Milwaukee railway, and it seemed impossible to 
stop it after it was fully started. 

By ordinance of September, 1883, the United States Electric 
Light and Power Company was granted the right to erect poles, 
wires and other fixtures in the streets, alleys and public parks of the 
city for illuminating and other purposes for twenty years. Suitable 
regulations accompanied the ordinance. 

An ordinance of March, 1883, gave the Dubuque Butchers' Asso- 
ciation the right to erect a general slaughter house within the city 
limits at East Dubuque and imposed specific conditions of cleanli- 
ness, sanitation, etc. 

The famous orchestra of Theodore Thomas opened here in April. 
General Siegel called Dubuque "the Heidelberg of America." 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 185 

Thomas W. Keene, tragedian, was here in May. Double street 
railway tracks were built this year for the first time. On May 15 
there were in the Young Men's Library 15,200 bound books. An 
artesian well at Wliite and Sixth street, 804 feet deep, flowed 150 
gallons a minute late in June, 1883. Beecher lectured here July 27 
on "The Reign of the Common People." On August 13, Mrs. 
W. B. Allison while temporarily insane drowned herself in the 
river. Bayless College celebrated its twenty-fifth anniversary in 
October, 1883. The Home for the Friendless reported $7,551.04 
in loans and cash on hand in October, 1883. Its object was "to 
provide for homeless and destitute women and children;" seventy- 
five were cared for in 1883. Among the improvements in 1883 
were the following: New schoolhouse, St. Raphael's school, Brad- 
ley's brick warehouse. Booth's front fillings, Bentley's grain ele- 
vator, Academy of Visitation, ice harbor, St. Joseph's Academy, 
Sisters of Visitation, academy, city improvements ($153,000), 
streets and engine houses, railways, lumber companies and many 
expensive residences. 

On December 31, 1883, the Dubuque Traveling Men's Associa- 
tion was organized. M. R. Dewstoe was chosen president ; L. M. 
Langstafif, secretary and treasurer; the association started with a 
goodly membership, which has steadily increased to the present. 
Late in 1883 John L. Sullivan, Slade, McCoy, Taylor, Gillespie and 
other sporting men gave a sparring exhibition at the opera house. 
In November, 1883, a Imnting party consisting of Frederick Jenkel, 
Emil Jenkel, Frederick Jenkel, Jr., and Richard T. Hartig were 
drowned in the river just above the city; several of the bodies were 
not recovered for three or four months. The Dubuque National 
bank opened its doors in April, 1884, with a capital of $100,000, 
and with B. B. Richards, president ; W. J. Knight, vice president ; 
James Harragan, cashier. The Iowa Trust and Savings Bank began 
operations in February, 1884, with a capital of $50,000 paid up; 
G. L. Torbert was president, F. D. Stout vice president, and J. E. 
.\llison cashier. A bill in the Legislature to repeal the law exempt- 
ing school and church property from taxation encountered strenuous 
opposition here in March, 1884; the churches memorialized the 
Legislature to defeat the bill. Bishop Hennessy delivered a power- 
ful address against the bill on March 23. In 1883-84 the fire depart- 
ment was fully established on a paid and permanent basis ; the police 
system was reorganized; the project of funding the floating debt 
was defeated; gas, electric light and street car ordinances were 
passed; the city was already the manufacturing center of this sec- 
tion, but more concerns should be secured ; the Dubuque & North- 
Western, Chicago, Burlington & Quincy, and the Chicago & North- 
western Railways were approaching connection with Dubuque; and 
slight reductions were made in the city debt. Also lots were filled, 
railways extended, the useless motor was stopped on the hill, a new 



i86 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

engine house was built, a new system of sewerage was considered, 
new streets were opened, and the Stocking claim was settled. 

In 1883 there were half a dozen baseball clubs; one was called 
"Blue Stockings"; they defeated the Galena Greys 17 to 5 and the 
Clintons 6 to 4, and the St. Louis club 7 to 4, but in a return game 
-were defeated by the latter 9 to 5 ; they were defeated by the Port 
Hurons in two games 15 to o and 9 to o. 

In August, 1883, the council granted to John Reugamer, John 
Trexler, J. P. Schroeder, John Klein, Frank Schroeder and George 
Fengler, for a period of twenty-five years, free license and full 
right to operate a ferry to be known as "Eagle Point Ferry," from 
a place near Eagle Point, at Division street, across the river to the 
Wisconsin shore. The necessary safeguards were required. 

Madame Modjeska was here in May ; she was the guest of 
Edward W. Duncan and wife; she received Dubuque ladies. In 
May five persons were killed in the explosion at the planing mill 
of Carr, Ryder & Wheeler. On July 3, 1884, the new prohibition 
law went into effect ; saloons here did business about as usual, 
though apprehensively. The Personal Liberty Society held regular 
meetings to consider the situation. Informers were led to under- 
stand that they would get into serious trouble if they interfered. 
Secret anti-prohibition meetings were held ; J. P. Farley was one 
of the leaders of the movement for the enforcement of the law. 
Seven acres of lumber were burned in September. Late in 1884 the 
Fourth street elevator was built. On September 19 all Dubuque 
was shaken by an earthquake ; it was particularly observed in high 
buildings. The old Carter and Cheney farms, three miles from 
Dubuque, were bought by Mr. Stout and converted into a fine, fast 
stock farm that soon became famous ; twenty to thirty fine horses 
were there at all times except during the racing season; a half mile 
track was there and trainers constantly at work. 

The Dubuque baseball club in 1884 had the following leading 
players: Ahern, first; Crawford, second; Brown, third; Morgan, 
catcher; Lear, pitcher; Burns, shortstop; Keas, left; Taylor, center, 
and McCarten, right. The Dubuque Natatorium, containing 100,- 
000 gallons, was opened in August at 1033 Main street; it was very 
popular from the start. 

Dubuque's trade for 1884 was very large and satisfactory: Gro- 
ceries and provisions, $1,500,000; dry goods and notions, $1,500,- 
000; hardware, $1,000,000; grain, etc.. $1,650,000; William Ryan 
& Sons, packing, $2,125,000 (this was the largest single industry 
here). The jobbing trade was estimated at $12,000,000. Among 
the improvements were those by Bishop Hennessy, Ryan, fire engine 
house, Waples block, new schoolhouse, St. Joseph's Academy com- 
pleted, Lorimier House improved. Eagle Point ferry, street railway 
extension, Dubuque Bridge Company, Booth's improvements, city 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 187 

improvements, Linvvood cemetery, etc. In 1884 there were in use 
here twenty-six arc lights; they were not satisfactory under all 
circumstances; incandescent lights were demanded. The Dubuque 
Electric Light and Power Company, organized in 1883, expired in 
1884. 

Madame Janauschek was here in January, 1885. Horses were 
raced on Lake Peosta in January. In this month the Fourth street 
hill elevator carried over 7,000 passengers ; at first there was only 
one carriage ; J. K. Graves was connected with this service. Street 
expenses in 1884-85 were $16,831. The contemplated sewer system 
was estimated to cost $39,985.72. Several business failures 
occurred early in 1885. In February, George R. Wendling lectured 
here on "Is Death the End of All?" There was great sport at the 
roller skating rinks. In the fall of 1885 Dubuque had 130 manu- 
facturing establishments; 86 jobbers, 5,261 employes, horsepower 
4,464. Among the really large advances here were Central market, 
water power, steam supply, Mercy hospital, custom house, opera, 
public library, fine art gallery, art and science institute, twenty-four 
churches, hill elevator, forty-five miles of paved streets, etc. 

In August, 1885, Edward Langworthy and wife celebrated their 
golden wedding; she was formerly Pauline Reeder. In the spring 
of 1885 the city bonded debt was $777,084.74. The city expenses 
in 1884-85 were $173,367.66; the floating debt was $66,787; total 
debt of city, $843,871.74. In March the Supreme court decided 
in favor of the constitutionality of the prohibitory law. In the 
spring of 1885 the city considered (i) how to pay the enormous 
debt; (2) how to economize; (3) to reduce street expense and float- 
ing debt; (4) must cease borrowing; (5) new railways were desir- 
able; (6) manufacturing must still further be increased; (7) an iron 
bridge was needed at Eagle Point, etc. There were forty liquor 
cases in the federal court in September, brought by the Citizens' 
League. The special delivery mail service was adopted here Octo- 
ber I, 1885, for the first time. Previous to 1885 the year 1882 was 
the most prosperous here since 1856. 

In January, 1886, there were put up here 46.700 tons of ice; the 
packers alone put up 12,200 tons; the leading packers were William 
Ryan, George Rath, Strobel & Son, and Zumhofif & Son. In Janu- 
ary three kinds of crossings were considered for the river : ( i ) A 
pontoon bridge; (2) planks on the existing railroad bridge; (3) a 
free ferry summer and winter by cable line. In 1885-86 the fire 
department cost $15,811.51; police, $15,102.30; gas, $11,241.68; 
street, $23,706.14; total city debt, $827,887.28. 

A fine arts gallery was opened in March. 1886; forty-two artists 
and amateurs were represented ; 10 cents admission was charged. 
In June there were 12,396 bound \olumes in the Young Men's 
Library. 



1 88 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Pork Packing in Dubuque. 

1882-83 97.500 1884-85 90,000 

1S83-84 121,000 1885-86 108,500 

Summer Packing Additional. 

1882 1 5,000 1884 22,557 

1883 15.500 

In August, 1886, the Dubuque Pontoon Bridge Company was 
authorized to construct and n^aintain a bridge suitable for the cross- 
ing of vehicles, horsemen and animals and for the ordinary public 
uses and purposes of a highway bridge from at or near Pine street 
in Dubuque across the Mississippi to the town of East Dubuque, in 
Illinois. It was to be located below and as near as practicable to the 
railway bridge and the draw was to be of such dimensions and 
character as should be approved by the secretary of war, or if built 
without a draw it should be high enough at the right place to permit 
the free passage at all stages of water of craft navigating the Mis- 
sissippi. To assist the company in the construction of this bridge, 
the city appropriated $25,000, to be paid in two installments, and 
released it conditionally from taxation. The total cost was about 
$133,000. The city reserved the right to take possession and control 
of the bridge by paying annually to the company 8 per cent on the 
total cost less that paid by the city. The mayor was to be ex-officio 
a member of the board of directors. The toll was fixed by the coun- 
cil, December 14, 1887. 

An immense firemen's tournament was held here in June, 1886. 
Clinton, Galena, Webster City, Chariton, Fort Dodge, Dyersville, 
Cedar Rapids, Maquoketa, Independence, Marshalltown and other 
cities were represented. It was held at the race track ; it was the 
largest and best tournament ever held in Iowa. Dubuque oat meal 
mill burned in July. In 1886 the idea of a pontoon bridge was 
abandoned and a high bridge became very popular; this was after 
the city had passed an ordinance appropriating $25,000 for a pon- 
toon bridge. The Finleys having left to the city a large bequest for 
a hospital upon certain conditions ; the citizens took steps to comply 
with such conditions. The old Finley homestead on Julien avenue 
was finally devoted to this use ; the bequest was about $80,000. 
Under the Clark liquor law sharp action against the saloons here 
was taken in the summer of 1886. At this time work on the new 
sewerage system was commenced. In August, 1886, the construc- 
tion of the high bridge was awarded to Horace E. Horton, of Roch- 
ester, Minnesota, at $122,994; his was the lowest bid by over $20,- 
000; the bridge was to be completed by May i, 1887. This sum 
included the iron approach on the east side. It was called a "high 
level wagon bridge." Barnum's big show was here in September. 
The North American Telegraph Company was granted the right 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 189 

to erect poles on certain streets. In September the newly organized 
Commercial Club had a membership of 140; they planned to build a 
$15,000 club house. At this time an engine and two cars plunged 
through the draw into the river. On August 31, 1886. three dis- 
tinct earthquake shocks of twenty-five seconds' duration were felt 
here. The city donated $25,000 toward the high bridge and the 
citizens raised the balance by subscription; by the middle of October 
about $75,000 was subscribed. Important improvements in 1886 
were : Academy of Visitation, Bell's store, Bradley's warehouses, 
Consolidated Tank Line house. Diamond Jo yards, high level 
bridge, etc. 

It was noted in tlie spring of 1887, that real estate values iiad 
taken a sudden "boom." In March, 1887, the boundaries of the 
Second, Third and Fourth wards were changed and enlarged from 
the surplus growth of the Fifth ward. In the spring of 1887 the 
railways did an enormous amount of filling on the river front. In 
1886-87 the hogs packed were 117,000. There was a great lack 
of dwellings and business rooms. The total debt March i, 1887, 
was $833,542.85, of which $761,234.80 was bonded. On March 23, 
1887, the first sliipment of iron for the high bridge arrived. The 
water company was given the right in Marcii, 1887, to put in pump- 
ing works at the Lorimier House artesian well and from it to fur- 
nish the hill its supply of water; this well was 1,050 feet deep and 
flowed 180 gallons to the minute. The entire police force was dis- 
charged in Ma}' and immediately reorganized. The Dubuque Job- 
bers and Manufacturers' Union was strong and doing good work in 
1887. The Eleventh Street Elevator Company was incorporated 
in July. 

In 1887 there was demanded improvement of the city gas; con- 
struction of the high bridge approach; continuance on the sewerage 
system ; a police patrol ; better results from the street commission- 
er's office; abolishment of the contract system, etc. By the middle 
of July, 1887. the fourth span of the high bridge was in place. The 
United States Express Company established an office here. In 
August it was noted that twenty-four trains arrived and departed 
dailv. On .\ugust 10 the river was the lowest it had been since 
1864. 

The year 1887 was very prosperous. The following made impor- 
tant improvements: (i) Northwestern Railway; (2) high bridge; 
(3) new sewerage system ; (4) Southwestern Railway ; (5") Fourth 
street elevator; (6) Eleventh street elevator; (7) street car to Eagle 
Point; (8) filling sloughs with land; (9") filling freight yards; 
(10) filling by lumber yards; fii) ice harbor; (12) new Illinois 
Central passenger station; (13) waterworks on the bluff; (14) 
police patrol; (15) electric fire alarm; (16) new warehouses; (17) 
new wholesale houses; (18) new manufactures; (19) hundreds of 
new dwellings; (20) proposed electric street railway. 



I90 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Notwitlistanding its great debt the city did not flinch from such 
proposed expenses as $250,000 to the Dubuque & Northwestern 
Railway; $130,000 for the new sewerage system; $125,000 for the 
high bridge; and $150,000 to the Southwestern Railway. On Sep- 
tember 19, 1887, a terrible railway accident near Eagle Point caused 
the loss of four or five lives and the injury of about a dozen others. 
On September 30 the city voted as follows : For the sewerage sys- 
tem, 317; against the sewerage system, 1,341. In 1887 there was 
strong talk of holding in 1888 a centennial celebration of the settle- 
ment here of Julian Dubuciue in 1788. Early in November the 
high bridge was joined from shore to shore ; a celebration for the 
opening was planned. On November 25 teams began to cross the 
high bridge ; two carriages containing bridge and city officials made 
the first trip. On the 29th the event was celebrated ; an immense 
procession passed through the streets and over the bridge ; there 
were floats, banners, mottoes, bands and societies in line, all escorted 
by the Governor's Greys and accompanied by bands and drum corps. 
Every business in the city was representee! in the line. This was 
one of the most notable celebrations ever held in Dubuque. The 
main portion of the bridge is 2,000 feet in length and the East 
Dubuque approach 800 feet ; the roadway is eighteen feet wide, with 
a foot path on each side. J. K. Graves was president of the day. 
O'Neill, McDonald, Lyon and others delivered addresses; a dispatch 
from Senator Allison was read. 

In 1886 the assessed valuation of the city was $15,021,390, and 
the revenue $177,095.60; in 1887 the assessed valuation was $18,- 
143,114, and the revenue $196,656.19. The saloon cases were in 
the courts in 1887; when injunctions were served against them they 
usually filed supersedeas bonds and continued operations. City 
expenses in 1887 were $264,275.41, and receipts $228,351.94. 

The Commercial National Bank closed its doors March 20, 1888; 
the majority of the directors were men of wealth. There was due 
depositors $444,059. E. P. Welles, of Clinton, was appointed 
receiver. The total liabilities were $518,310. The Iowa Iron 
Works owed the bank $145,000. Certain members of the bank had 
withdrawn large sums. The receiver charged violations of the law 
by the bank officials and on that ground asked for the forfeiture of 
its charter; he also charged that false statements had been made. 
In the end the bank paid about 70 cents on the dollar. 

All the trade and labor organizations united in an immense mass 
meeting July 23, 1888: it was a general movement for publicity and 
relief; a permanent union of labor was effected, with James White 
president, T. J. Donahue secretary, and C. B. Keesecker treasurer. 
Booth and Barrett, actors, were here in April, 1888. Judge Lenehan 
ordered forty-seven permanent injunctions against saloon keepers in 
August. The sewer project having been re\ived, bids were called 
for and the contract was awarded to J. C. Murray at $21,767 in Sep- 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 191 

tember. The butchers entered strong protests at this time against 
the encroachments of Armour's "embahned beef" upon their alleged 
preserves ; the butchers and drovers' union passed resolutions against 
the Armour products. Plans to celebrate on a large scale the 
Dubuque centennial were prepared early in 1888. The Wycoff 
Commercial school was in operation this year. The grand lodge of 
the Knights of Pythias assembled here in October. An electric 
street car line on Eighth street was proposed at this date. Work 
on the new sewer rapidly progressed late in 1888. There were 
ninety-nine indictments against saloon keepers late this year. 

Among the improvements of 1888 were the following: Catholic 
church at Sherrill's Mount. Diamond Jo yards. Iowa Iron Works, 
Linehan Ferry Company, Morrison Bros., Novelty Works, Sacred 
Heart church, private investments by Byrne, Bradley, Booth and 
Cooper, city street improvements. Waller's building, the railways, 
filling in front, etc. 

The Key City Electric Street Railway Company, with a capital 
of $100,000, began business late in 1888 by securing the right of 
way; it planned to follow the old hill motor route. The city 
demanded its share of the bridge fund from the county in January, 
1889. Tlie new Julien House was built by stock subscriptions in 
1889; the old house was torn down early in the year. A railway 
wreck near the fair grounds in July killed one and injured several. 
Work on a new Grand Opera house was commenced early in 1889. 
A street railway line down Seventh or Eighth to connect with the 
high 1)ridge was ])lanned in 1889. The grand lodge of the Legion 
of Honor met here in March. The total city debt March i, 1889, 
was $834,777.64. Over thirty societies took part in the Washington 
centennial celebration this year; over 3,000 outsiders were present. 
One of the largest processions ever on the streets paraded in grand 
style. Colonel Lyon was the principal speaker at Schuetzen park. 
Fred O'Donnell addressed the Irish-American club. Services in all 
the churches were held. 

By ordinance approved in August, 1882, the Western Tele])hone 
Company was granted permission to erect upon the public streets 
and alleys posts or poles, string wires thereon and operate and use a 
telephone exchange. Complete regulations were set forth. An 
ordinance of September, 1886, gave the North American Telegraph 
Company the right to erect poles, string wires and maintain a tele- 
graph system in certain specified streets. The act of July, 1887. 
permitted the Eleventh Street Elevator Company to construct and 
maintain a street railway on Eleventh street from Blufif street to 
Highland place. The act of January, 1900, permitted that company 
to operate its railroad by electricity. The ordinance of April, 1899, 
granted the Standard Telephone Company the right to erect and 
maintain its telephone system in Dubuque. This ordinance was 
long and covered all features of practical operation. In Jrilv, 1893, 



192 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

the Fenelon Place Elevator Company was granted the right to oper- 
ate a public elevator at Fourth and Fenelon streets. 

The ordinance of March, 1889, granted permission and authority 
to David H. Ogden and his successors to construct, maintain and 
operate a single track electric street railway with all the necessary 
accessories on certain designated streets, prescribed the mode of 
operation and fixed the term at twenty years. 

An ordinance of November, 1889, gave William L. Allen and 
Thomas O. Swiney the right to maintain and operate an electric 
street railway upon certain streets and public places of the city. 
They were also authorized in December to erect an electric light and 
power station under certain provisions. In September, 1897, the 
Star Electric Company, successor to the United States Electric 
Light and Power Company, was granted extensions and continua- 
tions of duties and powers. 

A furious storm July 2, 1889, did about $15,000 damage in the 
city. In August the Dubuque Street Railway Company was granted 
the right to use electricity, steam power, etc., and to go outside the 
city limits ; its capital was increased to $250,000. Efforts to secure 
the Industrial Home for the Blind were made in 1889. War 
between two electric light companies and two electric street railway 
systems was waged here in 1889-90. 

At the close of 1889 there were in the city 205 manufactures; 
hands in the same, 6,992; jobbing houses, 96; hands in the same, 
1,967; traveling men from Dubuque, 313; horsepower in the fac- 
tories, 10,890. Important improvements were Cooper's new resi- 
dence, butchers' association, driving park. Packing & Provision 
Company, linseed oil works. Diamond Jo line, the railways' 
immense improvements. Electric Company, opera house. Standard 
Lumber Company, Wartburg Seminary, Julien House, Hansen & 
Linehan, Lesure's mill, etc. The year witnessed great advances. 

It was duly noted in 1890 that in 1896 $201,926.63 of the old 
debt would become due; also $356,956.55 in 1897, $107,161.43 in 
1899, and $26,500 in 1904, and that now (1890) there was only 
$42,000 in the city treasury. On March i, 1890, the bontled debt 
was $728,279.47 and the floating debt $104,519.19. The city 
receipts in 1889-90 were $329,350.87, and the expenses $331,783.13. 
The revenue from saloons was $18,158.50. 

"On the 14th of last month the council adopted an ordinance 
giving the Rhomberg line the additional privileges for which it 
asked and carefully guarded public rights, imposing upon the com- 
pany the usual and ordinary restrictions and which were imposed 
upon the Dubuque Electric Railway, Light and Power Company, 
familiarly known as the Allen & Sweeney line, and these privileges 
the Dubuque Street Railway Company refused to accept because 
of the restrictions referred to. We must not ignore public rights 
to accommodate an individual and we cannot afford to retard the 




IN AND AROUND DUBUQUE 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 193 

growth of a city to swell the coffers of private corporations. There 
exists no reason, so far as I am able to comprehend, why we should 
give advantage to one railway company over a competing line." — 
(Mayor Stewart, April 10, 1890.) 

The new Julien House was opened in July, 1890. In August 
the new opera house on Eighth street was opened. Comment was 
caused in 1890 by the resignation of several officials of the German 
Savings Bank. Keno F., a Dubuque horse, won the first purse of 
$5,000 at the races in Rochester, N. Y., in August; his time was 
2:19 in the trotting race; the horse won other big prizes. In 
October fifty arc lights were turned on the streets. Tlie Iowa 
Trust and Savings Bank began business in 1890. A meat inspector 
began to condemn carcasses in 1890. Among the improvements in 
1890 were those by the electric companies, Julien House, St. 
Joseph's convent, streets of Dubuque, new court house commenced, 
opera house, German orphan asylum. Turner hall, driving park. 
Academy of the Visitation, the railways, bucket factory, Finley 
hospital, gas company, board of trade building, Hodge brass foun- 
dry. Powers' store, oil mill elevator and several fine residences. 
The Citizens' State Bank was established in 1890; by July, 1892, its 
deposits were $306,828.88. 

Late in 1890 the street car line was completed to the old Stewart 
farm; cars began to run to the new park there in April. The new 
fire steamer "R. W. Stewart" arrived early in 1891. On March i, 
1891, the bonded debt was $730,602.50 and the floating debt 
$124,120.46; the total receipts were $356,806.53; the expenses 
were the same less $39,438.52 on hand ; the saloon license amounted 
to $19,510.65. The council at this time insisted on direct water 
pressure and better service from the water company. 

In March, 1891, Julia Ward Howe lectured on "Is Polite Society 
Polite?" The city now for almost the first time took steps to secure 
in all cases compensation for street and other public franchises. In 
April the mayor's salary was raised from $600 to $1,500; there 
were earnest objections to this advance. New paving for Main 
street was considered. At the opera house in June Evan Lewis 
threw J. C. Comstock, a local wrestler, in three straight falls with 
ease. Robert W. Stewart, mayor, resigned in June. There was 
war in the council. The Grand Lodge of Odd Fellows met here in 
October. The Key City Insurance Company began business about 
this date. The council after due deliberation decided on brick for 
the paving of Main street. Paving bonds to pay the expense were 
to be issued. The liquor interests were called "River Rats of the 
Rum Counties" by the prohibition orators. 

On March i, 1892, the bonded debt was $857,708.89; it was 
increased in 1891-2 owing to the enormous expense on the streets — 
$70,000 about. Atkinson and Oloff, of Rock Island, were awarded 
the contract to pave Main street with brick at $57,323 ; there were 



194 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

to be 28,000 square yards covered and 7,000 feet of new curbing 
laid. The Dubuque Malting Company secured leases on four 
breweries (Heeb's, Glab's, Schmidt's and Schwind's) in 1892 and 
organized with Nicholas Glab, president ; Paul Traut, vice president ; 
A. F. Heeb, secretary and treasurer, and Titus Schmidt, superin- 
tendent ; its capital was $150,000. Should the city buy the water 
works or let them pass to a syndicate? was asked in 1892. In July, 
1892, an humane society was organized here. The Labor Day 
celebration in 1892 was immense and imposing. John R. Sovereign, 
labor leader, was the principal orator; 6,000 people gathered at the 
shooting park. The city assessment in 1892 was $19,770,395. In 
September the twenty-ninth annual conclave Knights Templar- 
assembled here ; their parade was a brilliant scene. A large delega- 
tion left in October to participate in the opening of the Columbian 
Exposition in Chicago. The Nutwood Park Company planned a 
mile race course in October. The state rifle contest was held here 
at this date. The Young Men's Christian Association planned a 
home on Eighth street. In 1892 the mmiber of city arc lights was 
increased to 200. An offer of C. H. White to accept for the city 
landholders about $700,000 of 5 per cent thirty year bonds in 
exchange for the 6 and 7 per cent city bonds soon to become due, 
all at par, was rejected by the council in November, 1892. 

Dubuque grew rapidly in manufactures and other industries in 
1892. Among the improvements were the following: Irving school, 
Adams foundry, water company. Central Union Telegraph Com- 
pany, pressed brick, basket factory. Diamond Jo yards, stamping 
and enameling, malting, court house, brass works. Forester's fac- 
tory, Finley hospital. Hotel Paris, Odd Fellows' Temple, Ryan 
packer. Mother House, Sisters of Charity, United States Electric 
Light & Power Company, etc. The new engine house cost $35,000. 
The Star Electric Company bought out the United States Electric 
Company late in 1892. The city receipts in 1892-3 were as follows: 

Taxes $246,500.90 

Licenses 27,531.25 

Improvement bonds 155,500.00 

Bridge bonds 15,000.00 

Rents, etc 74,512.10 

On hand March i, 1892 28,734.86 

Total $548,001.1 1 

On March i, 1893. the bonded debt was $723,925.52 and the 
floating debt $137,523.45: outstanding improvement bonded debt. 
$161,500. 

The baseball club in 1887 was not as strong as it had been in 
former years ; it played several matched games ; the players were 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 195 

Rose, Lear, Loftus, Dean, Burns, Brown, N. Elligan, F. Elligan, 
Conners and Coffey; they played La Crosse, Oskaloosa, Webster 
City, Independence, Rock Island, Rockford and other clubs; the 
receipts of the club in 1887 were $6,314 and expenses $6,077.77. 

In 1S88 the Interstate League embraced the following cities: 
Dubuque, Rockford, Davenport, Peoria, Bloomington, Decatur, 
Danville and Crawfordsville. In July, 1888, the club, not meeting 
with satisfactory support, disbanded and the players joined other 
clubs. 

In 1889 the players were Valkert, center; Gandalfo, left; Coffey, 
right ; Ahern, first ; Burns, second ; Lear, short ; King, third ; Duane, 
catcher ; Keas, pitcher. They played the Chicagos here in October 
to 1,000 people and were defeated 9 to 5. 

In 1890 the league embraced Dubuque, Ottumwa, Monmouth, 
Ottawa, Cedar Rapids, Aurora. Joliet and Sterling. 

The claim of George W. Jones against the government "for 
funds advanced in the transmission by special messenger of reports 
of a re\olution in progress in Bogota when he was United States 
minister" was allowed by Congress in 1893. largely through the 
influence of Senators Allison and Sherman. In 1893 the Dubuque 
Light and Traction Company was formed to succeed the Dubuque 
Electric Railway, Light and Power Company ; G. K. Wheeler was 
president. In May, 1893, the Fourth street elevator was destroyed 
by fire. The corner store of Odd Fellows' building was laid in 
April, 1893 ; Mr. Langworthy was the orator. General Booth's 
new sand pump barge was formally christened "Mound Builder" 
by Fannie Couch. 

Notwithstanding the immense debt about to fall due and the vast 
and expensive improvements in progress, the credit of the city was 
good in 1893. Mayor Saunders said in his valedictory in 1893 : 

"I also wish and hope that the incoming council will at an early 
day get used to that double issue of political life, namely: Petitions 
signed by prominent citizens for the opening of streets, etc., that 
would be a very large expense to the city and then in less than three 
months afterward the 'prominent' citizens shout their lungs weak 
for reform." 

The city assessment in 1893 was $20,232,049. Gen. William 
Vandever died in July, 1893. The Young Men's Library had about 
14,000 volumes and 475 members at this time. 

On August 16, 1893. the First National Bank closed its doors. 
This was caused by its inability to realize as promptly as expected 
on collateral and by the enormous amounts recently paid out — over 
$543,000 in about three months. Examiner McHugh said the bank 
could and would open in a few days. The depositors signed an 
agreement to accept for their balances certificates of deposit bear- 
ing 4 per cent interest and payable in four equal installments three 
months apart, beginning January i, 1894. This gave the bank time 



196 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

to realize on its assets. Mr. Eckles permitted tlie bank to resume 
business August 30. At no time had the bank lost the utmost con- 
fidence of the people. 

In January, 1894, prize fighting here was stopped by Mayor 
Daugherty. In January the Masons celebrated on a grand scale 
the fiftieth anniversary of their organization in Iowa. M. M. Ham 
became postmaster this year. The newspapers and citizens observed 
with much resentment the increase of the city's floating debt, as 
follows, omitting cents, on March i of each year: 

1888 $ 68,672 

1889 88,950 

1890 104,519 

1891 124,120 

1892 133.783 

1893 147-523 

1894 244,134 

1895 245,766 

1896 220,988 

1897 278,588 

1898 350,470 

The old debt on March i, 1894, was $708,291.68, which, added 
to the floating debt, gave a total indebtedness of $952,526.27. This 
year the police force consisted of thirty-six men. Efforts to get rid 
of the smoke nuisance were taken. It was planned to refund the 
bonds falling due in 1896 with 4 per cent gold bonds, based on 
an assessed city valuation of $20,800,000. 

The repeal of special city charters such as the one under which 
Dubuque operated was considered in 1894. At this time Mr. 
Jaeger was president of the Dubuque Personal Liberty Association. 
There were 210 saloons here. In the spring of 1894 Gen. George 
W. Jones, then ninety 3'ears old, was honored by the State Leg- 
islature with a request to pay that body a visit at Des Moines. The 
Governor's Greys and a large body of citizens escorted him to the 
capital city, where he was received like a king or conqueror. About 
this time Henry L. Stout donated his residence property at Iowa 
and Ninth streets to the Young Men's Christian Association, to be 
converted into a gymnasium. The Bank and Insurance Building 
was the pride of the whole city. Ten thousand people attended the 
reception when it was thrown open for inspection. Jesse P. Far- 
ley died here in 1894. He came here in 1833 and became very 
prominent and wealthy. 

A pest house was established on a flatboat in 1894. The Dubuque 
& Wisconsin Bridge Company was organized this year to build a 
bridge over the Mississippi at Eagle Point. An embalming school 
was opened here in June. A $500,000 lumber fire in June was the 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 197 

heaviest this city had ever suffered. All the employes of the city 
street railways struck in June and July, 1904. There were many 
acts of violence. Mr. Jaeger and Mr. Hancock, two old settlers, 
died this year. The first white child born in Dubuque, Susan Ann 
McCraney, born January 10, 1833, died in 1894. She married John 
D. Byrnes. Many fast horses were at Nutwood in September. A 
mile was paced in 2:io>4. A free bridge was broached in 1894. 

The year 1894 was a prosperous one for Dubuque. There were 
started the Catholic Mother House, to cost $300,000; the Bank and 
Insurance Building, to cost $350,000; the Dubuque Malting Com- 
pany's brewery, to cost $450,000; a high school building, to cost 
$75,000; a new Methodist church, to cost $40,000, and other large 
improvements. 

In 1895 Thomas Loftus was elected president of the Eastern 
Iowa Baseball League, composed of the Dubuque, Waterloo, Clin- 
ton, Marshalltown, Burlington, Davenport, Cedar Rapids and 
Galesburg clubs. The Stout Auditorium opened on Ninth street 
in February. In 1895 the St. Valentine Herald, issued by the 
Dorothea Dix Circle, was a unique issue. It netted about $1,000 
to the circle. How much the Herald lost was not stated. There 
were a score or more of valuable contributions to the columns. The 
issue consisted of twenty-six pages and many illustrations. Gen. 
O. O. Howard was a guest of honor here in April. The bicycle 
parade in April was a striking affair. Robert G. Ingersoll lectured 
here in 1894 on "Shakespeare" and again in 1895 on "The Bible." 
The attendance was large and the newspaper comments kind and 
complimentary. 

In 1895 ^1' t'"'*^ saloons were listed under the mulct law. Judge 
Husted was largely instrumental in forcing the execution of the 
law. The baseball season of 1895 began May 10, lasted four 
months and comprised 120 games. There were about seventy-five 
fast horses at Nutwood in June. On October 31, 1895, several dis- 
tinct earthquake shocks of about thirty seconds' duration each oc- 
curred here. The city donated $25,000 to the Eagle Point bridge 
approach. The monument to Dubuque was again considered late 
in 1895. In a few months his remains were buried in a stone 
sarcophagus at the old grave by the Old Settlers' Association. The 
Dubuque Monument Association was busy securing funds. 

The Dubuque Ladies' Literary Association, which was organ- 
ized in 1876, celebrated its twentieth anniversary in January, 1896. 
Mrs. D. N. Cooley, Mrs. B. W. Poor, Mrs. Harger, Mrs. McArthur, 
Mrs. Solomon Smith and other early presidents were present. 

In 1896 the city complained that while it had nearly 40,000 of the 
60,000 population of the county, it had only one of the seven mem- 
bers of the county board, a manifest unfairness. In December, 
1896, $356,000 old city bonds were refunded in new twenty-year 
4 per cent bonds. They were refunded at about par. On March 



198 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

I, 1897, the total bonded and floating debt was $970,184.01. The 
bonded debt was $691,595.16. 

Early in 1897 a Mr. Slimmer, of Waverly, Iowa, offered to 
donate $50,000 to Finley Hospital providing the citizens would 
raise as much more, which was done in a few weeks, Henry L. 
Stout alone donating $25,000. In August, 1897, the Iowa Institute 
of Science and Art was organized. 

The total city debt on March i, 1898, was $1,042,065.68; the 
bonded debt proper was $691,595.16, and the floating debt proper 
was $350,470.52. Prior to 1898 the Iowa Iron Works constructed 
over 100 different vessels, the most of them with iron or steel 
hulls. Joseph S. Morgan was postmaster at Dubuque in 1898. He 
was connected with the Globc-J oitrnal and the Times about this 
date. The city expenses in 1896 were $338,846.65; in 1897, 
$456,1 17.87. At this time the city had built or was building a num- 
ber of high, strong stone walls to hold the bluffs here and there. 

In January, 1898, Dubuque had thirteen public school buildings 
and had in all seventeen buildings used for schools. There were 
enrolled 5,756 children and 125 teachers. There were 20,000 books 
of all kinds in the Public Library. There were also eighteen 
Catholic parochial schools, with 2,470 scholars enrolled. In 1897 
there were sent out from Dubuque about 300 traveling salesmen for 
the wholesale houses here. 

It was about 1898 that the Council and citizens concluded it was 
time for the city to own the water works, as it had a right under the 
provisions of the franchise. It was at first thought by the city 
fathers that about $150,000 would be a fair compensation for the 
works, but the water company did not agree and said they did not 
want to sell. The city prepared to enforce the transfer and experts 
were called to make estimates of the value of the plant. One placed 
the value at $664,076 and another at $799,767.75. This opened 
the eyes of the Council. The water company's experts placed the 
value from $664,076 to $815,000. The city's experts averaged 
$475,000. It was now seen that a much larger sum than anticipated 
would have to be paid for the plant. Later city estimates were as 
low as $313,755- The city's expert finally said $449,243, and a 
nonpartisan expert said $549,958. It was then thought best to leave 
the whole matter of the transfer to Judge Shiras as arbitrator, but 
he was unable to act. At length the price was fixed at 
$545,000. But the city debt was already over a million 
dollars, and would the people stand this additional burden? it was 
asked. Men and women voted on the question, "Shall the city buy 
the water works?" with the following result: Women, for the pur- 
chase, 275 ; against the purchase, 33 ; men, for the purchase, 3,133 ; 
against the purchase, 459. So it carried and the plant was bought 
for $545,000. Trustees were placed in charge of the works. Bonds 
were prepared and a sinking fund provided. Four per cent bonds 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 199 

were offered, but there were at first no bids, though local capitalists 
had previously held forth alluring promises. All capitalists seemed 
afraid until the Supreme Court should affirm the legality of the 
issue. Local banks bid par with a premium, provided the legality 
of the issue should be affirmed. After some sparring local concerns 
and individuals took all the bonds at par, but were allowed 4J/2 per 
cent, a mortgage on the plant and a definite and rigid funding tax. 
Since that date to the present the bonds have been regularly re- 
deemed as they fell due — $20,000 at a time. 

In 1899 the Eighth street motor line was offered for sale at pub- 
lic auction. The population of Dubuque in 1890 was 30,311; in 
1900 it was 36,297. The racing at Nutwood Park in 1898 was 
excellent. The wells at Eagle Point for the city water supply sta- 
tion were two in number and 1,308 and 1,310 feet deep, respectively. 
Another just built was 1,437 ^^^^ deep. Four trained nurses were 
in Finley Hospital in January, 1900. About this time F. D. Stout 
gave Nutwood Park to the city upon condition it should be kept in 
good condition. There were seventy-two acres, valued at $36,000. 
Dubuque & Wisconsin High Bridge Company took its first steps 
about this date. 

The races at Nutwood Park in 1899 were very fast — pace, 
2:05^; trot, 2:10^. Twenty thousand people were present the 
best day and 10,000 on another day. Idolita won the Futurity. 
This stake, called the "Horse Review Futurity," was worth $20,000. 
Others were $5,000, $3,000 and $2,cx)0. There were boxing con- 
tests here at the same time — Joe Choynski, Clarence Forbes, Tommy 
Ryan, Jack Moffatt and others. 

The sports ended with a street carnival in October. Miss Maud 
Atkinson was queen. It was about 1899 that the first Monday 
newspapers began to make their appearance here. 

In January, 1900, the Eleventh street elevator began to be oper- 
ated by electricity. The actual net revenue of the city for the fiscal 
year 1899- 1900 was $367,000. A steam road roller was bought in 
1900. In March, 1900, $200,000 of the old Hayes bonds were re- 
funded. Ten new cells were built in the calaboose under the City 
Hall. The vote on the library tax of 34 "^iH was: Yes, men, 2,061 ; 
yes, women, 1,027; total, yes, 3,088; no, men, 694; no, women, 38; 
total, no, 732. The bridge at Eagle Point was commenced in the 
fall of 1900. 

The Dubuque Enterprise was established in October, 1901, with 
John Inghram and W. J. Glynn in charge. 

Smallpox appeared in Dubuque in January, 1901, and it required 
considerable time to be driven out. In August, 1901, there were 
refunded $120,000 in old bonds, and a little later $15,400. The 
city gave $25,000 to cover the expense of building the west ap- 
proach to the Eagle Point bridge. This bridge was ready in 1902. 
A new steam roller, street harrow and rutter plow cost $3,550. 



200 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

The water tower, northwest of Linwood Cemetery, cost about 
$600 and had a capacity of about 500 barrels. The city used Finley 
Hospital and paid expenses. Grand View avenue engine house 
was built at a cost of $6,000. 

The year 1902 was a record-breaker for the wholesale jobbers 
and manufacturers of Dubuque. M. M. Ham, who had so long 
edited the Herald, died Christmas night. 1902. Night schools were 
established in 1903. The Tri-State Fair held its first meeting in 

1903. In 1903 the comptroller of the currency named Dubuque as 
a reserve city for the deposits of the smaller banks. In the spring 
of 1903 Dubuque had nearly fifty private gasolene launches. The 
street car employes struck in 1903, and rough men from outside 
were secured to take their places. Considerable ill feeling and riot- 
ing occurred. Armory hall was leased to the Governor's Greys in 

1904, but they soon surrendered the lease. In January, 1904, Prof. 
F. T. Oldt served as chairman of the committee on phonetic spell- 
ing at the State Teachers' Convention in Des Moines. He intro- 
duced resolutions, which were adopted, endorsing the simplified 
spelling of such words as thoro, thru, demogog, thorofare, etc. 

In 1904 Nutwood Park was improved to the amount of $7,890. 
The Union Electric Company gave the fair association the use of 
the park without charge. In 1904 over $1,000,000 was spent in 
improvements here of all kinds. The city subscribed as individuals 
$151,000 for the Dubuque, Iowa & Wisconsin Railroad. A new 
engine house was built at Rhomberg and Reed avenues. Patrol 
wagons were in use. The art division of the Woman's Club peti- 
tioned to have the surroundings of the Eleventh street elevator 
beautified. It was at this time or before that the Dubuque Boat & 
Boiler Works grew out of the Iowa Iron Works. The Iowa Social- 
ist suspended publication in 1904. In 1904 the German Bank be- 
came the German Savings Bank. 

In 1905 it became clear that something was wrong with the water 
works management and an investigation was soon ordered. Charges 
were finally lodged against the trustees, who were asked to resign, 
and did so finally. The books were in bad condition and a large 
debt for supplies of all kinds, particularly coal, was disclosed. In 
the end this debt reached $49,000, was bonded and was added to the 
city's regular bonded debt. This is considered one of the worst 
instances of ofiicial malfeasance in the history of the city. 

A number of residents of Dubuque have distinguished themselves 
in the flowery fields of authorship. Marion Hurcl (McNeely) has 
written poems and. with Mrs. Stokely, collaborated "Miss Billy" 
and collaborated others with Jean Wilson. Mrs. Mary Bingham 
Wilson has written interesting poems, and Mr. Herman Ficke 
magazine articles. Mrs. Eunice Gibbs has written two books — 
"One Thousand Smiles" and "The Cats' Convention." Harold 
Wallis has written a volume of poems entitled "Youth." Miss 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 201 

Marie Gannon is the autlior of several attractive poems ; so is Miss 
Louise Harragan. Herr Laubengeiger has a book of German 
verses, and Mr. Walsh is the author of "Mirage of Many." Mrs. 
Edith Keeley Stokely's poems are sweet and beautiful, as will be 
seen from the following verse: 

"The greenest grass, the sweetest flowers, grew at Aunt Polly's 

door. 
The finest apples, miles around. Aunt Polly's orchard bore. 
Aunt Polly's cows were sleek and fat, her chicks a wondrous size. 
And Jabez Smith, the hired man, was witty, great and wise. 
I used to go with Jabe at night, with clinking pails to milk, 
Sometimes he let me feed the colts and rub their coats of silk. 
And the moon that rose in those days, just behind the cattle bars. 
Was twice as large as now, with twice as many stars." 

A juvenile court was instituted here in 1905. In December, 

1905, Mr. Oehler, of Dyersville, sued the Smith-Morgan Printing 
Company for $20,000 damages for libel. In 1905 the races at the 
Tri-State Fair were unusually fast. Twenty-one thousand persons 
were present one day and 20,000 were present "Dubuque Day." 
The J. R.. a new steamer, was launched at Eagle Point in the spring 
of 1905. The Iowa Dairy Company and Commercial Club were 
active at this date. The gimboat Dubuque, previously launched, 
was yet in service. The city assessment in 1905 was $23,832,460. 
A dynamite bomb was feloniously exploded, shattering the entrance 
to the Dubuque Club house, August, 1906. In 1906 the Eagle Point 
Bridge Company spent $21,000 for a new span. Several dynamite 
bombs were exploded late in 1906. One wrecked a watchman's 
shanty in the Illinois Central yards. A reward of $300 was offered 
for the miscreant. Lawther's candy factory burned down in Sep- 
tember, 1906, entailing a loss of about $150,000. Work on the 
Albatross, a steamer costing about $80,000, was commenced in 

1906. At the Tri-State Fair in 1906 Dan Patch lowered the track 
record 5!/ seconds. The Dubuque Baseball Club ended the season 
of 1906 in fourth place. By January 24, 1906, the citizens had sub- 
scribed $125,000 to the Dubuque, Iowa & Wisconsin Railroad. In 
January, 1906, the Dubuque Woman's Club celebrated its thirtieth 
anniversary. Slot machines were banished from the city in 1906. 
Speaker D. B. Henderson died here February 25, 1906. In March 
500 voters petitioned to divide the Fifth ward. A bomb was hurled 
in the Casino in June. It was about 1907 that Dubuque became a 
member of the League of Iowa Municipalities, a body organized to 
promote civic purity. The eight banks of Dubuque had over $10,- 
000,000 resources. In 1907 the Bertillion system for the identifica- 
tion of criminals was adopted. The city appropriation in 1907-8 
was $266,650. Nearly a million and a half dollars were spent here 



202 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

in 1907 for all sorts of improvements. It was a very prosperous 
year until the panic arrived. The banks here, as soon as the action 
in Chicago was known, met and resolved to pay out on deposits not 
to exceed $100 per day, and no time deposits were to be paid until 
the full time had expired. This act was approved by the leading 
business men. A valuable tract of land along the north side of 
the ice harbor was granted to the Boat & Boiler Company. 

In 1907 tiie Illinois & Western Railway was granted the use of 
certain streets and alleys for railway purposes. The city appropria- 
tion for 1908 was $285,256. The Dubuque Woman's Club asked 
for a room for the Juvenile Court. 

In 1907 funds for the Young Woman's Christian Building were 
subscribed and the structure was commenced. In March, 1907, a 
mass meeting against illegal saloons was held at the opera house. 
Archbishop Keane was the principal speaker. The saloons were 
violating the Sunday and night closing ordinance. The Law and 
Order League began numerous legal proceedings against them. 
Arthur McArthur confessed to having embezzled water works 
funds. He was superintendent and was sentenced to four years in 
the penitentiary. The Union Electric Company was a merger of the 
previous companies here. The Dubuque Booster Club was much in 
e\idence in 1907. The Eagles held a brilliant carnival in July. 
Bad saloons were steadily eliminated. At the Tri-State Fair in 
August Dan Patch trotted a mile in i :oo^ ; several watches said as 
low as I .'58. Dubuque Baseball Club was having a hard time to 
retain its place in the Three-I League. For the first time in history 
not a saloon was open in Dubuque on Christmas day, 1907. 

The city secured Eagle Point Park at a cost of about $18,000 
in 1908. Paderewski was here in January, 1908. The Home 
Comers' organization was conspicuous this year. A $100,000 pack- 
ing plant offered to come here upon certain conditions. Thomas 
Loftus was president of the Three-I Baseball League in 1898. At 
this time the Union Electric Company added twenty acres to Union 
Park. The Iowa Bankers' Association met in Dubuque on May 
5, 1908. It was a notable gathering. The Old Settlers added three 
acres to the park at Dubuque's Grave. In October, 1908, Bavless 
Business College held its golden jubilee anniversary. An excellent 
exhibition of art works was opened to the public at the Carnegie- 
Stout Library, under the auspices of the Woman's Club, late in 
1908. At the Tri-State Fair in 1908 Minor Heir trotted a mile 
in 2:02^. Immense crowds attended the fair and races. 

The citizens indulged in pleasing dreams of a Greater Dubuque 
in 1909-11. The Moon liquor bill became a law this year. It lim- 
ited the number of saloons to one in every 1,000 population. On 
April 4, 1909, the Union Electric Company turned its lights on in 
Union Park. A delegation of Dubuque's business men was sent to 
Des Moines in 1909 to appear before the senatorial committee to 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 203 

protest against the resubmission of prohibition to the vote of 
the people as a constitutional amendment. Free text books in the 
schools were voted down here this year. On July 4, 1909, the law 
prohibiting the sale of cigarettes went into effect. In the spring 
of 1909 two distinct earthquake shocks were felt at Dubuque. The 
water works were declared taxable. Vast crowds assembled at the 
Tri-State Fair. During the fair 2.91 inches of rain fell in one hour. 
Many fine buildings were erected in 1909. Dubuque branch of 
Armour & Co. planned to erect a building to cost $40,000. The 
new Princess Theater was opened in September. There was a 
30,000 paid attendance at the baseball games here in 1909. 

A site for a bathing house on the river front near the harbor was 
granted in 1909. The Dubuque Memorial Association applied for 
the privilege of building a hall in one of the parks. The city appro- 
priation for 1909-10 was $207,522; for 1910-11 it was $305,- 
578.26, and for 1911-12 it was $297,529. 

To the Young Woman's Christian Building subscription Peter 
Kiene, John V. Rider, B. W. Lacy and J. T. Adams gave $500 
each in 1910. On March i, 191 1, the total city debt was as follows: 

General bonded debt $ 734,282.00 

Water works bonds 324,000.00 

Floating debt 224,522.74 

Total $1,282,804.74 

The Dubuque Clearing House Association was organized April 
16, 1891, and consisted of eight members: First National, Second 
National, Dubuque National, Dubuque County, Iowa Trust & Sav- 
ings, German Trust & Savings, German, and Citizens' State. The 
meetings were held at the office of the Dubuque National. The 
first officers were: P. J. Lee, president; E. W. Duncan, vice-presi- 
dent; James Harragan, manager. The clearings from May, 1894, 
to May, 1895, were $12,469,000. In 1910 they were about $50,- 
000,000. The present officers are : P. J. Lee, president ; B. F. 
Blocklinger, vice-president ; James Harragan, manager. 



BOATING, RIVER COMMERCE, ETC. 

STEAMBOATING on the Western rivers ante-dated the arrival 
of permanent settlers. Particularly was this the case at Du- 
buque. In 1811 the first steamboat was built for the Ohio and 
Mississippi rivers; by 1838 there were in existence on those 
streams 638 steamers, besides about 6,000 flatboats and keelboats. 
Before 1832 many steamers came up to Galena and Prairie du 
Chien; of course, as there was no Dubuque yet, only an Indian en- 
campment called "Little Fox Village," the most of the boats did not 
touch here, though no doubt a few did to load the lead mined by the 
Indians and carry their furs and hides to market. As a matter of 
fact, nearly all the first settlers who did not come across the country 
from Illinois and Wisconsin, came here by steamboat. By 1834 the 
steamboats on Western waters numbered 234. 

In 1832 Capt. N. F. Webb commanded the Tippecanoe and vis- 
ited all up-river ports, including what is now Dubuque. His home 
was at New Albany, Indiana. He became well and favorably 
known to all persons along the upper Mississippi. At dififerent 
times he commanded the Flora, Fannie Harris, Ocean Wave, Itasca, 
jMilwaukee, and the government boat Montana. In 1850 he moved 
to Galena. He was finally so injured in an accident on the United 
States dredgeboat Montana that his death resulted a few days later. 
At every port along the river and on every steamer, flags were hung 
at half-mast. His death occurred at St. Paul. 

In 1834, at the time O'Connor was hung in Dubuque, Capt. Har- 
ris, with the steamer Jo Daviess, brought here a large crowd from 
Galena to witness the execution. This boat went up the Wisconsin 
river as far as Fort Winnebago in 1834. 

Many steamers sailed the Upper Mississippi in 1836, and among 
those that touched at Dubuque were the Dubuque, Captain Atchi- 
son ; Wisconsin, Captain O'Flaherty ; Missouri Fulton, Captain 
Smith ; Heroine, Captain Tomlin ; Olive Branch, Captain Strother. 
"The new and splendid steamboat Missouri Fulton arrived at this 
port on Friday last with 225 passengers on board and 250 tons of 
freight. The Missouri Fulton made her last trip from Galena to 
St. Louis in thirty-five hours, being the quickest trip ever made 
between those ports." — Visitor. May 11, 1836. 

The Frontier arrived here May 16, 1836, having returned from 
a trip up Rock river as far as Dixon's Ferry with an "eighty ton 
keel." The Gipsy, Adventure. Captain Lafferty; Galenean, Captain 

204 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 205 

Plasterage ; St. Peters, Captain Throckmorton ; Missouri Fulton, 
Captain Perin; Smelter, Captain Harris. 

In August, 1836, the Missouri Fulton arrived, having made the 
trip from St. Louis to Dubuque in 78 hours, with a detention of 30 
hours on the way, thus with an actual running time up stream of 
48 hours. She carried 325 cabin and 100 deck passengers and 250 
tons of freight. This was the quickest trip on record thus far. 

Late in 1836 Captain Briggs commanded the Olive Branch and 
Captain Van Houten the Adventure. J. Parsons operated a ferry 
across the river ten miles above Dubuque, opposite the old Snake 
Diggings. Authority was given to Mathias Ham and Horace 
Smead to operate a ferry at Eagle Point, where there was a place 
called Ham's Landing; it was on the southeast quarter of section 
20. The Waller smelting furnace stood at Rockdale in 1836. 

Capt. D. S. Harris died in 1893, being a resident of Galena. In 
1823 he came to Galena on the steamer Col. Bumford and found 
the place a rude mining camp. He engaged in the steamboat trade. 
He and his brother built the first steamer constructed at Galena — 
on the river bottom near the moutli of Hughlett's branch, and 
called her Jo Daviess. In 1834 Captain Harris took her to St. 
Louis with a cargo of lead and sold both cargo and boat. The 
next year the two brothers built the Frontier at Cincinnati. They 
next built the "Smelter," which ran between Cincinnati and Galena 
in 1836 and 1837, the round trip occupying twenty-one days. He 
afterward built the Relief in 1838, the War Eagle in 1839, the 
Pizarro in 1840, the Pre-emption and Otter in 1842, and the New 
St. Paul in 1843. In the twenty-eight years of his river experience 
he built or was interested in nearly one hundred steamers. His 
last trip was in the Grey Eagle, wliich struck the Rock Island bridge 
in 1861 and went down. In 1833 lie married Susan M. Lang- 
worthy, daughter of Dr. Steplien Langworthy. His second wife 
was Sarah Coates. He left ten children, two or three residing in 
Dubuque county. 

In the spring of 1837 the horse ferry-boat used here to convey 
across the river passengers, teams, live stock, etc., was struck by a 
steamer and sunk ; this loss necessitated the use for a while of a 
flatboat, propelled by oars. At this date the ferry right was owned 
by General Jones and was estimated to be worth $25,000; the toll 
for one adult was 25 cents. The Pavillion, Captain Lafiferty, ran 
from Dubuque to St. Peters in May, 1837. The ferry at Eagle 
Point was in operation in May. In June the new steamer Burling- 
ton, Captain Throckmorton, touched here on its way up to St. 
Peters. Mrs. Hamilton, widow of Alexander Hamilton, the great 
statesman who was killed in a duel by Aaron Burr, was a passen- 
ger. In June and again in July, 1837, the river was from fifteen 
to eigliteen feet above low mater mark. 

In July, 1837. the Irene passed down from St. Peters, having on 



2o6 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

board three companies of United States troops bound for Jefferson 
barracks, Missouri. At this time about 400 Indians were gathered 
at Fort Snelling to meet the United Statets commissioner, Governor 
Dodge. A treaty was on the tapis. 

By ordinance, 1837, there was a port physician whose duty it 
was to board every steamboat or other vessel coming from any port 
known to be infected with any disease and examine the passengers 
and crew previous to their landing. All such persons were to be 
prevented from landing. 

On August 15, 1837, a few miles below Bloomington, on the 
upper Mississippi river, the steamer Dubuque burst one of its flues 
and scalded to death sixteen persons and dangerously scalded many 
others, several of whom afterwards died. The captain of the boat 
was Smoker. 

The steamer Dubuque about September ig, 1837, ran on a snag 
just above Hannibal, Missouri, tore a large hole in her hull and 
sank quickly in twelve feet of water. The principal cargo was 
groceries and flour. The boat was a total loss. 

The distance by river from St. Louis to Dubuque was reck- 
oned at 475 miles. Many steamers touched here in the fall of 1837 
and many passengers were landed, bound mostly for the interior. 

There was a small snow squall about November 20, 1837, but 
aside from that the weather had been fine up to December 2, 1837. 
The river was open, but business had largely suspended, owing to 
fear of sudden changes to winter. 

The steamboat Gipsy arrived here on December 8, 1837. She 
had tried to go up Fever river to Galena, but ice prevented. The 
river had risen a foot in twenty-four hours; considerable floating 
ice in the Mississippi. 

The steamers Gipsy and Smelter visited Dubuque many times 
in 1837-8; they brought up many passengers and immense quanti- 
ties of freight. Usually just before navigation closed, store sup- 
plies for the winter were brought up in astonishing quantities ; the 
same rush occurred each spring to market at St. Louis and other 
points down the river the products of the upper country. The new 
steamer Demoine, Captain Cole, arrived from below on March 
23, 1838; she was "very handsome" and drew only twenty-two 
inches. In 1838 the Gipsy was commanded by Captain Gray; 
Bee, by Captain Burnham ; Cygnet ; Brazil, by Capt. Orrin Smith. 

The Knickerbocker, Capt. Van Houten, arrived here for the 
first time May 4, 1838; she had fifty berths in the gentlemen's 
cabin, all in staterooms, and liandsomely furnished. 

In 1838 for the first time the steamboats began to carry the mail 
regularly to all up-river ports as far as Prairie du Chien. This 
was an important step, because previously all mail came to up- 
river points by stage and horseback across Illinois and Wisconsin. 

The steamboat Gipsy, Captain Gray, ascended Rock river to the 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 207 

month of the Pecatonica in May, 1838. Dixon's Ferry had been 
reached by the Frontier in the spring of 1837. The steamer Brazil 
ran up to St. Peter's in June, 1838, with a large passenger and 
freight list; notice of this trip was given in advance by the News: 

"Fast Travelling. — A gentleman of this place arrived yesterday 
morning (June 8, 1838) on the Rolla, having come up from New 
Orleans in ten days less seven hours, including twenty-seven hours 
spent in St. Louis. This is the quickest trip ever made on the 
Mississippi. He came on board the steamer St. Louis as far as 
St. Louis." (Iowa Nczi's, June 9, 1838.) 

"The steamer Brazil, Captain Smith, passed this place on 
Tuesday evening last on a trip of pleasure to the Falls of St. 
Anthony — that far-famed place for the resort of fashion — laden 
with beauty and all the other little et ceteras. The sound of the 
music and tripping of the light fantastic toe, together with the 
splendor of the boat, made us envy a trip — but we don't go." 
{lozva Nczvs, June 16, 1838.) 

The steamboat Wisconsin, in 1838, went from the Fort Win- 
nebago portage in Wisconsin, about 200 miles from Prairie du 
Chien, down to St. Louis. At the time the Wisconsin was at Fort 
Winnebago the water was flowing from Fox river of Green bay 
across into the Wisconsin river. 

During 1838 on the upper Mississippi the following accidents to 
boats occurred : Ariel, struck a rock, sank, raised ; Des Moines, 
snagged, raised ; Irene, snagged, lost ; Indian, snagged, raised ; 
Quincy, damaged, repaired; Science, snagged, lost. (Statement of 
Henry G. Carson, pilot.) 

The Mississippi river, late in July, 1838, was very high — about 
ten feet above low water mark — higher than it had been since last 
year. It rose over a foot in twenty- four hours. 

In December, 1838, an act of the Iowa territorial legislature 
authorized Timothy Fanning to operate a ferry at Dubuque for 
twenty years. He was required to land at any required part of 
the river front of the town ; to keep ample boats and facilities, 
and two years later was to put on a steam ferryboat and a suffi- 
cient number of flatboats. 

The river at Dubuque was wholly clear of ice by March 16, 
1839, and in a good stage for navigation. The Demoine left 
March 16 for St. Louis, loaded with lead. 

"Boats are now plying rapidly between this place and St. Louis. 
The Pavilion, Ariel, Rhine, Hero and Rio have departed since our 
last. The Brazil will be here this morning." — (Iowa Nezi's, March 
16, 1839.) 

The river traffic was very brisk and large in 1838 and 1839. 
Large numbers of settlers and live stock, and quantities of house- 
hold goods, arrived by every steamer and passed into the interior. 



2o8 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Their presence created the demand for store goods and the towns 
and villages grew prosperous. 

"The Mississippi continues open with but little ice running. The 
steamboat Rapids ascended as far as Rock Island on Tuesday 
morning last, but fearing cold weather, returned. Last night snow 
fell to the depth of about four inches." — {lozva Nra's, December 
14, 1839.) 

"Pleasure excursions to the Falls of St. Anthony — the Ha-ha- 
wat-e-pa (laughing waters) of the Sioux — are becoming quite 
fashionable this season. The fast, beautiful and popular steam- 
boat Brazil touched at Dubuque on her way up, with a large com- 
pany of ladies and gentlemen in high spirits on Monday evening." 
— (Iowa Neivs, July 23, 1840.) 

In January, 1840, George W. Jones was authorized to keep a 
ferry on the Mississippi at Dubuque for twenty years ; he was not 
to conflict with ferry charter of Timothy Fanning and was per- 
mitted to use either horses or steam. In July, 1840, Congress 
appropriated $1,000 for the survey of a steamboat landing at 
Dubuque. 

"The Mississippi has been rapidly rising for the last four or 
five days, which has made a temporary suspension of the works 
on the canal in our harbor necessarv." — (lozva News, June 26, 
1841.) 

In 1843, Thomas McCraney and James Churchman operated a 
ferry at the upper end of Dubuque. 

In 1841-43, the following boats, among others, were engaged in 
trade on the upper Mississippi ; their tonnage follows : Agnes, 92 ; 
Amaranth, 200; Chippewa, 102; Galena, 115; General Brooke, 
120; Illinois, 120; Indian Queen, 115; lone, 140; Iowa, 112; 
Jasper, 98; Malta, 130; Mermaid, 160; Nauvoo, 125; New 
Brazil, 200; Ohio, 130; Osage, 140; Osprey, 105; Otter, 95; 
Potosi, 115; Rapids, 115; Sarah Ann, 135; St. Louis Oak, 115; 
and eleven transient boats with an aggregate tonnage of 1,300. In 
1841 these boats made 143 trips, carried freight worth $124,000, 
and passengers to the amount of $73,400 fares. (See Sen. Doc. 
No. 242, 28th Cong., I2th session, Vol. IV.) 

The Jasper was commanded by Captain Roberts and was de- 
signed for up-river trade, having small draught. In 1842 numer- 
ous meetings along the river were held for the purpose of securing 
an improvement of navigation. In 1843, the principal boats touch- 
ing here were: New Brazil, Iowa, Osprey, Potosi, Ohio, Rapids, 
General Brooke, St. Louis Oak, Galena, Sarah Ann, Amaranth, 
Leander and Osage. In 1845 the War Eagle, Lynx, Osprey, 
Falcon, St. Louis Oak, Mermaid and St. Croix were active. 

In September, 1845, the Archer, Captain Gilman, was a new 
steamer with a good trade. Others were the Atlas, Captain Reilly; 
Prairie Bird, Tempest (new). Confidence, Mendota, War Eagle, 





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THE W. W. 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 209 

Time and Tide, St. Anthony, Captain Montford ; Iron City, Ber- 
trand, Fortune, Red Wing, Monona. Early in 1846 the St. An- 
thony and the War Eagle were sunk, but were soon raised and 
refitted. In 1847 the Bon Accord was commanded by H. Bersie, 
the Cora by Captain Throckmorton, and the Lynx by Capt. John 
Atchison. 

Captain Barney's annual report, made September 5, 1847, showed 
$2,291 unexpended. Afterward the dredge boat's operations for 
two months amounted to $890 ; agent for six months, $600 ; ex- 
pense to Washington, $200: additional, $1,690, leaving about $600 
on hand May 10, 1848. Thus the $14,500 appropriated for the 
harbor was nearly gone and the harbor "presented more formida- 
ble obstructions to the passage of steamboats than it did before 
the present improvements were commenced." — {Miners' Express, 
May 10, 1848.) 

In 1848 the steamer St. Peters was owned here by P. and R. C. 
Waples; she ran regularly to St. Louis and was one of the 
Dubuque and Potosi Packet Line. W. S. Grims was master. An- 
other regular packet boat was the Dubuque, Edward H. Beebe, 
master. The Pearl was commanded by Capt. A. Montgomery. 
By December 15, 1848, there was fine sleighing" here and teams 
crossed the river on the ice. The Eliza Stewart was commanded 
by Capt. William Edds. 

Galena offered a free ferry (Young & Whiteside) to all per- 
sons crossing there from Iowa to trade, and during April, 1848, 
the following were thus ferried free : Two-horse teams, 272 ; one- 
horse teams, 22; cattle and horses, 198; persons, 739. The cir- 
cumstance was used as an argument for a free ferry to Dubuque. 

In 1849 there were Highland Mary, St. Peters, War Eagle, Capt. 
Robert A. Reilly ; Dubuque passengers went by the latter boat to 
St. Louis to buy goods in March. The Senator, Anthony Wayne 
and Cora, Captain Gorman, were active in 1849. I" April, 1849, 
George W. Jones arrived from Washington, D. C, by the steamer 
Dr. Franklin, having come from that city in fourteen days. In 
April, 1849, the steamer Josiah Lawrence reached Galena with 
450 passengers and thirty cases of cholera on board ; eleven of 
them proved fatal. All boats from New Orleans brought up cases 
of cholera. That disease broke out at Galena and Dubuque became 
alarmed. Lime was scattered over streets and alleys ; everybody 
was wTdered to "clean up." Many steamers in a bunch were burned 
during a sudden and destructive fire at St. Louis in May, 1849; 
among them were the Prairie State, St. Peters, Alex. Hamilton, 
Dubuque, Ed. Bates and others known at Dubuque. Early in 
June the Anthony Wayne brought here two cases of cholera, but 
the patients died the same night. On October 3, 1849, ^ delegation 
from Dubuque attended the Rapids Improvement Convention at 



2IO HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Davenport. The Dubuque was here again in October, having been 
repaired; her upper works only had been burned at St. Louis. 

The Anthony Wayne was the first arrival from below, March 
8, 1850. The Excelsior, Captain Ward, was here a few days 
later; also the Lamartine, Capt. J. M. Marsh. Dubuque began to 
grow rapidly this year and the river traffic was very brisk. On 
April 24, 1850, the river was tlie highest ever known here at this 
season of the year. During the forties and fifties it was customary 
for the steamers of different lines or independent to race both up 
and down. These races were always exciting and often danger- 
ous. Bets were freely noade and gambling was open and for high 
stakes on the boats. Early in June, 1850, the Nominee and Dr. 
Franklin had an exciting and hotly contested race of several days' 
duration alon^' the upper Mississippi. Racing was generally con- 
demned, but did not prevent its occurrence and repetition. Pre- 
vious to about 1850 the term "upper Mississippi" was applied to all 
above the Rapids near the mouth of the Des Moines river, but 
after that date it was usually confined to the river about St. An- 
thony's Falls. The location of a permanent boat landing at Du- 
buque caused a bitter conflict of private interests. 

In 185 1, at a meeting of river men, a line of steamers with head- 
quarters at Dubuque, was projected: J. H. Emerson, B. J. O'Hal- 
loran. Captain Estes. Piatt Smith, T. S. Wilson, G. R. West, C. W. 
Cutter and M. Mobley were prominent in this organization. At this 
date the ferryboats were operated by Timothy Fanning. S. L. Gre- 
goire and Charles Bogy. More lumber and log rafts than ever began 
to come down from the Wisconsin and Black rivers. Large quanti- 
ties were used here and sold to the back country. Dubuque was 
glowing as never before. Men began to make rafting their sole busi- 
ness; it recjuired the highest skill to take a raft of 2,000,000 feet 
of logs successfully down the river to St. Louis, dodging all the 
islands, sharp heads, bridges and rapids: a raftsman who could 
do it commanded the highest wages. 

In November, 185 1, the council leased "such right as it might 
have" to the ferry privileges here to Mr. Gregoire for six years, 
in consideration that he should pay $100 annually and furnish a 
steam ferryboat. This step was taken against the expostulations 
of Mr. Fanning, whose period had not expired, because he had 
failed to provide a steam ferry as provided in his charter. In 
1851 there were 353 arrivals and 352 departures of steamboats. 
By January, 1852, there had been subscribed for stock in the new 
packet line 242 shares of stock. Bogy's steam ferryboat was in 
full operation in April, 1852. 

Early in June, 185 1, the fine steamer Di Vernon passed Du- 
buque with a large excursion party for St. Anthony's Falls. A 
group of Dubuquers joined the merry-makers. The boats at Du- 
buque in June and July, 1851, were: Franklin No. 2, Captain Har- 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 211 

ris ; Wisconsin, Captain Griffith ; Planter ; Minnesota, Captain 
Smith ; Nominee, Captain Smith ; Enterprise, Captain Humber- 
stone ; Excelsior, Captain Ward ; Robert Fulton, Captain Philips ; 
Oneonta, Captain Tuppy. 

A new dredge boat for Abel Hawley, harbor contractor, was 
launched in the summer of 1851. Among the steamers in 1851 
were : Uncle Toby, Capt. V. R. Rout, of the Dubuque and St. 
Paul Line ; Lamartine, Nominee, Dr. Franklin Nos. i and 2, En- 
terprise, Martha No. 2, Bon Accord, Minnesota, Wisconsin, G. W. 
Sparhawk, from Wheeling, Virginia; Oneonta, Captain Tuppy; 
Tiger, Capt. J. P. Anderson ; Emperor, Captain Hopkins. 

Thus far the steamers used on the upper Mississippi were small 
and more or less rude affairs, though spoken of as "elegant," 
"handsome," etc. In March, 1852, the business men here sent an 
agent to St. Louis to secure from one or more of the boat lines 
steamers of a higher, heavier and more refined grade, suitable to 
the improved order of affairs. Dubuque grew very rapidly in 
1852 ; thousafids of homeseekers and capitalists landed from the 
steamers. In April, 1852, Timothy Fanning building here a steam 
ferryboat, the newspapers observed that there was no reason why 
Dubuque should not become a boat-building center. Gregoire's 
new steam ferryboat was called the Utah ; it ran every hour from 
the lower ferry landing. The St. Paul, a fine new packet, was 
active in 1852. 

"Bogy's splendid new steam ferryboat is doing the most rush- 
ing business of the season. She is puffing and blowing all the 
time. She is a perfect godsend to California emigrants. If the 
number of wagons that she brings across in a day had to abide the 
tardiness of the old-fashioned horseboat, they would not reach this 
side in a week." — (Daily Miners' Express, April 24, 1852.) 

The St. Paul, a new and very fast steamer, was saluted by artil- 
lery upon its arrival here early in 1852 ; she made the round trip 
from Galena to St. Paul in two days and sixteen hours, landing 
en route twenty-one times. In June, 1852, the dredgeboat, which 
had cost $8,000, was sold to T. Levens for $1,000. Ben Campbell 
was a new steamer. Dr. Franklin and Nominee were regular 
United States mail steamers in 1852. In August, upon the request 
of Mr. Adams, a boat yard was located at the foot of Dodge street 
for five years ; there any boat could be constructed. The J. W. 
McKee was a mail steamer of the Keokuk Packet Line ; the La- 
martine, Captain Harlow, belonged to the St. Louis and St. Peters 
Packet Company, and the Excelsior, Captain Ward, belonged to 
the St. Louis, Galena, Dubuque and St. Peters Packet Company. 
Bogy's ferryboat landed at Second street. 

In March, 1853, Dr. FrankHn No. 2 took away at one load over 
4,000 pigs of lead. The spring of 1853 saw the largest arrival of 
boats ever witnessed here. As high as ten or a dozen were here 



212 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

at one time — Ben Campbell, Excelsior, Nominee, Asia, Lamartine, 
Martha No. 2, Enterprise, Swamp Fox, West Newton, Emperor, 
Wisconsin. Canada, Adelia, Pearl, Minnehaha, Golden Era. 

The old floating dock was sold in August. Later in 1853 the 
Golden Era struck a snag near Hannibal, Missouri, and sank 
quickly to the boiler deck. She was soon raised. In December, 
Charles Gregoire was given a ten 3-ears' extension of his ferry 
contract. In 1853 the United States Supreme Court decided that 
rafts on navigable rivers were not subject to salvage; this decision 
settled a matter that had troubled river men for years. 

"The steam ferry Utah made an unsuccessful effort last even- 
ing to reach the levee. The ice in the inner slough was too firm for 
her to force her way through it." — {Express, March 11, 1854.) 

In 1854 there was a daily line past Dubuque to St. Paul, with 
the following steamers : New St. Paul, Captain Bissell ; George 
W. Sparhawk, Captain Greene : Ben Campbell, Captain Matson ; 
York State, Captain Griffith ; Golden Era, Captain Bersie ; Lady 
Franklin, Captain Morehouse. Late in 1853 Thomas H. Benton, 
Jr., Lucius H. Langworthy and George Greene were sent as dele- 
gates to the river improvement convention at Memphis. Every 
steamer bound up the river was loaded to the guards with emi- 
grants and their belongings. Numerous rafts arrived here in May 
and June, 1854. Other boats in 1854 were Shenandoah, Royal 
Arch, Minnesota Belle, Caleb Cope, Globe, May C, Gossamer, 
Lamartine, New St. Paul, Arabic, Admiral, Hindoo, Henrietta, 
Sparhawk, Galena, Golden Era, Grand Prairie, Excelsior, Fugitive 
Slave, Gray Cloud, Lady Franklin, War Eagle, Flag of Pittsburg, 
Greek Slave, Nominee, Blackhawk, etc. 

A line of boats connecting Dubuque and St. Paul had been de- 
sired for several years; late in 1854, efforts to establish such a line 
were made. In 1854 Dubuque was made a port of entry and was 
annexed to the port of New Orleans. In August, 1854, William 
H. Merritt was appointed surveyor of the port of Dubuque. Late 
in 1854, Messrs. Mobley, Barney, Benton, O'Halloran and Hall 
were appointed a citizens' committee to solicit stock subscriptions 
to a St. Paul steamboat line. 

The steamboat Blackhawk about November i, 1854, began to 
make regular trips between Dubuque and Galena twice a day to 
connect with the railway trains. The boat drew so little water 
that it could navigate Fever river. 

A team and wagon loaded with stone broke through the ice in 
January, 1855; all except the driver was lost. In April, 1855, 
Lillie & McDonald asked for ship yards on the island ; granted, 
just below the Barney Cut. At this date Galena owned eight or 
ten fine steamers ; Dubuque owned two or three. Why ? it was 
asked. There was plenty of talk about such a line, but business 
men would not invest. The Illinois Central Railway, the Galena 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 213 

Packet Company and the ferry companies seemed united at this 
date to force Dubuque to pay exorbitant rates of transportation. 
In April, 1855, the City Belle, Galena, Kentucky, Navigator, York 
State, Berlin, Gical and Hamburg were here at the same time. 
The spring travel and trade were enormous. Dubuque had almost 
doubled in population in two years. At this time Galena was so 
envious of Dubuque's wonderful growth that it did all it could 
to injure the latter. The Galena Packet Company assisted Galena, 
finally refusing to allow its boats to touch at Dubuque. This step 
at last roused Dubuque. A. P. Champlin was master of the 
Navigator. Time and Tide was commanded by Capt. Louis Rob- 
erts, and the Reveille by Capt. J. W. Markle. 

In November, 1855, the steamer A. F. Gregoire connected both 
evening and morning with the mail arriving at Dunleith. It waited 
thirty minutes in case the mails were late; after that the mail was 
brought over in yawlboats at any hour of the day or night. 

"We learn by the Excelsior, which returned yesterday from her 
last trip up the river, that a boat cannot pass through Lake Pepin 
on account of the ice. She first encountered ice below La Crosse 
on the 2 1st, and was obliged to leave her barge and part of her 
freight at that place and then proceeded to Winona, where the rest 
of her cargo was discharged. The Adelia reached Reed's Landing 
on the same night and also returned yesterday. The Cumberland 
Valley lies at Winona. The Dubuque and Kate Cassel are still up 
the river. The Galena packets are laid up and probably no boats 
will attempt an up-river trip after this week." — (Express and 
Herald, November 24, 1855.) 

"The steamer Endeavor left Dubuque last evening for La Crosse 
and will probably be the last boat up the river this season. The 
usual high price for freight and passage for the last trips has been 
charged by the boats for some days, as high as $15 to La Crosse 
and $1 per hundred for freight." — (Express and Herald, Novem- 
ber 29, 1855.) 

"The pleasant weather is extending the time of up-river navi- 
gation later in the season than usual. The Kate Cassel returned 
yesterday from Reed's Landing and reports the head of Lake 
Pepin closed by ice. The Ben Coursin also returned yesterday 
from Winona. Two boats are expected from below — the Hen- 
rietta and the Emma Harron. Two boats also leave today for La 
Crosse." — (Express and Herald, December 6, 1855.) The Lang- 
worthys sold the ferryboat Queen City for $6,000 in December, 
1855. They designed putting on a new and better boat'. 

"The steamers Ben Coursin, Kate Cassel and Excelsior have 
laid up here for the season, as navigation is now considered 
closed." — (Express and Herald, December 12, 1855.) "The river 
is full of running ice and the sloughs are frozen over, so that the 
boys have commenced their winter sport of skating." — (Same.) 



214 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Among the steamboats of 1855 were the Dan Convers, Colonel 
Morgan, Audubon, Falls City, Fannie Harris, Latobe and Cone- 
wago. 

In 1856 the Dubuque, Minnesota & Wisconsin Packet Com- 
pany, with Mr. Farley as president, was in operation. They bought 
the steamer Golden State for $14,000; it was a side-wheeler of 
277 tons. The Dubuque Packet Company was fully organized and 
at work in March, 1856. It had bought several new boats — Excel- 
sior, Captain Kingman ; Fanny Harris, Captain Worden ; Kate 
Cassel, Captain Harlow; Golden State. The organization of this 
company was due to the hostility of Galena and the Galena Packet 
Company. 

The Galena Packet Company operated the following boats : 
War Eagle, Captain Harris ; Golden Era, Captain Parker ; Royal 
Arch, Captain Smith ; Galena, Capt. K. Lodwick ; Northern Belle, 
P. Lodwick ; Schambra, Captain Gabbert ; Greek Slave, Captain 
Gaul ; Lady Franklin, Captain Lucas ; Ocean Wave, Captain 
Gleim ;. Tisliomingo was a very fast boat of the Winona Packet 
Line. Waples Cut was entirely dry in August, 1856; no boats 
could reach the inner levee. By this time the ferryboat Utah, 
which was large enough three years before, had become too small, 
and was removed to Hastings and Point Douglas. 

The steamer "Lady Franklin," Captain Lucas, was injured and 
sank in the river in October, 1856. Several passengers were 
drowned and the captain was severely censured for his conduct. — 
(Express and Herald, October 29, 1856.) After the river had 
been very low for some time, the news that it was rapidly rising 
above was always cheering and heralded widecast. 

Winter set in early in 1856-7 and many up-river merchants did 
not receive the stocks ordered and expected. "Although every 
exertion has been made by the Illinois Central Railroad and the 
forwarding merchants of Dubuque and Dunleith, yet they have 
been utterly unable to send forward goods as fast as they arrived, 
notwithstanding the steamboat tonnage has been very large. The 
Galena Packet Line, tlie Dubuque Packet Line and a large num- 
ber of independent boats have all been overtaxed and compelled to 
refuse a large amount of freight. The season is now so far ad- 
vanced that packet boats do not consider it safe to sign bills of 
lading only to a short distance up, and the independent boats, as 
fast as they come down, are drawing off and going to more sunny 
climes. — (Express and Herald, November 19, 1856.) 

The steamer Tishomingo had great difficulty in escaping her 
creditors and much of the time in 1856 remained tied up at various 
ports. The steamer A. G. Mason became frozen in the ice six 
miles above Hastings in November. The Kate Cassel arrived here 
November 18 and reported ice gorges above. Navigation was 
about closed. 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 215 

The Galena, Dubuque, Dunleith & Minnesota Packet Company, 
in 1856, owned the following boats plying between Galena and 
St. Paul : War Eagle, Capt. D. S. Harris ; Galena, Capt. Kennedy 
Lodwick ; Northern Belle, Capt. Preston Lodwick ; Golden Era, 
Capt. J. W. Parker : Lady Franklin, Capt. M. E. Lucas ; Ocean 
Wave, Capt. E. H. Gleim; City of Belle, Capt. A. T. Champlin; 
Granite State, Capt. J. Y. Hurd ; Alhambra, Capt. W. H. Gabbert ; 
and also the following running between Galena and Rock Island : 
Royal Arch, Capt. J- J- Smith, and Greek Slave, Capt. C. Goll. 

Early in December, 1856, the Kate Cassel by an extra effort 
went up to Hastings with an enormous load of freight for the 
upper country. Log of the steamer Flora: "Left Dunleith the 
2ist with nearly 400 passengers and a heavy freight; met Golden 
State below Guttenburg ; Envoy passed down ; met Northern Be)Ie 
the 22d ; met Fannie Harris at Coon Slough ; met Kate Cassel 
below La Crosse, evening 22d ; met Gossamer at La Crosse ; snowed 
all night ; met Alhambra below Winona ; fine sleighing here ; met 
Falls City below Fountain City ; got aground on Beef Slough and 
remained there Sunday night ; went through Lake Pepin the 24th ; 
reached Red Wing at 1 1 p. m. ; snowing like great guns ; reached 
Hastings morning of 25th ; river gorged with ice for seven miles 
above and weather cold ; left Hastings Tuesday ; met Resolute 
Wednesday morning below Beef Slough ; Progress there and could 
not get over ; she returned to Winona and discharged her cargo ; 
met J. Traber at Winona and Ben Coursin below La Crosse." * * * 
"The Flora brought down 250 passengers and went into winter 
quarters at the upper landing, Dubuque." — {Express and Herald, 
December 3, 1856.) 

The Key City, a new packet, Capt. Jones Worden, was put on 
in 1857. The Golden State, Hamburg, James Lyon, Mansfield, 
Cumberland Valley, Brazil, Adelia, Sam Young, Falls City were 
here early in 1857. 

Freight rates in the spring of 1857 were as follows: Dubuque 
to McGregor and Prairie dvi Chien, 20 cents per hundred ; Lan- 
sing, 22 cents: La Crosse, 25 cents: Dacotah and Trempeauleau, 
26 cents; Reed's Landing, 30 cents; Red Wing, 31 cents; Pres- 
cott and Hastings, 33 cents; St. Paul, 35 cents. 

The following was the list of a daily line of packets from Du- 
buque to St. Paul for the season of 1857: Gray Eagle, Capt. 
Smith Harris ; Key City, Capt. Jones Worden ; War Eagle, Capt. 
A. T. Kingman ; Golden State, Capt. Samuel R. Harlow ; Golden 
Era, Capt. John Scott; Fanny Harris, Capt. Robert Anderson. 

Lake Pepin was still covered with ice by April 22, 1857, but it 
was then rotting fast. The steamer Itasca, called "a floating pal- 
ace," arrived here April 21, 1857. It belonged to the Prairie du 
Chien and St. Paul line. It was 220 feet long and had capacity 
for 500 tons of freight. Its captain was David Whitten. The 



2i6 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

first steamboats to pass through Lake Pepin for a number of years 
were as follows: 

Otter, Captain Harris, April 6, 1844. 
Otter, Captain Harris, April 5, 1845. 
Lynx, Captain Atchison, March 21, 1846. 
Cora, Captain Throckmorton, April 7, 1847. 
Highland Mary, Captain Atchison, April 10, 1848. 
Nominee, Captain Smith, April 4, 1851. 
Nominee, Captain Smith, April 16, 1852. 
West Newton, Captain Harris, April 11, 1853. 
Nominee, Captain Blakely, April 8, 1854. 
War Eagle, Captain Harris. April 17, 1855. 
Lady Franklin, Captain Lucas, April 18, 1856. 

The War Eagle carried up the river two and one-half tons of 
mail late in April. 1857. Mr. Hills, agent of the Minnesota 
Packet Company, reported that prior to May 6, 1857, he had dis- 
patched up the river 4,000 tons of freight, largely to St. Paul. It 
was learned here, upon the arrival of the steamer Audubon from 
Reed's Landing, that eighteen boats were then in Lake Pepin, 
contending with the ice. The Galena first forced her way twelve 
miles and then went ashore. The War Eagle was damaged in 
the same attempt. The Falls City was aground with four feet of 
water in her hold. Seventeen boats were at Reed's Landing when 
the Audubon left. A prize of $3,000 had been offered for the 
first boat to reach St. Paul and $300 to the pilot bringing her in. 
The excitement at Reed's Landing was intense. The hotels there 
were crowded. 

"As soon as we entered Lake Pejiin we began to see the wrecks 
of the steamboats. The first lay about a mile below North Pepin, 
sunk above the guards. Two others were near, one apparently 
broken in two and the other inclined on the beach. Two other 
boats were seen farther up, hemmed in with ice. Another near was 
inclined on the beach. The boats said to be sunk were : Fanny 
Harris, Fire Canoe, Cremona, Steel and Falls City. We met Min- 
nesota Belle and Itasca coming down." — (Cor. Express and Her- 
ald, May 13, 1857.) 

According to a passenger, the Northern Light, when it arrived 
at St. Paul, May 4, 1857, found eighteen steamboats lying beside 
each other diagonally with the line of the levee. Minute guns 
were fired from a cannon lashed to the capstan. "The boat was 
made fast to the sterns of several steamers, and the passengers 
reached shore by crossing over the decks of some of the other 
boats." The Northern Light was 240 feet long and was com- 
manded by Captain Lodwick. She could carry nearly 1,000 tons 
of freight. The other boats at St. Paul were: Messenger, Orb, 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 217 

Golden State, Equator, Key Stone, Sam Young, Saracen, Mans- 
field, Ocean Wave, Red Wing, Golden Era, Minnesota, Kate 
French, Connewago, Time and Tide, Hamburg, Wave, Excelsior, 
W. L. Ewing. 

So great had been the trouble for the boats to get through Lake 
Pepin, the press of St. Paul agitated the construction and use of 
an iceboat to open that body of water every spring. It would cost 
about $20,000 and require $5,000 annually to keep it up. 

The Galena and War Eagle were the first boats to pass through 
Lake Pepin and reach St. Paul. The real struggle was between 
the Galena, War Eagle, Golden State and Montauk. All got 
through about 7 o'clock p. m. on Thursday. "Here a race ensued 
in which Captain Laughton of the Galena came off No. i, passing 
the Golden State at Bullards and the Eagle above Red Wing. The 
latter maintained her position within a few lengths until a lamenta- 
ble accident occurred just above Hastings, throwing her behind. 
The boat checked up to rescue a deck hand who had fallen over- 
board, but could not find him. This gave the Galena eighteen 
minutes the start, by which she beat the Eagle to the St. Paul 
levee." On Lake Pepin were the Areola, broken in two ; the 
Courier with hull under water and dangerously careened ; the St. 
Croix had been raised unhurt — by May 13, 1857. 

On May 10, 1857, the river was the highest it had been since 
185 1 ; the levee was covered with water; houses filled, lumber 
afloat, and the Seventh street embankment top nearly reached. At 
this time the gas company received in one load 20,000 bushels of 
coal from Pittsburg. About July i, the new steam ferryboat 
Peosta was put at work. The steamer Rosalie sank near the mouth 
of Waples Cut in June with a valuable cargo. 

The Galena, Dunleith and Minnesota Packet Company having 
become arbitrary, exacting and unaccommodating, the press of Du- 
buque and St. Paul called it sharply to task in July, 1857. "They 
treat the public in the most contemptuous manner, swindle the 
commercial and traveling community, and are independent and 
insolent in all things and at all times, when they have the power," 
said the Express and Herald of July 15, 1857. 

The boiler of the old steamer Dubuque exploded August 18, 
1857, eleven miles below Muscatine, causing the loss of twenty- 
two lives, all deck passengers. The sight of the scalded and man- 
gled passengers was heartrending, said observers ; assistance was 
furnished from Muscatine. In October the Ben Coursin was struck 
and sunk by the Key City, above La Crosse, and about seven lives 
were lost, three of them being women. The Henry Clay was in 
service in 1S57. 

In 1858 the Minnesota Transportation Company, a new steam- 
boat line, was in operation ; John Loraine was president ; the Fred 
Lorenz and Adelia were two of their boats. The Fulton City 



2i8 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Company ran a daily line from Fulton City to St. Paul. The 
Winona Packet Line was a combination of several St. Louis and 
St. Paul packet companies and had a tri-weekly line. Forty boats 
were advertised to leave St. Louis March 30, 1858. Among the 
boats were Key City, Metropolitan, Henry Clay, Sucker State, Can- 
ada, Sam Young, Northern Belle, Milwaukee, Hawkeye State. Ga- 
lena, Northern Light, Ocean Wave, Dew Drop, Kate Cassel, Lake 
City, Alhambra, James Lyon, Lucie May, Pembina, Sultan, Flora, 
Resolute, Courier, Aunt Letty, Pembina, Envoy, Gray Eagle, Chip- 
pewa Falls, Conewago, Tishomingo, Eolian, etc. The old Areola 
hull was used as a float. 

In 1858, Capt. D. S. Harris was credited by Governor Sibley, 
of Minnesota, with having been the pioneer navigator by steam of 
about all the tributaries of the Mississippi above the Des Moines 
Rapids ; he was declared to have been the first to find the head 
of navigation on the Iowa, Maquoketa and Minnesota rivers. — 
(Express and Herald, April 2, 1858.) 

The St. Louis and St. Paul Union Line owned the following 
boats in 1858: Pembina, Captain Griffith; Canada, Captain Ward; 
Henry Clay, Captain Campbell; Metropolitan, Captain Rhodes; 
Minnesota Belle. Captain Hill; W. L. Ewing, Captain Green; Den- 
mark, Captain Gray — all sidewheel and fine steamers. 

The ferryboat Gregoire, Captain Bog\% was in service in 1858; 
also the steam ferryboat Peosta. The Dubuque and Dunleith Ferry 
Company began operations about 1846; by 1858 the company 
claimed to have lost $8,273 ; this was denied and argued in the 
newspapers. 

The Union Packet Line, in 1858, owned the following boats, 
which ran regularly between St. Louis and St. Paul : Pembina, 
Capt. Thomas H. Griffith ; Minnesota Belle, Capt. Thomas B. Hill ; 
W. L. Ewing, Capt. Montroville Green ; Canada, Capt. James 
Ward ; Metropolitan, Capt. Thomas B. Rhodes ; Denmark, Capt. 
Richard C. Gray. They left Dubuque for St. Paul every Monday, 
Wednesday and Friday and for St. Louis every Tuesday, Thurs- 
day and Saturday. 

The fine packet Galena was totally burned at the landing in Red 
Wing, June 30, 1858. The passengers landed, but the freight was 
destroyed. 

In August there was a hotly contested race from Dubuque to 
St. Paul between the steamers War Eagle and the Itasca. The 
former won by a small margin; time, 24 hours and 40 minutes, 
with 23 landings and 35 cords of wood taken aboard. Large quan- 
tities of flour, grain and store supplies and large numbers of emi- 
grants and excursionists passed constantly on the river. Immense 
rafts passed down almost daily. 

By the middle of March, 1859, river traffic was in full operation. 
Chippewa, Dew Drop, Pembina, Minnesota Belle, Aunt Letty, 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 219 

W. L. Ewing, Cedar Rapids, Fred Lorenz, Adelia, Canada, W. L. 
Nelson, General Pike, St. Louis, Golden Era, E. A. Ogden, Key 
City and War Eagle were here early. The latter was the first to 
leave on the schedule of the new steamboat express line. Lake 
Pepin was still closed March 25. The ferry began running here 
March 5. 

In March, 1859, the Dubuque and Dunleith Ferry Company 
was required to run their boats thereafter from the foot of Third 
street instead of from the foot of Jones street. Charles Gregoire 
was president of the ferry company. The levee was loaded with 
all kinds of freight waiting .shipment in March, 1859 — lead, pork, 
beef, flour, merchandise, grain, etc. 

Captain Worden of the Key City, in April, 1859, literally forced 
his way through the almost impassable ice barriers of Lake Pepin. 
The passengers passed resolutions praising his courage and skill. 
In trying to force its way through the ice, the Aeolian was cut 
so badly that she was sunk in thirty feet of water and four pas- 
sengers were drowned. The Metropolitan rescued the others. The 
loss was $10,000. 

"The Key City came down last night with colors flying, having 
come direct from St. Paul. The Key City was the first boat 
through Lake Pepin. Hereafter boats will run regularly and our 
merchants here will be able to fill their up-river orders." — (Express 
and Herald. April 23, 1859.) 

The Northern Packet Line owned and operated the following 
sidewheel steamers : Pembina, Captain Griffith ; Minnesota Belle, 
Captain Hill ; Denmark, Captain Gray ; Henry Clay, Captain ; 
Stephenson ; Canada, Captain Ward ; Wm. L. Ewing, Captain 
Green; Metropolitan, Captain Rhodes; Northerner, Captain Al- 
vord; Lucie May, Captain Rhodes; Dew Drop, Captain Parker; 
Lake City, Captain Blake ; Chippewa, Captain Crapeta. 

Early in May, 1859, the Mississippi rose seventeen inches in 
twenty-four hours. By May 9 it was within forty inches of being 
as high as it ever was at Dubuque — 1827. It was now within 
twenty-two inches as high as it was in 185 1. The lower end of 
Sixth street from the bridge to the outer levee was entirely under 
water. Twenty teams were put at work on the outer levee. Many 
buildings and lumber yards were under water and the levees were 
in a dangerous condition. In the next twenty-four hours it rose 
eight inches more and at this time large numbers of men and teams 
were at work on all the levees, yards and streets. 

"The river is still rising at the rate of eight inches in twenty- 
four hours. It is now running across the foot of First street, near 
Northrup & Ryder's warehouse. The various improvements still 
keep ahead of the water and have no fear, unless a high wind arises, 
of their ability to protect the works. The great freshet from the 
north has not yet arrived." — (Express and Herald, May 12, 1859.) 



220 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

"The river is still coming up, having risen about seven inches in 
the last twenty-four hours. Last evening it was flowing over Jones 
street in a dozen places. First street at its junction with the lower 
improvement is covered to the depth of eighteen inches. Flatboats 
pass across the outer levee at the foot of Seventh street." — {Ex- 
press and Herald, May 13. 1859.) 

"The water yesterday made a clean break through the outer 
levee at the foot of Sixth street. It has reached the top of the 
Seventh street improvement and further work there is abandoned. 
Flatboats are engaged in hauling stones to stop the break in the 
central improvement levee. Lumber yards at the foot of Seventh 
street are busy saving their lumber. The water sweeps through 
the bridge at the foot of Third street with tremendous power and 
reaches nearly to the woodwork. It also sweeps over Jones street. 
The Dubuque & Pacific track is rendered impassable to the bridge 
below the depot. The cars come only to Rockdale. The rise is 
not so great now." — {Express and Herald, May 14, 1859.) There 
were here about this time the Northerner, City Belle, Golden Era, 
Minnesota Belle, Pembina, Key City, Conewago, Canada, Forest 
Queen, Grey Eagle, Denmark, Henry Clay, La Crosse, Northern 
Light, W. L. Ewing, Wave, St. Lawrence, Fred Lorenz and Time 
and Tide. All the boats carried immense loads of freight and 
passengers. About 4,000 pigs of lead were shipped weekly; also 
about 100,000 feet of lumber. 

"The river has risen some three inches since our last, although 
at present it is nearly at a standstill. Jones street is covered nearly 
its entire length, and reaching the lower levee on foot is next to an 
impossibility." — {Express and Herald, May 15, 1859.) 

On May 15, 1859, the Fred Lorenz, when near Eagle Point, burst 
her connecting pipe. Several persons were severely scalded. The 
boat was towed to the foot of Third street. 

During the flood of May, 1859, people were taxed 5 cents and 
lo cents to be taken from the Jones street levee to the ferry land- 
ing. "If our improvement companies find it desirable to erect 
islands in the Mississippi river, they at least ought to furnish citi- 
zens with some means of getting to them." — {Express a)id Herald, 
May 19, 1859.) "The water has fallen about five inches since yes- 
terday m.orning. It will probably reach its proper level forty-eight 
hours hence." — {Express and Herald, May 19, 1859.) "The river 
has fallen about six inches in the last twenty-four hours." — {Ex- 
press and Herald, May 20, 1859.) By May 31 the river was down 
to its proper level, though alarming reports of a higher rise than 
ever came from upstream. "A very large raft yesterday got into 
the slough above Seventh street. It came very near being broken 
up. but several hours of hard labor got it out comparatively un- 
harmed." — {Express and Herald, May 20, 1859.) 

By June 6, 1859, the river had risen so high that it was within 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 221 

six inches of being as high as it had been a week or two before. 
It had risen eighteen inches in the last twenty-four hours. At St. 
Paul it was reported as high as it ever was and at Red Wing had 
reached the highest point ever known. By the 8th it was within 
three inches of the mark of two weeks before. By June 9 it was 
three inches higher than before. By June 10 it was six inches 
higher than in May. "Seventh street, the entire outer levee of the 
Seventh Street and Central Improvement Companies is overflowed ; 
so are First street continued and Dodge street. Third street con- 
tinued is now the only street leading to the outer levee that is not 
overflowed and impassable. The river is still going up rapidly." — 
(Express and Herald, June 11, 1859.) "The river rose three inches 
yesterday and is now within half a foot of the warehouses on the 
lower levee." — (Express and Herald, June 12.) On the 13th it 
rose two inches higher. It came to a stand at 9 p. m., June 13, and 
soon thereafter began to fall. 

In i860, among the early boats here were: Ocean Wave, Cap- 
tain Webb ; Denmark, Captain Robison ; Hawkeye State, Captain 
Gray ; Sucker State, Captain Rhodes ; Harmonia, Captain Hub- 
bard ; Northern Belle, Captain Hurd ; Minnesota Belle, Captain 
Keach ; Itasca, Captain Whitten ; Laclede, Captain Goodell ; Grey 
Eagle, Captain Harris ; Northern Light, Captain Harris ; Peosta, 
Captain Levens ; Canada, Captain Parker ; Henry Clay, Captain 
Stephenson; Shenango, Captain French; Pembina, Captain Hill. 
A small party of luxurious sportsmen here, not liking to row 
their boats up and down the river while hunting, built, in the spring 
of i860, a little steamboat, about sixteen feet long and three and 
one-half feet wide, rigged with a little one-horsepower portable 
engine set to drive paddlewheels with eight-inch buckets and a diam- 
eter of thirty inches. With this they could go up bayous, sloughs, 
etc., and come back without hard work. 

In i860 there was sharp rivalry among the various boat lines 
and often thereby much inconvenience was occasioned passengers 
and shippers. 

The Frank Steele, in coming down Coon slough, April 10, i860, 
came in contact with a tree and got both smokestacks and her pilot 
house swept clean from the deck, injuring the pilot slightly. In 
the spring of i860, the Illinois Central Railroad Company, or its 
individual members, put on a line of packets on the upper Missis- 
sippi, under the name Dubuque, Dunleith & Minnesota Pacjtet Line. 
So great was the river traffic on April 25, i860, that eleven ves- 
sels arrived and ten departed. The Lake City, a railroad packet, 
was here April 26, and the Key West, a boat of the Independent 
Railroad Line, was here a day or two later. A barge laden with 
lead, in tow of the Key City, going down, struck a snag and sank. 
There was much complaint here in i860 that the packet lines 
of steamers from St. Louis to St. Paul and from Galena, Dubuque 



222 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

and Dunleith to St. Paul were disposed to create a monopoly in 
the carrying trade upon the Mississippi river by driving off every 
other boat. Numerous acts cited showed that this was the appar- 
ent object of those lines. It was condemned vigorously by the 
press, and particularly by G. R. West & Son, wholesalers of 
Dubuque. 

Late in May, i860, the Minnesota Packet Company's steamers 
began to carry a daily river mail between Dubuque and St. Paul. 
"The steamer Metropolitan ran into the railroad bridge at Galena, 
June 26, and tore oft' a portion of her guards and otherwise injured 
herself. This is her third accident lately. Recently she ran down 
a man in a small boat and caused his death, and two weeks ago she 
disabled the Northern Belle." — {Herald, June 27, i860.) 

"We have found it to be a duty we owe to Dubuque, to the mer- 
chants of this city and to ourselves to cease giving to the Northern 
Line of steamboats that attention which their course to this city 
and to its mercantile interests have forfeited. Dubuque and her 
business interests have submitted too long and too tamely if not 
too servilely to the outrages inflicted upon her business by persons 
and companies who have taken advantage of the adversity to which 
this city has been subjected to inflict upon her, if possible, a lasting, 
permanent injury. For our part we do not feel like suffering such 
treatment as this Northern line of boats seem disposed to inflict 
upon this city with impunity." — (Herald, July 14, i860.) 

The river was so low in September that few boats ran and they 
carried very light loads ; no lead was shipped from Dubuque during 
this stage. The War Eagle, Henry Clay, Northern Belle and a 
few others did a small business. At St. Paul river business was 
livelier. There the Minnesota Packet Company was trying to 
force out of business the La Crosse & Milwaukee Railroad & 
Packet Line. The fare from La Crosse to Chicago was reduced 
to $4.75 via Dunleith and Prairie du Chien. The Minnesota Packet 
Company thus carried passengers for nothing in order to injure its 
rival. In fact, it reduced the fare from St. Paul to Chicago to $1 
about September 20, i860, but the next day raised it to $4.75. On 
the levee at Dubuque were 2,300 pigs of lead, 1,000 sacks of wheat, 
eic, waiting for a better boating stage. 

The river closed up suddenly on November 22, i860, with snow 
and extreme cold. Boats were caught where they happened to be. 
The Key City, Milwaukee and Metropolitan here ; the Northern 
Belle at Le Claire ; the Ocean Wave and La Crosse were caught in 
rhe ice and grounded on Sycamore Chain ; the Golden Era was 
forced ashore east of Dubuque; the War Eagle, after exciting ex- 
periences, laid up at McGregor ; the Fanny Harris was safe at Pres- 
cott; the Favorite and Frank Steele were at La Crosse. Late in 
November the ferry was again running. 

The Herald became so incensed at the actions of the Northern 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 223 

Packet Line in the summer of i860 that it afterward refused to 
publish its usual news of the river and boats. 

It was declared in March, 1861, that Dubuque needed three 
things : ( i ) h drydock for the repair of steamboats and other river 
craft; (2) an ice harbor where steamboats could stay during win- 
ters; (3) the removal of the bar in front of the lower levee and 
in;ier slough. The nearest place where boats could be docked and 
repaired was Le Claire. It was shown that at slight expense Lake 
Peosta could be made into an ice harbor. 

In 1861 the Northern line of packets had the following boats and 
captains : Haweve State, R. C. Gray ; Sucker State, T. B. Rhodes ; 
Canada, J. W. Parker; Pembina, J. B. Hill; Metropolitan, T. B. 
Buford ; Henry Clay, C. B. Goll ; Denmark, J. J. Robinson ; W. L. 
Ewing, J. H. Rhodes; Northerner, P. A. Alford; Fred Loring, M. 
Green. William Wellington was the line's agent and clerk at Du- 
buque. On March 2 the ice here moved twenty-five or thirty feet. 
Crossing on foot was dangerous. The ferry boat prepared to start 
March 3. 

"Things begin to look business-like on the levee. Wellington 
has got the wharf boat out of the slough and placed it in front of 
the levee in its proper place. The Ferry Company has also got 
its wharf boat in its place. There is a large quantity of lead await- 
ing shipment." — {Herald, March 16, 1861.) 

On April 11, 1861, Mr. O. Chamberlain, agent, shipped on the 
Key City over one thousand packages, of wheat, flour, corn meal, 
beans, etc., for Kansas. This was the contribution of Dubuque 
and other towns back in the interior to the sufiferers in that new 
State. The packages went down to Hannibal, thence by rail to 
Kansas. 

"The rivalry between the boats for several years past in the effort 
to make the first landing at St. Paul is stimulated by the favor of 
free wharfage for the season to the successful boat. Captain 
Harris has. in the period named, made the first landing six times." — 
{Herald, April 6, 1861.) 

The Metropolitan, Canada, W. J. Clay, Connewago, Rocket, 
Northern Light, Pembina, Key City, Sucker State, Golden Era, 
Ocean Wave, Emma, Bill Henderson, War Eagle, Henry Clay, La 
Crosse, Northerner, Winona, Milwaukee, J. Bell, Luzerne were 
here from April 9 to 14. The levee on April 10 awoke and was 
soon alive with boats, there being no less than five large ones there 
at a time loading and unloading. Steamers now left regularly for 
St. Paul. The river was rising, freight plenty and business brisk. 

The boats and captains of the Galena, Dunleith, Dubuque and 
Minnesota Packet Companv for 1861 were as follows: War 
Eagle, C. L. Stephenson ; Golden Era, W. H. Gabbert ; Itasca. J. Y. 
Hurd; Milwaukee, J. Cochrane; Northern Belle, W. H. Laughton; 
Ocean Wave, N. F. Webb ; Keokuk, E. V. Holcomb ; North Light, 



224 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

John B. Da\is ; Grey Eagle, D. S. Harris ; Key City, Jones Worden ; 
Fanny Harris, W. L. Faucette ; Alhambra, Ben Howard ; Flora, 
J. W. Campbell. The first four were a daily line between Duluth 
and St. Paul ; the next three were on the daily line between La 
Crosse and St. Paul : the next three were on the Northern line from 
St. Louis to St. Paul ; and the last three were on the freight line 
from Dunleith to St. Paul. 

The river continued to rise rapidly on April 19 — seven inches 
in twenty-four hours. The Fanny Harris arrived here from a 
trip up the Minnesota river, where she went after government 
troops. Her cabin and all the woodwork were badly damaged by 
the winds, storms and soldiers. She laid up for repairs. The 
river still continued to rise on April 24. The water was running 
over Jones street and several others. The lumber yards were 
piling loose boards and making property as secure as possible. The 
Grey Eagle struck the Rock Island bridge and sank in five minutes 
in Ma}'; several lives were lost, among them being Mrs. Weaver 
and child, of Dyersville. 

"Fastest Trip on Record. — The Northern Line packet Sucker 
State left St. Louis on the i6th of May at 5 130 P. M. and arrived 
at St. Paul on the 20th of May at 3 :30 ; time from St. Louis to 
St. Paul, three days and twenty-two hours, doing all her regular 
business ; also going in to Galena, discharged in the up-trip 309 tons 
of freight and had 425 passengers. Left St. Paul on the 20th at 
5 130 P. M., discharged on down-trip at different points 1,000 sacks 
of wheat, and arrived at St. Louis on Thursday, the 23d, making 
the round trip in seven days and two hours." — (Herald, May 28, 
1861.) 

"The Hawkeye State made the run from St. Louis to this city 
(Dubuque) in forty-eight hours and thirty-eight minutes, made 
thirty-three regular landings and laid one and a half hours at Dav- 
enport. This is the quickest trip on record and shows that she is 
a hard boat to beat. The river never was in better boating condi- 
tion than it has been this spring." — (Herald, June 12, 1861.) 

In August Daniel Hewitt launched a repaired flat-boat at Third 
street. It was claimed that the Sucker State was the fastest boat 
on the Upper Mississippi. At all times sandbars in the river were 
the terror of all pilots and masters. The Key City struck and 
badly damaged the ferry boat A. L. Gregoire ; the Peosta took its 
place. 

In the spring of 1862 deck hands of the Minnesota Packet Com- 
pany, who were then receiving $25 per month, struck for $40 per 
month ; this line ran daily boats between Dubuque and St. Paul. 
The Northern Packet Line had five boats : Northerner, Hawkeye, 
Sucker State, Canada and W. L. Ewing; it was tri-weekly. In the 
St. Louis and St. Paul Line were the Pembina, Denmark, Metro- 
politan, which ran tri-weekly between St. Louis and Dubuque, and 




THE MISSISSIPPI LOOKING SOUTH FROM BELOW DUBUQUE. SHOWING JULIEN 

DUBUQUE'S MONUMENT 




EAGLE POINT HIGH BRIDGE 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 225 

the Bill Henderson, Fred Lorenz and others, which ran daily be- 
tween Dubuque and Davenport. 

"The light of other days can be seen by going down to the foot of 
Fourth street, where the wharf boat is moored, and see the ferry 
boat going through the Barney Cut to Dunleith, as of yore." — 
{Herald, May 2, 1862.) 

In 1862 the names of the boats and captain were Pembina, Hill; 
War Eagle, Webb; Alhambra, Wellington; Canada, Parker; Mil- 
waukee, Holcomb ; Pearl, Hale ; Itasca, Hurd ; Bill Henderson, 
Rhodes ; Key City, Worden ; Hawkeye State, Gray ; Northerner, 
Alford; Keokuk, Hatcher. In May the flood was only ten inches 
lower than the rise of 1859; boats ran across the islands and levees 
to the foot of the principal streets. A race between the Key City 
and the Keokuk in June, 1862, was won by the latter in fast time. 
There was sharp rivalry between the lines of the Minnesota Packet 
Company, the Northern Packet Company and the Davidson Packet 
Company at this date. Business was very brisk here on the river 
in 1862; low water was the only hindrance. The Denmark struck 
a snag and sank near Keokuk in November. 

The ferry boats ran almost continuously in January, 1863; large 
numbers of cattle and hogs were taken over and shipped to Chicago. 
February was very cold. When the ice left the river each year a 
great crowd usually gathered to witness the event. In February 
tlie ferry boats ran through channels cut in the ice. The sandbar 
in front was a great hindrance to navigation ; many boats struck it 
and often grounded ; strong demands for its removal were made. 

Captain Spencer J. Ball, an old river captain, was employed by 
the government to pick out vessels for the expedition against Vicks- 
burg. He was authorized to draft into service all boats of two 
hundred feet and under. He selected the Ocean Wave as one in 
March, 1863, and eight more were under inspection. It looked to 
shippers as if they would have to use the railroads. The Bill Hen- 
derson had been in the government service, but was released at this 
time, though soon taken again. The Allamakee, Eolian, Chippewa 
Falls and Frank Steele were seized up the river for the use of the 
government. 

The Bill Henderson took down the river one hundred and fifty 
packages of sanitary stores for different Iowa regiments April 9, 
1863. The government had taken so many boats that almost any- 
thing that would float was put in commission in 1863. 

In the summer of 1863 it was claimed that the Key City was the 
fastest boat on the river; she had a ten-pounder on board which 
shook the city when fired. A huge ice-boat, 132x21 feet took 
immense quantities of ice to St. Louis. The new Davenport looked 
like the Canada and Hawkeye and was a fine boat — 203 x 34 feet. 
It was owned by Mullally. The Henry Clay was burned before 
Vicksburg. The ferry boat was thoroughly repaired at La Crosse 



226 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

in 1862-3. The Favorite passed down in April with 292 Indians 
on board — taken from the Indian war in Minnesota. The North- 
erner passed up the river May 3, 1863, towing a barge laden with 
negroes from the South on their way to a home in the North. 
Thomas McLean, a river man and a Dubuquer, received May 6, 
1863, $1^050 for piloting a raft from the foot of Lake Pepin to 
St. Louis in less than three weeks. The little steamer Ad Hine 
ran the blockade at Vicksburg; she was well known here; she drew 
only sixteen inches of water. 

"The bottom of the river is rising as usual and becoming more 
visible daily; some people call it low water." A lumber raft con- 
taining one million feet came partly from Stillwater on its way to 
St. Louis in charge of Pilot Jack Parker; water low; but his skill 
was equal to it. In 1863 an independent line of steamers was 
established here ; they began with one boat, the U. S. Grant, Cap- 
tain Gray, and later owned the Pearl, Captain Hale, and seven 
barges. 

Late in 1863 the Minnesota Packet Line sold all its steamers to 
the stockholders of the Illinois Central Railway, as follows : Key 
City, Worden ; Milwaukee, Holcomb ; Itasca, Webb ; Ocean Wave, 
Laughton ; War Eagle, Mitchell ; Northern Light, Gabbert ; Clara 
Ames, Ewing; Flora, Wilcox; Franz Siegel, and the Durand; in 
all fifteen steamers and twenty-seven barges were sold for $150,000. 
The Milwaukee, a large side-wheeler, reached St. Paul October 
26th ; the first boat to reach that city since June. She was wel- 
comed as if navigation had just opened. The War Eagle, Ocean 
Wave, Franz Siegel, Durand and Pearl passed the winter of 1863-4 
here "in the slough." 

Late in 1863 the Northwestern Packet Company was organized 
with John Lawler as president ; W. E. Wellington was its Dubuque 
agent. The ferry boat Gregoire was sold late in 1863 for over 
forty thousand dollars, presumably to the Illinois Central Railway 
control. The Northern Packet Company elected the following 
ofiicers late in January, 1864: T. B. Rhodes, president; T. H. 
Griffith, secretary. Their vessels were the Davenport, Hawkeye 
State, Sucker State, Northerner, Canada, Pembina, Muscatine, 
Burlington and Savannah. The Ad Hines was sunk in the Arkan- 
sas river near Pine Bluff early in 1864. 

The steamers here early in 1864 were Canada, Itasca, Pearl, 
James Means, Sucker State, War Eagle, Northern Light, Musca- 
tine, Davenport, Key City, Keokuk, Hawkeye State, Chippewa 
Falls, Cutter, Pembina. Boats came annually from Pittsburg 
laden with glassware, crockery, hardware and oil. In April, 1864, 
the Chippewa Falls and Cutter passed down on their way to Idaho 
via the Missouri river ; others were to follow later. They belonged 
to "Captain Davidson's line." They belonged to what was known 
as the Idaho Packet Line, the headquarters of which were at La 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 227 

Crosse; the cabin passage to Fort Benton was $150, with eighty 
pounds of baggage free. 

The boats and captains of the Northwestern Packet Company in 
the spring of 1864 were: Northern Light, Gabbert; Milwaukee, 
Holcomb ; Key City, Laughton ; Itasca, Webb ; War Eagle, 
Mitchell; Ocean Wave, Sheets; Flora, Wilcox; Pearl, A. Haile; 
Lansing, K. C. Cooley. The Mrs. Partington was remodeled and 
repaired for jobbing trade up and down the Upper Mississippi. 
The wreck of the Grey Eagle at Rock Island was removed for 
$1,000. Charles Chever. a steamer drawing only sixteen inches 
of water, went from St. Louis to St. Paul in August, 1864, when 
the water was extremely low. The Emma Boyd was another 
light draught boat for the St. Paul trade. Stephen Dolson, who 
had served for many years as pilot on the ferry across the river at 
Dubuque, was succeeded by Orville West in August, 1864. 

The following boats were here undergoing repairs early in 
August, 1864: Itasca, Pearl, Ocean Wave, Flora, Mrs. Parting- 
ton, Grey Eagle, Northern Light and Joe Gales. A little steamer, 
St. Paul, was put in commission in August, 1864. The river by 
August 5, 1864, was at its lowest point — the lowest on record. 
Large quantities of freight were heaped on the levee. Water in 
the river was so scarce that it was humorously said that its use 
even to soften whisky was forbidden. The movement of boats 
was very uncertain and irreg^ilar. 

T. B. Rhodes, president of the Northern Packet Company, 
bought the entire interest and stock of the Rapids Packet Company, 
the latter owning the New Boston, City of Keithsburg and Jennie 
Whipple. 

The Pembina, with a crew one-half negroes, was boarded here 
by roughs who objected to the colored hands and attacked them 
with clubs, etc. The ship's officers resisted with iron bars and 
drove the gang away; five were arrested and three sent to jail; 
they were "levee loungers." Many rafts came down in 1864 — - 
often five hundred thousand to seven hundred thousand feet. As 
early as the latter part of May boats quit running to St. Paul, owing 
to low water. 

By August 13, 1864, the river at Dubuque was lower than it was 
ever known before. The sandbars were covered with weeds and 
grass. 

"The up-river papers say that boats have frequently to blow the 
whistle to drive cattle out of the channel to allow them to pass. 
The oldest inhabitant, always reliable, does not remember a season 
when the water was so low." — (Herald, August 27, 1864.) 

"The river is no better than formerly. She is confined to her 
bed. and won't be up for some time. Her complaint is the pre- 
vailing one in the North and all her cry has been. 'Water, more 
water!'" — (Herald, September 15, 1864.) 



228 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Tlie Dubuque harboi- was a terror to boatmen, owing to the sand- 
bars. The packet lines threatened to quit stopping at Dubuque 
unless this state of affairs was remedied. It required as much 
skill to pass these bars as to pass the Rock Island bridge, which 
likewise was for many years the hobgoblin of boatmen. 

The business of boat building and repairing was steadily increas- 
ing. In September, 1864, a new barge was under construction 
on the island above the levee and several barges were being repaired 
and caulked. 

The steamer Mrs. Partington, a light draught tow-boat of the 
Western Packet Company, burst her boiler near La Crosse 
and the boat was torn in pieces. One man was killed and every 
other man on the boat was injured. She had been known as the 
Durand and was valued at $5,000. 

Early in 1865 it seemed that the Illinois Central Railway con- 
trolled both the transfer and the ferry companies. Among the 
boats and masters prominent here in 1865 were: Petrel, Jolly; 
Burlington, Rhodes ; James Means, Wood ; Milwaukee, Holcomb ; 
Itasca, Webb ; Key City, Laughton ; Northern Light, Gabbert ; War 
Engle, Mitchell; Hawkej'e State: Lansing: Davenport; Canada: 
Benton : Ryder : Ocean Wave : Northern Belle, West : Keokuk, 
Moulton : McClellan, Hatcher : Savannah, Hurd. Daniel Hewitt 
launched two new barges from the lower levee in May, 1865 : they 
were of 300-ton burden each. They were built for the North- 
western Packet Company and co,st about four thousand dollars each. 
The steamers Victor and Savannah passed up in June with the 
Thirtieth Illinois Cavalry bound for the Indian country via St. Paul. 
One of the new barges was christened Ed Sawyer in honor of the 
'^cashier of the packet company, a worthy gentleman who has made 
numerous friends here. Like her namesake, she is square built, 
good looking and will carry all she can hold." The other was 
named for D. P. Norford, an accountant of the company. "He is 
the well-known ex-dealer in drugs and soothing syrups and never 
tires of being asked questions in his business capacity." 

A sale of forty-four LTnited States steamboats and seven tugs, 
part of the Mississippi squadron, occurred at Mound City, Illinois, 
August 17, 1865. Among them was the old Peosta, formerly a 
ferrv boat here. 

The first vessels on the Mississippi were the bark canoes of the 
savages ; then came the dugouts and flat-boats ; then the sailing ves- 
sels ; then the stern-wheel steamers, and now in 1865 were the ele- 
gant side-wheel packets averaging about eight miles an hour, soon 
to run exclusively for passengers or for freight, with many heavily- 
laden barges. The Milwaukee was a model side- wheel packet 
and the Ocean Wave a model freighter in 1865. An immense 
river business was done this year. Immense quantities of grain 
passed down. "Dubuque has reason to be proud of the North- 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 229 

western Packet Company, which by hberal management has placed 
its boats ahead of all upper river competition." — (Cor. Herald, 
October 19, 1865.) 

Late in 1865 the Northwestern Packet Company offered for sale 
the steamers Milwaukee, Northern Light, Itasca, War Eagle, Key 
City, Ocean Wave, Flora, Diamond Jo, Damsel, Julia and Lansing. 

D. W. Hewitt launched a large barge here in April, 1866; it cost 
four thousand five hundred dollars and had a capacity for eighteen 
thousand bushels of grain. 

On Monday, April 30, 1866, the river was but a few inches below 
the freshet of 1859, and was over twenty-one feet above low-water 
mark. The lower part of the city was under water ; lumber yards 
were all afloat. The water was over the sidewalk on the outer 
levee ; boats .shoved their gangplanks into the warehouses ; wild 
boats were thick. Tradition says that the greatest rise was in 
1828. The flood of 1859 raised the river to 213/^ feet above low- 
water mark — highest anyone living had ever seen it here. 

The Northern Light was covered with ice in April, 1866, while 
working her way through Coon slough near Brownsville and 
sank in five minutes up to the hurricane deck. Nothing was saved ; 
the loss was about twenty-five thousand dollars. Lake Pepin was 
open about April 20, 1866, and the Sucker State was the first boat 
through. 

The Northwestern Packet Company spent annually in Dubuque 
about two hundred thousand dollars; its taxes here in 1865 
amounted to $6,981.40. Previous to 1850 flat-boats did much of 
the up-river traffic. The first important change was made in about 
1853-4 by the organization of the Minnesota Packet Company at 
Galena. It started with a single steamer, but finally owned nine- 
teen, among which were Itasca, Nominee, Alhambra, Galena, War 
Eagle, Golden Era and Ocean Wave. In 1856 the Dubuque & 
St. Paul Line, with J. P. Farley as president, was established as a 
competitor, and a little later the Prairie du Chien Line engaged ill 
the up-river trade. Finally they were all consolidated under a long 
name with George A. Blanchard secretary and William E. Well- 
ington agent. Soon thereafter Captain W. F. Davidson bought 
the stern-wheel steamer Jacob Trabor, began a good business, added 
other boats and soon was a formidable rival of the consolidated 
company, under the name La Crosse & Minnesota Packet Com- 
pany. Mr. Wellington bought a small steamer and commenced 
business between Dubuque and Winona; was soon joined by Mr. 
Blanchard ; they secured more boats and ere long had managed to 
buy enough stock to control the election of officers of the consoli- 
dated company. This accomplished, they reorganized the com- 
pany November 19, 1863, under the name North-Western Packet 
Company. John Lawler, of Prairie du Chien, became president; 
W. E. Wellington, of Dubuque, superintendent, and George Blanch- 



230 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

aid, of Dubuque, secretary and treasurer. This company, with 
headquarters in Dubuque, added to its craft until by March, 1866, 
it had ten first-class steamers and thirty-six barges varying in ca- 
pacity from five thousand to twenty thousand bushels of grain. 
During the winter of 1865-6 the company spent one hundred thou- 
sand dollars in constructing barges. The capital of this company 
in boats was about five hundred thousand dollars. In May, 1866, 
a new company — the North-Western Union Packet Company — 
bought all the property of the La Crosse & Minnesota Steam Packet 
Company and the Northwestern Packet Company. Its officers 
were William F. Davidson, St. Paul, president ; John Lawler, 
Prairie du Chien, manager; George A. Blanchard, Dubuque, secre- 
tary; William Rhodes, St. Paul, treasurer; W. E. Wellington, 
Dubuque, and P. S. Davidson, La Crosse, superintendents. The 
new company started with thirty steamboats and seventy-three 
barges. The invested capital of the company was announced as 
one million five hundred thousand dollars. The shipping capacity 
was the moving of one million bushels of grain every five days. The 
barges alone had a capacity of three hundred and twenty-five thou- 
sand bushels. The company's side-wheel boats were Phil. Sheri- 
dan, Milwaukee, City of St. Paul, Itasca, Ocean Wave, Northern 
Belle, Key City, Keokuk, War Eagle and Favorite; and its stern- 
wheel steamers were Addie Johnston, Damsel, Annie Johnston, 
Diamond Jo, Jennie Baldwin, Julia, G. H. Wilson, Flora, Clara 
Hine, Hudson, Mankato, Chippewa Falls, Mollie Mohler, Stella 
Whipple, Ariel, G. H. Gray, Albany, Cutter, H. S. Allen and St. 
Cloud. The headquarters of the company were established in 
Dubuque. 

Early in 1867 W. F. Davidson was president of the North- 
western Union Packet Company, and John Lawler was president 
of the Northwestern Packet Company. Both did a large business. 
The City Council authorized the construction of the submarine 
railway at Eagle Point at this time. A drydock was strongly 
talked of. The president of the Northern Line Packet Company 
was Thomas B. Rhodes ; its steamers and masters were : Dubuque, 
Barker; Sucker State, Hight ; Hawkeye State, Worden; Burling- 
ton, Greene ; Muscatine, Jenks ; Canada, McGowan ; Pembina, Con- 
ger; Petrel, Isherwood; Dan Hine, Patton. A fine stand of colors 
was formally presented to the new steamer Dubuque in the spring 
of 1S67; its captain was J. W. Parker. A great crowd assembled 
at the landing to witness the event. Mayor Graves presented the 
colors in a fitting speech, to which brief response was made by 
Captain Parker and, at his request, by John H. O'Neill. The boat 
was presented with a magnificent pair of elk horns procured at 
St. Paul. 

The old practice of attaching and tying up a vessel with a 
legal writ for a small sum was abrogated by the legislatures of 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 2^1 

the various states. Mathias Ham was president of the new ferry 
company at Eagle Point at this time. 

In 1867 the Phil. Sheridan was the fastest boat on the river. 
Rafting by moonhght was declared to be one of the most enjoyable 
experiences of river life. Daniel McLean was one of the best and 
most successful raftsmen on the river. In a race of three rafts 
down from Lake Pepin in 1867 he won and was paid one hundred 
dollars for the victory. In July, 1867, the Phil. Sheridan ran 
from St. Louis to Dubuque in forty hours and fifty-five minutes — 
quickest trip on record. The government was making great im- 
provements on the Mississippi Rapids at this date. Large quanti- 
ties of wheat were sent by barges to New Orleans and thence by 
vessel to Liverpool, in 1867-8; C. H. Merry, who had opened this 
line, was tendered a fine supper as a token of appreciation and 
honor by his fellow-citizens. In 1868 the new ferry boat Dunleith, 
which cost forty thousand dollars, was put in service ; it trans- 
ported railway cars and trains across the river, and in a way was a 
wonder. The Ocean Wave burned to the water's edge near Lake 
Pepin in 1868. Pilots struck for a raise of wages from $75 to 
$150 per month. 

P. J. Smith, T. W. Burns, O. L. West, H. L. Beedle, William J. 
Dolson, N. E. Tibbals, W. R. Tibbals, A. J. Harris, Stephen Dol- 
son, T. G. Drenning, George Scott, Jerm Snow, Augustus Noble, 
C. Looney, Pat. Gainor, Joseph Wilcox, Joseph Gardapie were well- 
known pilots in 1868. 

The Union company became known as the "White Collar Line," 
there being strenuous rivalry between it and the Northern Line. 
The latter had the following boats and masters in 1869: Minne- 
apolis, F. B. Rhodes; Dubuque, J. B. Rhodes; Minnesota, T. B. 
Hill; Davenport, B. A. Cooper; Muscatine, G. W. Jenks, Sucker 
State, William P. Hight ; Hawkeye State, J. Worden ; Canada, M. 
Green; Savannah, R. F. Isherwood ; City of Keithsburg, J. W. 
Campbell ; New Boston, Robert Melville. 

In 1869 the Northwestern Packet Line had the following boats 
and masters : Tom Jasper, Frank Burnett ; Phil, Sheridan, A. M. 
Hutchinson; Milwaukee. E. V. Holcombe; City of St. Paul, Thos. 
Davidson ; Mattie McPike, Moses Hall ; Key Ci'ty, Judd West ; War 
Eagle, Thos. Gushing ; Addie Johnson, Sam Painter ; Jennie Bald- 
win, Charles Leuserbox; Keokuk, Isaac H. Moulton. It was said 
in 1869 that W. E. Wellington had arrived here fourteen years 
before with only 15 cents to his name; now in 1869 he was reputed 
to be worth one hundred thousand dollars, all made in the river 
and boat trade. In 1869 the two companies. Northern and North- 
Western Union, divided the river trade in order to prevent loss 
by too sharp competition ; both ran boats from St. Louis to St. Paul. 
In April the Mohawk took down five barges loaded with over one 
hundred thousand bushels of wheat. At this time whedt was 



232 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

quoted in Chicago at $1.03^/2 and in New Orleans at $1.25. In a 
race riot on the steamer Dubucjue in July. 1869, above Da\'enport 
nine men were killed. There was a People's Line late in 1869; 
also the Merchants' Star Line ; the People's began business with 
three boats. 

In 1870 Rouse & Dean began to build here their famous iron- 
hulled steamers ; the first was a tug for a Wisconsin firm ; it was 
96 feet long b}' 19 broad and a depth of 3 feet. It was called the 
Clyde and was launched in August; it was the first of its kind 
built on the Upper Mississippi. There was very high water here 
in April, 1870; it rose 21 feet 10 inches above the low water of 
1864; the high water of 1859 had been 21 feet 6 inches above the 
same mark. Steps to secure a sectional dock were taken in August 
by Messrs. Wellington, Hewitt, Cooley, Peabody and others. 

The tug-boat Hyde Clark was built here and launched late in 
April, 1870, at the foot of Seventh street; it was sixty feet long 
and fourteen feet wide. In June, 1870, the Eagle Point ferry ran 
every hour. On April 30, 1870, the Dubuque Rowing Club was 
organized with about one hundred members and with a capital of 
two thousand five hundred dollars ; its president was Gen. William 
Hyde Clark. The club started with one barge, two gigs, three 
skilTs, and a boathouse 60 x 20 feet ; the captain was Alfred Hobbs. 
June 4 was "red letter day" for the club ; it was the first public 
rowing exhibition. The rowers were (i) G. Stephens, (2) M. S. 
Connyngham, (3) James Stout, (4) Alfred Hobbs (stroke), and 
A. H. Gibbs, coxswain. Later the club owned the barge Desoto, 
two four-oared gigs, two four-oared skififs and one captain's cutter 
— Vixen. The fourteen-oared barge Desoto was launched June 
25, 1870: it was built by Daniel Hewitt and was forty feet long, 
five feet wide; it had fourteen oars, double banked man-of-war 
fashioned. 

The new marine ways were sunk in the ri\-er early in 1871 by 
Rouse & Dean; twenty-two men accomplished the work success- 
fully. Later, when in use, it was declared to be the best on the 
river. In 1871 the White Collar Line and the Northern Line 
agreed on a schedule of prices for the up-river trade; cut rates and 
war were thus forestalled. There was a race in August between 
the gigs Zephyr and Ironsides, distance three miles, ending at the 
wharf-boat ; a great crowd gathered to witness the event ; the 
Zephyr won by two lengths ; the winners rowed through at thirty- 
five strokes. What was called the Dubuque Short Line (DjLibuque 
to St. Paul) had the following boats and masters in 1871 : Mil- 
waukee, Laughton; City of St. Paul, Gushing; Minnesota, Smith; 
Sucker State, Wood. 

In 1872 the White Collar and Northern lines dissolved their rate 
agreement and prepared to cut prices to secure the trade. In 1871 
another iron steamer was built by Rouse & Dean. They also built 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 233 

another in 1872; it was 135 feet long, 25 feet wide and 4 feet deep. 
In 1873 the Diamond Jo packets became conspicuous in the river 
trade ; theii- first boats and masters were Tidal Wave, Mitchell ; 
Arkansas, Wilcox ; Diamond Jo, Isherwood ; Ida Fulton, Killeen, 
and Imperial. Early in 1873 ^^^ Diamond Jo line was in great 
favor, because they had good schedules and were not so crowded. 
Knapp, Stout & Co. won a case in court involving their right to 
land rafts on their own property without having to pay wharfage 
to the city. Early in 1873 the White Collar and the Northern lines 
were merged into one company with a capital of seven hundred 
thousand dollars and with John A. McCune president and W. F. 
Davidson superintendent — Keokuk Northern Line. The Diamond 
Jo Line was given concessions of land, etc., provided they would 
establish their headquarters here. 

In 1875 Johnson & Kalke prepared to build three boats in Du- 
buque. The Keokuk Northern Line waged war on all cities that 
charged wharfage; the courts had recently decided against the 
right of cities to make such charges. Johnson & Kalke built a new 
steam ferry boat at their Eagle Point works in 1876; it was 100 
feet long, 25 feet broad and 4 feet deep; it could carry eighteen 
teams at once and make a trip in five minutes. The old White Col- 
lar Line began suit against the city to reco\-er wharfage under the 
recent decisions of the courts. The new Keokuk Northern Line 
was formed from the three companies : North-Western Union, 
Northern and Keokuk, with an aggregate capital of seven hundred 
thousand dollars. The wharfage cases were decided against the 
boat companies. The new ferry boat Key City was in operation 
in May, 1876. In 1877 Congress appropriated fifteen thousand 
dollars for the removal of the sandbar in front of the city. The 
bar was dredged away to the depth of si.x feet at low water. Many 
wing dams were being built along the river. 

In October. 1877, one of the dredge boats in the harbor scooped 
up an old musket from the river bottom, on which was stamped the 
date "1812." It proved to be the property of William Carus, of 
Wisconsin, who, while engaged in scouting duty at the close of 
the Blackhawk war, became engaged in a hand-to-hand encounter 
with Indians, all in boats, and in the struggle the gun fell overboard. 
In October, 1877, an immense convention at St. Paul urged the 
appropriation of a sufficient sum by Congress to open the rapids of 
the Mississippi and to efi^ect other needed improvements ; two mil- 
lion dollars was asked for these purposes. The Emma and Key 
City were the ferry boats in 1877-8. In 1878 there passed through 
the drawbridge 3,139 steamboats, 884 barges, 176 wood flats, 498 
log rafts, 159 lumber rafts, 37 tie rafts. There passed down the 
river 459,000,000 feet of lumber. 

In 1878 the Diamond Jo Company located permanently at Eagle 
Point and was granted valuable privileges ; Joseph Reynolds was 



234 IIISTGRY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

the owner. J. A. Johnston had charge of the yards at first; seventy- 
eight men were employed in January, 1880. In 1878 the company 
spent here about one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. 

The establishment of an ice harbor at Dubuque was for the pur- 
pose of providing a shelter for boats during the winters. Waples 
Cut had been used for many years for that purpose ; it was now 
proposed to dredge out this cut and enlarge it, all of which was 
expected to cost about forty thousand dollars. The necessary per- 
mission was secured from Congress. 

On June 19. 1880, the water in the river was only fourteen 
inches below the high water of 1870; on the 21st it rose over the 
mark of 1870; on the 23d it had reached a stage of 22 feet 7V2 
inches above low-water mark, or about gjA inches over the 1870 
mark. Many persons were driven from their homes and were per- 
mitted to sleep in the City Hall. The Illinois Central tracks were 
nearly two feet under water. Nearly all land on the river front 
had disappeared and the buildings and lumber piles there were sur- 
rounded by the angry waters. On Jones street the water extended 
up to Locust; all South Main was under water; it covered the floor 
of the Illinois Central depot ; it was two feet deep on Iowa and 
Third and Fourth. All houses on White at Fourth and Fifth 
were filled with water; it extended up White to Sixth; Couler 
avenue was completely flooded, all at Thirteenth, Fourteenth and 
Fifteenth being under the rushing flood. All high-water records 
were thus broken — height 22 feet 8 inches. 

In 1880 the Diamond Jo Company built another large steamer — 
the Mary Morton, Capt. John Killeen ; the boat cost about forty 
thousand dollars and was throughout a product of Dubuque; Joseph 
Reynolds superintended the construction. He had previously built 
here the Libbie Conger and the Josephine. At her trial trip many 
Dubuquers were on board to testify their appreciation of tlie work 
of the Diamond Jo Company. Resolutions thanking the company 
and Superintendent Reynolds for their efforts and success were 
passed. At this date, June, 1880, the Diamond Jo Company had 
six steamers in service and was a popular line. At this time and 
before boats wintered here at the Eagle Point ways and in "the 
slough" at Waples Cut. In the fall of 1880 the Keokuk Northern 
Line successfully passed through serious financial troubles. In 
November Mrs. F. D. Chouteau and Miss Amanda Gregoire, sis- 
ters, were drowned in front of the city; their bodies were not recov- 
ered for several days. 

In January, 1881, Capt. W. J. Dolson, an old river man, died 
here; he was born in 1820 and learned boating when a boy; he 
lived in Dubuque after 1846, and was related to Capt. Thomas 
Levens. another prominent river man. Under the reorganization 
of the Keokuk Northern Line early in 188 1 Henry Lourey became 
its president, vice Davidson, released. In February, 1881, there 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 235 

were at work in the Diamond Jo yards at Eagle Point about seventy- 
tive men. The company put in condition tlie Stillwater, Mark 
Bradley and J. W. Mills, built several large coal barges and were 
at work on two new steamboats for Clinton and Rock Island owners. 
So great was the jam of ice at the bridge April 11, explosives were 
employed to dislodge it. Mr. Dickey was superintendent at the 
Diamond Jo yards in 1880-1. In the spring of 1881 the Dubuque 
& St. Louis Packet Company was organized, with headquarters in 
Dubuque, and with B. E. Linehan as one of its principal members. 
The St. Louis & St. Paul Packet Line was called for short "the 
Saints Line." At the trustees' sale of the boats of the Keokuk 
Northern Line the following steamers were sold : War Eagle, 
Northwest, Belle of La Crosse, Alex. Mitchell, Rob Roy, Minneap- 
olis, Clinton and Redwing; also several barges. 

In May, 1881. the river reached the stage of 16 feet 6 inches; 
again on October 24 it reached a stage of 21 feet 2 inches, or only 
18 inches below the high water of 1880—22 feet 8 inches. A 
small iron steamer was built and launched by the Iowa Iron Works 
late in 1881. Thus far the Diamond Jo Company had built four 
steamboats, one new hull and four large barges. In 1882 it built 
the raft-boat W. J. Young, Jr., for a Clinton company. This was 
the ninth steamer built here by the Diamond Jo Company in three 
years. The W. J. Young, Jr., was 140 by 28 by 4I/2 and cost 
twenty-five thousand dollars. In 1882 the Iowa Iron Works began 
to build for steamers what was called the "featherwing wheel," 
v^fhich entered the water straight and left it straight; it was first 
put in the Vixen and proved a success. The Diamond Jo Line 
had in service the Josie, Libbie, Conger, Mary Morton, Josephine 
and Pittsburg. The "Saints Line" had in service the White Eagle, 
War Eagle, Arkansas, Keokuk, Minneapolis, Centennial, Alex. 
Mitchell, Grand Pacific and Alex. Kendall. 

In the spring of 1882 the ice harbor was talked of in earnest; 
the government was expected to appropriate thirty thousand dollars 
for that purpose ; it was necessary to buy considerable land adjoin- 
ing the Waples Cut from Mr. Stout before work could be com- 
menced. It took considerable time to secure the desired land from 
Booth and Stout, who had made valuable improvements on the 
tract wanted. In June it was decided to use thirteen thousand 
dollars left over from the old harbor appropriation and secure a 
new one of twenty thousand dollars, all for the ice harbor. In 
1880 Major Mackenzie surveyed the various sites for an ice harbor 
and reported the most desirable at Dubuque. Waples Cut, enlarged, 
was chosen, and the engineers showed that the cost would be about 
forty thousand dollars; in 1882 Congress appropriated twenty 
thousand dollars to start the work; the plan was to dredge down 
six feet below low-water mark and provide room for twenty 



236 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

steamers and fifty barges. In 1883 the Diamond Jo yards suffered 
a fire loss of about fifteen thousand dollars. 

In 1884 W. F. Davidson was president of the "Saints Line." 
Many boats came to the Diamond Jo yards for repairs. Their 
vessels Pittsburg, Sidney, Mary Morton and Libbie Conger ran 
from St. Louis to St. Paul, but the Josephine plied between Du- 
buque, Davenport and Rock Island only. In 1884 Congress appro- 
priated another twenty thousand dollars for the ice harbor. In 
1884 the Iowa Iron Works built in the ice harbor the iron tug-boat 
Ida Patton; she was 77x14x51/2 and cost about nine thousand 
dollars. Four boats for the government were under contract here 
in 1884. This year a company with a capital of one hundred thou- 
sand dollars was formed to make important improvements at and 
near Eagle Point. They cut a canal 350 feet long and 40 feet wide 
through the island opposite Eagle Point and constructed piling to 
the mainland at Smeed's bottom. They had docks and a ferry boat 
in operation. It was called the Eagle Point, Dubuque & Grant 
County Ferry ; the boat was built by the Diamond Jo Company. 
The ice harbor was not yet completed, but late in 1885 work was 
again commenced. 

The Diamond Jo boats and masters in 1885 were as follows: 
Pittsburg, Killeen ; Mary Morton, Boland ; Sidney. Best ; Libbie 
Conger, Corbett ; Josephine, Congar ; Josie, Sweeney. So great 
was the demand for quick river transit the Diamond Jo Company 
prepared to construct fast passenger boats to ply from St. Louis 
to St. Paul — all of steel and to be built here; many steel barges 
were projected. Six steel hull steamers were planned at once. 
The design was to separate the passenger and freight traffic. By 
July, 1885, the ice harbor was practically completed. The J. K. 
Graves, an iron hull rafter, was built in the ice harbor in 1885. 
The Van Sant & Musser Transportation Company built a large 
rafter here early in 1886; it was called Musser and was 137 feet 
long. The Diamond Jo Company built the upper part and the 
Iowa Iron Works the iron and steel part. At this date the princi- 
pal river business was the towing of log and lumber rafts ; the usual 
size of the rafts was about five hundred feet long and two hundred 
and fifty feet wide ; Thomas Dolson was captain. Joseph Reynolds 
was president and general manager and E. M. Dickey superinten- 
dent of the Diamond Jo Line; this line built a barge with a double 
steel hull in 1886. The sudden movement of all the ice in the river 
about March 18, 1886, was witnessed by thousands of persons. 
At this date there were about eighty steamers engaged in the upper 
Mississippi trade, exclusive of the Diamond Jo and "Saints" lines. 
The following boats were owned at Dubuque : Helen Mar, Louis- 
ville, Menominee and B. E. Linehan, by Knapp, Stout & Co. ; A. 
Reiling, by the Standard Lumber Company; Nellie, by Specht 
Bros. ; Jim Watson, by Hamsen & Linehan. Forty-eight business 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 237 

firms along the river owned the above eighty boats. Previous to 
the spring of 1886 the Iowa Iron Works had confined its boat 
work principally to iron hulls, but at that date it established a gen- 
eral shipbuilding department. 

The Campbell was the transfer packet in 1887; it was in opera- 
tion in March. In August, 1887, J. K. Graves was president of 
the boat club. In January, 1888, the Upper Mississippi River Con- 
vention assembled here and took strong action in favor of large 
river improvements ; the visitors were banqueted at the Lorimier 
House. Owing to the construction of light draft boats rafting was 
continued all summer in 1888, regardless of low water. 

The Linehan Transportation Company brought its large steamer 
here for repairs ; its capacity was twenty cars and was bought in 
the South. The Linehan Ferry Company was active in 1888. 
The Dubuque Boating Association owned five boats this year ; sev- 
eral regattas were held; Captain Hobbs was usually the referee. 
In January, 1889, the St. Louis, St. Paul & Minneapolis Packet 
Company was organized. 

RAFTER CAPTAINS FOR 189O. 

Ezra Chace, J. H. Laycock, A. M. Short, J. A. Wooders, Orrin 
Smith, Vol. Bigelow, Gary Denberg, Derwin Dorrance, S. B. 
Winthrop, Thomas Peel, William McCaffrey, O. J. Newcomb, Asa 
Woodward, J. M. Newcomb, Joseph Buisson, C. Buisson, W. S. 
Mitchell, A. Roque, Thomas Dolson, Al. HoUingshead, James 
Follmer, George Carpenter, H. B. Bresee, Dan Davisson, James 
Hugunin, George Reed, Phil. Shackel, James Coleman, C. C. Car- 
penter, C. B. Romahn, John Hugunin, J. G. Moore, John Hoy, 
John Lancaster, R. H. Tromley, Henry Fuller, L. A. Day, M. M. 
Looney, Joseph Young, I. H. Wasson, William Davis, William 
York, D. F. Dorrance, J. M. Turner, A. P. Lambert, J. W. Rambo, 
W. A. Kratka, E. D. Dixon, J. N. Long, Henry Walker, N. B. 
Lucas, R. M. Cassidy, R. S. Owens, William Dobler, William 
Anderlee, W. R. Slocum, John O'Connor, J. H. Short, George 
Tromley, Jr., Charles White, W. H. Whistler, Henry Slocum, 
Walter Blair, Ira Fuller, George Rutherford, Thomas Hoy, Joseph 
Dooley, J. H. Milliron, John Monroe, Robert Dodds, Cyrus King, 
George Brasser, Paul Kerz. The rafters Clyde, Jennie Hays, St. 
Croix and Nellie were owned at Dubuque. 

By 1890 Dubuque had become a great center for the construc- 
tion of steel hulls. The Ferdinand Herold, which was launched 
late in July, 1890, was the twenty-second iron and stee! craft sent 
out by the Iowa Iron Works; the Clyde was the first, in 1870. In 
July, 1890, the ofiice of the United States steamboat inspector was 
removed to Dubuque. 

Early in 1891 the Laclede Packet Company was organized at 
Burlington. C. H. Pitsch was manager of the St. Louis, St. Paul 



238 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

& Minneapolis Packet Company at this time ; its packets were few ; 
its most active boats were rafters. Diamond Jo Reynolds died at 
Prescott, Arizona, early in 1891 ; his fortune was estimated at from 
one million dollars to twenty million dollars. He was the owner 
of the Diamond Jo Line and was interested in immense deals else- 
where. Scores of stories were current as to his diamonds, and one 
reporter placed in the newspaper an immense diamond in his shirt 
front ; none of these stories were true. He had adopted the mark 
which was placed on all shipments handled by him ; and his name 
Joseph was the origin of the name Diamond Jo. 

In 1891 the Iowa Iron Works built for the government the tor- 
pedo boat Dubuque at a cost of $113,500; it was 150 feet long, 14 
wide and 6 high ; it was modeled after the Gushing. The contract 
provided that if the boat could make more than twenty-eight knots 
per hour the contractors were to receive a bonus of fifty-six thou- 
sand dollars. The snag-boat James B. McPherson was built by 
this company in 1891 ; it was 175 feet long and one of the finest 
vessels ever constructed here. It was launched on August 8, 
Senator Allison being present and speaking. William Hopkins 
superintended the construction. 

In January, 1892, the Diamond Jo Line of steamers was granted 
the right to occupy and use a certain part of the public levee and 
to erect and maintain thereon a warehouse and office. This ordi- 
nance was vetoed by the Mayor and was passed over his veto. The 
Mayor's veto was based upon the opinion that the city did not 
receive for this franchise just compensation. 

The Pilots' Transportation Company endeavored to do river 
business in 1892 on credit and failed. Many citizens in 1892 
wanted the government to deed to the city the bed of Lake Peosta. 
In 1893 General Booth's new sand pump barge was christened 
Mound Builder by Miss Fannie Cozech; it was built by the Iowa 
Iron Works and was IT2 feet long. In 1893 the torpedo boat 
Ericsson was built here. At this date the Diamond Jo officers were 
E. M. Dickey, president; John Killeen, vice-president; F. A. Bill, 
secretary and treasurer. The largest raft of lumber that ever 
passed down the river in barges was towed by the steamer Dolphin 
in April, 1893; there were seven barges, containing 2,270,000 feet 
of lumber, 760,000 lath, and to this was added here the hull of the 
old steamer Osborne and 200,000 feet more of lumber. It passed 
down at the rate of about seven miles an hour. 

The St. Louis, St. Paul and Minneapolis Packet Company had 
several boats here early in the nineties ; their boat St. Paul passed to 
the Diamond Jo Company. The Windom (revenue cutter) was 
being built here in 1893-94. 

In spite of all, the old river men could not help noticing the great 
decadence in river traffic from thirty and forty years before. Short- 
run packets were resorted to in 1893-94 to meet new conditions. 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 239 

The cut of 30 per cent in railroad freight rates was a severe blow 
to river men, but the Diamond Jo Company seemed to do well. 
Small draft and short line boats were greatly in evidence ; St. Paul, 
Pittsburg, Sidney, Mary Morton and Gem City were their boats. 

The Ericsson torpedo boat was launched here by the Iowa Iron 
Works in May, 1894; Miss Carrie Kiene christened the vessel; 
20,000 people witnessed the launching. This boat went down the 
Mississippi and saw service in the Spanish-American war. It was 
defective in several important particulars, but in the end did good 
service. In August, 1894, the river here was the lowest in thirteen 
years. In December of this year the Upper Mississippi Pilots' Asso- 
ciation assembled here. Early in 1895 three new torpedo boats were 
called for; the Iowa State Iron Works bid for each $137,000, but 
others were a little lower. In April, 1895, the Windom torpedo 
boat was nearly ready here. Jay Morton was president of the Dia- 
mond Jo Line. The new steamer Dubuque arrived from St. Louis 
in April, 1897. By 1898 the Iowa Iron Works had built or partly 
built over one hundred boats. In 1898 this company launched two 
large iron hulls in the ice harbor. One was a transfer boat, 303 feet 
long, and was No. 43 of its class built here ; seven other boats were 
under construction at the time. About this time the Iowa Iron 
Works pay roll was about $11,000 per month; in fourteen months 
ending June, 1899, that company paid out over $400,000 for labor 
and material ; it had about 230 men on the pay roll. The Acme 
Packet Company ran packets and other boats about this time. Capt. 
Thomas Parker and his six sons, all river men, were known to 
everybody. Captain Winans and Captain Streckfus ran boats of 
their own. The Dubuque Boat and Boiler Company began business 
about 1906-07; it built two dredge boats in 1907. Early in 1907 
it began on the giant transfer boat Albatros, and in June it sailed 
down to Vicksburg. Other boats have been built recently, among 
them the B. F. Yocum, now being finished. Capt. Steve Dolson, a 
well-known river man, died in 1909. The river business is not what 
it used to be. 



RAILWAY PROJECTS. 

TO AN early citizen of Dubuque, Jolui Plunibe, Jr., is given the 
credit of taking the first steps to build a railroad from Lake 
Michigan to the Mississippi and on to the Pacific ocean. As 
early as 1836 he commenced the preliminaries for the con- 
struction of such a line. Two years later he drew up a petition for the 
establishment of this line, which was numerously signed and for- 
warded to Congress bearing the date April, 1838. It began as fol- 
lows : "The connection of Lake Michigan with the Mississippi river, 
at or near the Borough of Dubuque, by means of a railroad to be 
located upon the most eligible ground within the territory is a sub- 
ject of such importance, etc. * * * The entire length of the Lake 
Michigan and Dubuque railroad would be only about one hundred 
and fifty miles * * * Within little more than eight months of last 
year (1837) the total number of steamboat arrivals and departures 
at the port of Dubuque amounted to no less than 717." General 
Jones, who was then in Congress, secured an appropriation to defray 
the expense of locating the first division of the road. It should be 
said that in 1849 Mr. Plumbe, at his own expense, discovered and 
inspected a practical route through the South Pass for a railroad 
to the Pacific coast, being the first to accomplish this task. — {Times, 
July 10, 1857.) Asa Whitney was one of the foremost in the 
struggle for a Pacific railroad. 

It is true that Mr. Plumbe not only projected the line, prepared 
the petition and secured the Congressional appropriation, but in 
person and at his own cost began the inspection, if not the survey, 
of the line from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi. He did not 
relinquish his efforts, and in 1847 proposed a grant of land from 
the government to aid the project; the proposal contained the fol- 
lowing points : ( i ) The grant to consist of alternate sections of 
land; (2) the stock to be $10 a share; (3) at the time of subscrip- 
tion 50 cents to be paid on each share; (4) the railroad to be man- 
aged by a board of directors; (5) the government to enjoy forever 
the free use of the road; (6) editors, ministers, missionaries, etc., 
to ride free. 

The citizens of Dubuque, in 1838-9, warmly favored this pro- 
posed Lake Michigan and Mississippi railroad, which was projected 
westward from Milwaukee, presumably to the Mississippi at Du- 
buque. A bill for a survey of this road was defeated in the Iowa 
Territorial Legislature on the ground that it was outside of the 

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HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 241 

territory. It was further presented that such a road should not be 
designed for Dubuque county alone, but for the whole territory ; 
and as Dubuque county and town were the only parts to be benefited 
the bill should not pass. 

By act of December 7, 1836, the Belmont & Dubuque Railroad 
Company was incorporated and two of the commissioners were 
John Foley and Francis K. O'Ferrall, of Dubuque county. In 
February, 1S37, books for subscriptions to the stock of this road 
were opened in this city. The subscriptions were under the man- 
agement of the commissions appointed by the act. During the 
latter part of 1838 the route between Milwaukee and Dubuque was 
surveyed. At this date also a survey was made of the Chicago & 
Galena Railroad. 

Milwaukee was anxious to secure the railway westward to Du- 
buque for the double purpose of keeping Chicago out of northern 
and central Iowa and of winning that promising field for herself. 
Chicago had the same double end in view. In the end Chicago 
won by building 'he Chicago & Galena Union Railway. Numer- 
ous other lines connecting the lake and the Mississippi were pro- 
posed during the early forties ; one was to connect Madison, Wis- 
consin, with the Mississippi at Dubuque. In October, 1847, ^t a 
big railway mass meeting here Gen. James Wilson spoke at length 
favoring the proposed connection of Milwaukee and Dubuque by 
rail. On May 20, 1848, a large railroad convention was held 
here, Theophilus Crawford serving as chairman. Resolutions favor- 
ing the railroads and the subscription of stock were passed. 

What was called the "Railroad Committee of Dubuque County" 
was organized early in 1848 by the election of Peter A. Lorimier, 
Mayor, president, and Patrick Quigley secretary. The committee 
announced itself ready to receive reports from the several commit- 
tees appointed in accordance with the resolutions of the railroad 
convention held at Iowa City January 17, 1848. 

On the State Railroad Committee appointed at the railroad con- 
vention held in Iowa City in January, 1848, were Peter A. Lori- 
mier and Lucius Langworthy, of Dubuque county; Thomas H. 
Benton, Jr., of Dubuque county, served as president of the con- 
sention. The people of the State were in earnest regarding rail- 
roads. The one now proposed was to extend from Keokuk to 
Dubuque. 

At a large railroad meeting held in Dubuque in March, 1848, 
lo consider connecting Lake Michigan and the Mississippi. Col. C. 
H. Booth served as chairman and W. H. Merritt and A. P. Wood 
as secretaries. The objects of the meeting were explained by 
General Jones and L. H. Langworthy. A committee of seven was 
appointed to draft resolutions — L. H. Langworthy, G. W. Jones, 
Lincoln Clark, W. Y. Lovell, E. Fitzpatrick, Charles Miller and 
N. Nadeau. The resolutions warmlv favored the construction of 



242 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

a railroad from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi at Jordan's Ferry, 
opposite Dubuque. Steps to prepare a memorial to Congress were 
taken. The committee to memorialize Congress were L. H. Lang- 
worthy, W. W. Coriell, George W. Jones, Lincoln Clark, W. Y. 
Lovell, T. S. Wilson and Timothy Mason. 

In 1848-9 Congress passed an act donating alternate sections of 
land to the Dubuque & Keokuk Railway ; this was the first Dubuque 
county land thus granted. Dubuque was particularly anxious for 
rail coimection with Lake Michigan, because during the thirties and 
forties business men here were at the mercy of St. Louis, there 
being no competition. It became known here that combinations to 
keep up the prices at up-river points existed at St. Louis, and that 
the boat lines were in collusion with St. Louis to extort large reve- 
nues from Dubuque and other up-river points. Thus during the 
late forties numerous railway projects were considered by large 
and enthusiastic mass meetings and conventions. Li February, 
1849, the citizens gathered at the courthouse to listen to a railway 
project described by William B. Ogden, of Chicago. 

"Will the citizens not try to effect a communication with the 
East by means of a railroad and thus have an outlet for their in- 
creasing productions? There is nothing to hinder if we will agree. 
The Chicago & Dubuque Railroad will afford the quickest means 
of communication with the East. But we have no time to lose. 
Our merchants, men of property and citizens generally, must ex- 
hibit a better public spirit before they can accomplish anything. 
Let us begin with our harbor. What is its condition? Is it a 
place where any sensible man would make it the terminus of a 
railroad ? We believe Dubuque great, but we must convince others 
also. We must provide an accessible and commodious landing. 
Keokuk, Burlington, Bloomington, Rock Island and even Bellevue 
have done more for a practical landing than Dubuque. To what 
is this to be ascribed ? I say posith'cly to a want of that unanimity 
which is so characteristic of us. If the City Council can't make 
this improvement out of the islands, or under the power granted 
in the present charter, let us have a new one, with power to levy 
a certain tax to construct this harbor and to do it when it best suits 
with reference to the best interests of all." — (Iowa, in Miners' 
Express, December 5, 1849.) 

"The whole country — North, South, East, and West — cities, 
towns, hamlets, and villages, are crying out 'Railroads! Let us 
have railroads!!' This cry is approaching us from all directions, 
while here we are in Dubuque as unconcerned as if 'Whiskey Hill' 
and 'Dirtv Hollow' were ever to be the only thoroughfares from 
and to Dubuque. Our neighbors of Galena are making arrange- 
ments to go and meet the Chicago road ; Milwaukee and her sister 
towns are engaged in a vigorous effort to connect themselves to 
the Mississippi a few miles above us: while here we are asleep in 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 243 

a kind of dreamy-drowsy-stupid lethargy. We should make im- 
mediate provision to unite ourselves to the Chicago and Galena 
road at the latter place. The company is under no obligation to 
come to Dubuque. When in the future the road is extended to 
the Mississippi where is the guaranty that Dubuque will be the 
point reached?" — {Miners' Express, December 12, 1849.) 

The Miners' Express, in 1850, had so much to say on the subject 
of railroads and there were so many rumors and projects afloat 
that it established a "Railroad Department." In January, 1850, 
the plan was considered to connect Dubuque with the Red River of 
the North and to make Dubuque the focus of all lines of the North- 
west. About this time a railroad westward from Dubuque pass- 
ing through Cascade had been proposed, and at a railroad meeting 
in the latter village Bell, Banghart, Langworthy, Eaton and Dillon 
delivered addresses. Lovell and Langworthy were agents of the 
Dubuque & Keokuk line. In 1850-1 the Chicago & Galena Union 
Railway and the Illinois Central Railway were under course of 
construction and it was seen here that one or both of them would 
eventually reach Dubuque. The people here were asked to take 
stock in both roads, but refused unless they would be constructed 
to this point. 

In August, 1852, Galena prohibited the passage through that city 
of the Illinois Central Railway and took this step to prevent that 
road from building on to Dubuque, hoping to become the western 
terminus of that road and thus the business focus of the North- 
west. This step forced the Illinois Central to pass around Galena 
on its way to Dubuc[ue or Dunleith. At a mass meeting of the 
citizens September 22, 1852, the proposition of taking one hundred 
thousand dollar stock in the Milwaukee, Janesville & Mississippi 
Railroad was considered ; eight thousand dollars was subscribed on 
the spot. In a few weeks this city voted in favor of this stock, 
only nine votes being polled against it. When it was announced 
in June. 1852, that the Chicago & Galena Union Railroad would 
be finished to Galena in eighteen months great excitement and 
rejoicing ensued. In May, 1853, one hundred and fifty citizens 
petitioned the Council to take one hundred thousand dollars stock 
in the Dubuque Sr Pacific Railway. The Miners' Express opposed 
the loan, but not violently. The question was submitted to the 
voters and carried by 466 to 79. The vote in the whole county 
on two hundred thousand dollars subscription was 954 for and 
717 again. New Wine, Concord, Jefferson, Peru, Iowa, Mosalem, 
White Water, Liberty, Prairie Creek, Cascade and Dodge town- 
ships returned majorities against the subscription. The over- 
whelming vote in Julien township in favor of the project, 666 for 
to 160 against, carried the question. Work on the road was soon 
commenced. Colonel Mason was chief engineer here, J. P. Farley 
was president, F. S. Jesup treasurer and Piatt Smith attorney. In 



244 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

the summer of 1853 Dunleith (now East Dubuque) was laid out, 
as the IlHiiois Central was fast approaching. The Milwaukee road, 
though voted stock, was not built. By Stepember, 1854, cars began 
to run from Galena to Chicago, the fare being $5.25 ; the fare from 
Dubuque was $6.25 

"To the President and Directors of the Dubuque & Pacific Rail- 
road: Perceiving that some of our citizens think so much of our 
useless island and seem disposed to want a much larger price for it 
than it is worth, I will offer you free of charge twenty acres of 
land for your depot grounds and a sufficient quantity of it shall be 
on the river to accommodate the business of your road. The land 
is situated at my furnace, where the largest class of steamboats can 
land at all stages of water, and a part of said land is within the 
present city limits. Hoping you will give this your favorable 
consideration, Yours respectfully, P. A. Lorimier, December i, 
1853." This offer seemed to bring the citizens to their senses. 

In October, 1853, President Nelson Dewey, of the Southern 
Wisconsin road, came here and asked the Council to aid his line 
with fifty thousand dollars. On this question the Council voted 
as follows : For the grant — Burt, Heeb and Langworthy ; against 
the grant — Samuels, McNamara, Wilde and O'Hare. 

On the question to grant ten acres of land to the Dubuque & 
Pacific road for depot purposes the vote stood in 1854 : For, 677, 
and against, 285. In September, 1855, the city voted on taking 
an additional one hundred thousand dollars stock in the Dubuque & 
Pacific road — for, 1,01 1 ; against, 109. In January, 1855, the city 
voted as follows on tlie question of taking one hundred and fifty 
thousand dollars stock in the Mississippi & Milwaukee road : For, 
574; against, 135. This was the same road, with name changed, 
that stock had been voted for in 1853. At this time many objected 
to any stock subscription to the last-named road, declaring that the 
outlet to Chicago was sufficient and that Dubuque .should now help 
build the roads leading westward in order to open new fields to 
Dubuque. 

"The city has already pledged its credit for one hundred thousand 
dollars to the Southern Wisconsin road ; one hundred thousand to 
the Dubuque & Pacific road. Individuals in the city are pledged 
to the latter for one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. The 
county is pledged to the same for two hundred thousand dollars, 
and the bonds of the city are already in the market for thirty thou- 
sand dollars. This makes five himdred and eighty thousand dol- 
lars. Add to this one hundred and fifty thousand dollars voted on 
the 2d inst. and we have the handsome little sum of seven hundred 
and fifty thousand dollars. Truly, we are a progressive people." — 
{Express and Herald, January 4, 1855.) 

In July, 1855, R. B. Mason & Co. contracted to build thirty 
miles of the Dubuque & Pacific road next to Dubuque. On June 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 245 

II, 1855, a party of about twenty ladies and gentlemen of Dubuque 
was carried from Dunleith to Galena on the construction train. 
This was a special arrangement and may be said to have been the 
first passengers to go over that part of the road; seats were placed 
on the gravel cars and the run was made in about forty minutes. 

"A train of passenger cars arrived on Saturday night (June 9, 
1855) about twelve o'clock at Dunleith. This is the first train 
through and it ushers in a new era for the prosperity, business, 
wealth and growth of Dubuque and the adjacent country." — 
{Express and Herald, June 13, 1855.) 

On the question of granting the north half of Middle Island to 
the Dubuque & Pacific Railroad, in September, 1855, the city voted 
130 in favor of the grant and 614 against it. The completion of 
the Illinois Central to Dunleith was the occasion of an immense 
celebration here. Many visitors were present — a number from 
Chicago. The citizens had subscribed a sum to cover expenses, 
but the costs ran $402 over that sum. 

"We must say that if we, the people of Dubuque, are so stupid 
or so niggardly of our present wealth or so lazy that we will not 
push out our railroads to the West and Northwest immediately, 
why, then, if we are left behind in the path of advancement we can 
blame nobody but ourselves. Dubuque has got to zvake up and go 
to work at once to secure the trade and business of the country 
west or she will be not only tributary to others herself but an unim- 
portant secondary point. We have the start now, let us keep it. 
Railroads have made Chicago what she is and will make Dubuque." 
— (Express and Herald, June 25, 1855.) I" the summer of 1855, 
when the Illinois Central Railroad was completed to Dunleith, this 
city held a big celebration of the event. 

On the question of taking two hundred and fifty thousand dol- 
lars stock in the Dubuque & Northwestern Railroad the county 
voted: For the subscription, 2,166; against the subscription, 1,010. 
On October 3, 1856, steam was raised in the engine "Dubuque" 
for the first time; this was the first engine in Dubuque; it required 
considerable care and skill to bring this engine across on the ferry 
and to load and unload it. The Tete des Mortes branch of the 
Dubuque & Pacific road was considered in 1855-6 and early in 1857 
was being constructed. By January i, 1857, the Dubuque & Pa- 
cific road was completed to within five miles of Dyersville. 

By proclamation of Mayor Wilson December 13, 1856, was set 
as the date of the special election to decide whether the city should 
borrow five hundred thousand dollars for railroad purposes. The 
election was duly held with the following results: For the loan, 
1,456; against the loan, 4; rejected by canvassers, i ; majority for 
the loan, 1.451. "We congratulate the people upon the result of 
the ballot yesterday. It has settled the railroad policy of Du- 



246 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

buque to have a system of railroads reaching to the Southwest 
and the Northwest." — (Express and Herald, December 17, 1856.) 

All Dubuque was urged to assist all Northwest, Southwest, Du- 
buque & Bellevue and Turkey River Valley railroads. "These 
roads will do more to build up Dubuque than all other means com- 
bined. Before Dubuque will be, next to Chicago, the great city of 
the West, the lines of roadroad in course of construction and those 
recently projected must be pushed on towards completion." — (Ex- 
press and Herald, January 28, 1857.) 

The Dubuque Southwestern Railroad was let to contractors in 
January, 1857, and was thirty-one miles long — four between Du- 
buque and the junction with the Dubuque & Pacific and the balance 
between Farley and Anamosa. The road was let at twenty-five 
thousand dollars a mile. The newspapers at this time indulged in 
pleasing dreams as to the future of Dubuque. Several made it the 
center of the railroads of the West — that is, west of Chicago. 

In January, 1857, the following officers of the Dubuque, St. 
Paul & St. Peters Railroad were elected : F. E. Bissell, president ; 
J. W. Taylor, treasurer; B. M. Samuels, attorney; H. E. Fellowes, 
secretary ; James Langworthy, Gen. John Hodgdon, Governeur Mor- 
ris, W. J. Barney. G. L. Nightingale, Gen. W. Lewis, Hon. G. W. 
Jones, directors. 

By a handbill dated February 23, 1857, the citizens of Cascade 
called a railroad meeting to be held in that town March 7 "to secure 
the location of the Great Northwestern Railroad on the route from 
Galena to this place." George W. Trumbull was chairman of the 
citizens' committee which called the meeting. 

By special act of Legislature approved January 28, 1857, the 
city of Dubuque was authorized to subscribe for two hundred and 
fifty thousand dollars stock of the Dubuque, St. Peters and St. 
Paul Railroad and to issue bonds for that purpose. 

The vote here, March 31, 1857, as to whether the city should 
lend her credit by issuing bonds to the amount of five hundred 
thousand dollars adtlitional to aid the Dubuque, St. Peters & St. 
Paul Railroad, resulted as follows: For the loan, 1,129; against 
the loan, 94; illegal, 5 ; total vote, 1,228. By May 20, 1857, work 
had been commenced by the Dubuque & Southwestern Railroad 
Company along Lake Peosta, near Eighteenth street. "The first 
siiipment from the interior on the Dubuque & Pacific road was 
brought in on Thursday from Dyersville. It consisted of a con- 
signment to West & Hopkins of 450 barrels of flour for shipment." 
— (Express and Herald, May 20, 1857.) 

Mayor Wilson, Edward Langworthy and F. Herron, in June, 
1857, were successful in negotiating this city's railroad bonds in 
New York City, where they had been sent for that purpose. The 
building of the Dubuque Western Railroad in 1857 led to the rapid 
growth of Farley Junction. INIany buildings were soon in process 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 247 

of construction. The Illinois Central and the Dubuque & Pacific 
railroads secured in the summer of 1857 a large site for a station 
and depot at Jones and Iowa streets, extending through to Dodge. 
The two roads pledged themselves to build a union depot that 
would cost one hundred thousand dollars. A fine railroad bridge 
across the river was also planned. In consequence land near that 
spot advanced fifty percent within a few days. 

Dubuque expected by the Northwest Railroad to cut ofif and 
capture nearly all the trade of southern Minnesota by running to 
the rear of McGregor's Landing, La Crescent, Winona, Reed's 
Landing and Hastings, and draw off much of the trade of St. An- 
thony, Minneapolis and St. Paul, the Pacific road would bring here 
the trade of all northern Iowa and the Southwestern road to Ana- 
mosa on the Iowa Central Line would bring central Iowa trade 
here, cutting ofif Sabula and Lyons. — {Express and Herald, April 

22, 1857.) 

"Look Out for the Locomotive. — The trains on the Dubuque & 
Pacific road commence tomorrow to make regular trips to Dyers- 
ville." — (Express and Herald, April 22, 1857.) "Brought Over. 
— The Dubuque & Pacific road has had brought over and placed 
upon the track their two passenger cars. On Monday they will 
bring over their new locomotive 'Black Hawk,' then 'look out for 
squalls.' " — (Express and Herald, April 29, 1857.) 

The Dubuque Western Railroad and the Dubuque, St. Peters 
& St. Paul Railroad occupied joint depot grounds and were upon 
the main channel of the Mississippi and centrally located. The 
first mentioned road leased the line of the Dubuque & Pacific 
company as far as Farley Junction, from which point it passed 
.southwestward to Anamosa, its object being to strike the Iowa 
coal fields. This road could not go via Cascade owing to the heavy 
grades. "The contract cost of the first thirty miles from Dubuque 
to Dyersville is $1,100,000. which is $36,666 per mile; this in- 
cludes building, rolling stock, etc., except fencing and ballasting." 
- — (Express and Herald, November 4, 1857.) 

The Dubuque Western Railroad had two locomotives named 
"Lonsdale" and "Columbiana." The former went into a slough, 
but was raised. Previous to October, 1858, the citizens of Du- 
buque voted loans for railroad purposes as follows : 

Dubuque & Pacific $ 200,000 

Dubuque Western 250,000 

Turkey River Valley 200,000 

Dubuque & St. Peters 750,000 

Dubuque & Bellevue 100,000 

Southern Wisconsin 150,000 

Total $1 ,650,000 



248 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Up to that time there had been issued only $200,000 for the 
Dubuque & Pacific and $250,000 for the Dubuque Western. It 
was now proposed, owing to the hard times, to issue no more of 
the bonds and the question of further issues was laid over to a 
subsequent date in the City Council. 

In March, 1857, the Council of Dubuque was petitioned to lend 
the Dubuque, St. Peters & St. Paul Railroad $500,000 more, 
making in all $750,000. The press at this time demanded that 
the railroad company should now "show its hand" before expecting 
this large addition to its subscriptions. It was demanded that 
the route of the road should be made known. "The city has dealt 
even magnanimously with the proposed road already, having given 
it, or is ready to give it, $250,000, and now its directors ask a 
half million more. The city is rich, to be sure; she has sold a 
large amount of real estate recently, and has a large amount more 
to sell, and she may be able to give a half million to the first 
applicant ; but we submit whether she ought not to know how 
and where it is to be put." — {Express and Herald, March 11, 
1857.) As a matter of fact the company proposed to start from 
Dyersville instead of from Dubuque. 

On and after May 16, 1859, regular trains were run on the 
Dubuque & Western Railway. They left Farley Junction every 
morning at 9 130. The trains ran as far as Sand Spring, where 
stages received passengers who were bound farther westward. 
The trains at Farley Junction connected with those on the Dubuque 
& Pacific. 

Both the Galena & Chicago Union and the Illinois Central Rail- 
ways practiced extortion on the shippers at Dubuque, and the 
river freight and packet companies and concerns did even worse. 
It was shown in March, 1859, that a saving of about 30 cents per 
htmdred could be gained by shipping via Milwaukee. "It is well 
known that freight from Chicago to Dunleith has been kept at 
much higher rates than at any other points on the Mississippi ; the 
consequence is that Davenport, Fulton City and McGregor have 
had a great advantage over Dubuque." — {Express and Herald 
Cor., March 23, 1859.) 

Over one hundred of the leading business men of Dubuque 
petitioned the Illinois Central Railroad early in April, 1862, to 
cancel the new order concerning freight carriage between Dubuque 
and Dunleith, and asked that they be allowed to deliver and re- 
ceive their own freight at Dunleith. The order objected to was 
as follows : "In future the rates from Dunleith to Chicago will be 
the same as from Dubuque: On grain, 23 cents per 100 pounds; 
on flour, 45 cents per barrel ; and all freight will be transferred 
from Dubuque by our regular transfer agent at above rates." 

In 1867 the Illinois Central and the Dubuque & Sioux City rail- 
»va}'S were united and a railway bridge at Dubuque was planned. 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 249 

At this date the Sioux City hne had ninety-nine miles in opera- 
tion and the Soutliwestern forty-four miles. In 1868 great efforts 
to secure lines that would compete with the Illinois Central were 
made. In the summer the tunnel through the bluff at Dunleith 
was being cut and 300 men were at work on the railroad bridge. 
Right of way upon reasonable terms was given at all times to 
railway companies that made the right showing and meant busi- 
ness. 

In March, 1870, Dubuque undertook the task of raising $200,- 
000 private subscription for the Dubuque & Minnesota Railway, 
which promised a very much desired communication with the 
upper country; by March 19 $150,100 had been subscribed. A 
passenger station was located at White and Fifth streets. Work 
on the above railway was pushed in 1871 ; Guttenburg was the 
first large town it reached above Dubuque. The first passenger 
car for that line arrived at Dubuque about September 13; also 
twenty-five new box cars. October 9, 1871, the first regular pas- 
senger train ran up this line. A large excursion from Dubuque 
ran to Lansing May 8, 1872; this was the opening to that city. In 
1872 the machine shops at Eagle Point were built. In 1872 the 
Chicago, Clinton & Dubuque road was opened to Clinton ; a big 
excursion celebrated the event. The pivot in the drawbridge broke 
in 1874, but another was secured from Pittsburg in a hurry. The 
Dubuque, Cascade & Western road was talked of late in the seven- 
ties. The railway tariff law was repealed by the legislature in 
March, 1878. By November 4 cars ran through to Zwingle on 
the Cascade & Bellevue road. In 1880 the Chicago, Milwaukee & 
St. Paul Company bought out the Chicago, Clinton, Dubuque & 
Minnesota line. In the eighties, on the question of retaining the 
Milwaukee shops by a donation of $35,000, the city voted — for 
retention, 1,704; against retention, 54. The Dubuque & North- 
western was planned in 1882-3. This road was assisted by $160.- 
000 or more on a 5 per cent tax; it was called Chicago, Burling- 
ton & Northern in 1884; this line connected the whole Burlington 
system with Dubuque. This line paid General Booth $55,000 for 
a depot site, etc., from the Third street bridge to the river front. 
In March, 1886, Dyersville voted a 5 per cent tax to aid this line. 
The Dubuque & Northwestern and the Minnesota & Northwestern 
consolidated late in 1886. Dubuque assisted the Chicago, Milwau- 
kee & St. Paul line with $60,000 in 1886. 

The ordinance of October, 1870, granted the Dubuque & Minne- 
sota Railway Company the right of way through the city, and 
made careful provisions for all probable contingencies. The ordi- 
nance of February, 1871, gave the Dubuque, Bellevue & Mississippi 
Railway Company the same rights. The ordinance of March, 
1 88 1, granted the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway Com- 
pany the same right. The ordinances of March, 1884, and June, 



2SO HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

1885, gave the Dubuque & Northwestern Railway Company the 
same privileges. The ordinance of February, 1886, granted the 
Chicago. Burlington & Northern Railway Company right of way 
through the city. The latter was given additional rights by ordi- 
nance October, 1890. The ordinance of December, 1884, gave 
the Illinois Central Railroad Company similar rights and privi- 
leges ; other ordinances extended its rights and subjected it to 
further duties and accommodations. Ordinances were passed in 
April, 1878, and January, 1883, granting C. H. Booth and H. L. 
Stout and Ingram, Kennedy & Day the right to lay railway tracks 
along certain streets. 

In 1888 the Dubuque & Southwestern Railroad was projected 
to pass through Monmouth, Canton, Garryowen, Maquoketa to 
Dubuque. It was shown here that $150,000 could be raised for this 
road. 

In 1887 the talked of removal of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. 
Paul shops from Dubuque caused considerable excitement, a great 
deal of inquiry and many angry articles in the newspapers. 

Late in 1895 the plan to connect Dubuque with the Chicago & 
North-Western Railroad was favorably and enthusiastically con- 
sidered here. A company was organized in Dubuque with that 
object in view — to connect this city with Toledo and therefore with 
the whole North-Western system. A large meeting, held in 
Dubuque in December, 1895, to consider the subject, passed resolu- 
tions advocating a tax levy under the law of 1892 to raise the neces- 
sary funds. A pledge of $20,000 was necessary at once; this was 
promptly given. It was shown that the whole amount needed, about 
$150,000. could be raised here at once by private subscription. A 
meeting held in February opposed any new railway tax. Already 
Dubuque had four great trunk lines — Illinois Central, Great West- 
ern, Burlington & Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul. The effort for 
the new line was made mainly by those business men here who were 
boosting Dubuque's trade and commerce. 

The Clinton, Dubuque & North-Western Railway was projected 
in 1900. Offers of help were freely made here. Dubuque wanted 
more railways and was willing to pay for them. 

In 1904 the citizens here quickly subscribed $151,000 for the 
Dubuque, Iowa & Wisconsin Railway. This movement seems to 
have been abandoned because in 1906 the citizens subscribed in two 
weeks' time $125,000 for the same road. In 1907 the Illinois & 
Western Railway was allowed to use the streets and alleys for rail- 
way purposes. 



MILITARY AFFAIRS. 

SOLDIERS who had served in the Revolution may have been 
among the first settlers of Dubuque county; and it is certain 
that volunteers of the War of 1812 and of the Blackhawk con- 
flict located here. 

In December, 1836, Peter H. Engle was given the rank of 
colonel by the Wisconsin territorial authorities and was appointed 
aid to the colonel of the militia. In 1837 Col. W. W. Chapman 
resigned his position as colonel of the Fourth Wisconsin regiment 
of militia. In the fall of 1837, Col. William S. Hamilton was 
commander of the First brigade of militia of the counties of Iowa, 
Dubuque, Des Moines and Crawford. 

General order No. i by Gov. Robert Lucas, commander-in-chief 
of the militia of Iowa territory, divided the territory into three 
divisions. In the Third division the counties of Dubuque, Clay- 
ton, Fayette and attached territory were constituted the Second 
brigade, and to Dubuque county was assigned the First regiment 
of this brigade and division. Peter Hill and John King, of Du- 
buque, were appointed aides-de-camp to the commander-in-chief. 
Warner Lewis, of Dubuque, was appointed major-general in com- 
mand of the Third division, and Francis Gehon was appointed 
brigadier-general in command of the Second brigade. Gen. Fran- 
cis Gehon died in Dubuque, April 2, 1849. He was born in Ten- 
nessee in 1797 and grew up in Kentucky and Illinois. He engaged 
in merchandising at Helena, Arkansas, and Dodgeville, Wiscon- 
sin. He commanded a company during the Blackhawk war. In 
about 1833 he came to Dubuque county and in 1836 was ap* 
pointed United States marshal and was reappointed until 1841. 
In 1842 he. was elected to the Iowa territorial legislature. In 1846 
he was tendered the command of a company of dragoons for the 
Mexican war, but was compelled to decline on account of ill health. 
He was able and honest ; he was a Baptist. 

A small squad of men from this county served in the "Missouri 
War" of 1839; they went down the river and joined companies 
at Burlington or Keokuk. Timothy Mason and George Wilson, 
the latter being a brotlier of Judge Thomas S. Wilson, were edu- 
cated at West Point. Dubuque, Delaware and Buchanan counties 
were constituted the Fourth regiment of the territorial militia 
in January, 1838. Paul Cain was colonel of the Wisconsin militia 
Fourth regiment. He commanded captains to parade their com- 

251 



252 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

panies June 23, 1838. Accordingly Capt. William Allen called 
out the First company at Dubuque. 

Capt. George O. Karrick died here in July, 1869. He was edu- 
cated at West Point and soon afterward became first mate on the 
steamer Mandan on the Mississippi river. He came to the Du- 
buque mining regions in 1836 and soon became owner of Jordan's 
ferry, becoming also mail contractor, hotel keeper, etc. In 1845 
he became a clerk in the surveyor-general's office. He was con- 
nected with many of the industrial enterprises of early times. He 
was elected captain of the only company raised in DuDuque 
county for the Mexican war. His training at West Point fitted 
him for this position. R. O. Anderson was first lieutenant. They 
raised a company of sixty-five volunteers, drilled constantly for 
two months, and were then informed that their services were not 
needed, whereupon the company was disbanded. He thus ob- 
tained his title of captain. He was a classmate of Capt. Joshua 
Barney, government engineer to improve the Dubuque harbor in 
1843-4. 

In May. 1846, Dubuque was called upon by Governor Clarke, 
of Iowa, for a company for the Mexican war, and accordingly 
sixty-five volunteers were promptly raised by George O. Karrick, 
R. O. Anderson, John Parker, George McHenry and others. They 
drilled and fitted themselves for service, but were not called out 
by the authorities. Over a full regiment was raised in Iowa by 
June 25, 1846, as follows: Des Moines county, two companies; 
Lee, two companies; Van Buren, two companies; Muscatine, one 
company ; Louisa, one company ; Washington, one company ; Du- 
buque, one company; Johnson, one company; Linn, one company; 
Jefferson, one company; total, thirteen companies. This regiment, 
ds such, was not called into the service. About June 25, 1846, a 
full company under Captain Wright left Galena for the front and 
in it were a few volunteers from Dubuque county. Iowa sent 
only one company to the Mexican war, numbering 113 men, rank 
and file; they reached the front May 25 and in less than one year 
were reduced by disease and death to thirty-six men. They were 
called the "Iowa Dragoons." Capt. James H. Morgan was their 
commander. 

In 1847, Capt. John Parker enlisted a few recruits here for the 
war, and at the same time Capt. John R. Bennett, of Bloomington, 
also called for recruits here. Late in 1847 Thomas H. Benton, 
Jr., was captain of the Dubuque Guards. "It was a fine company, 
but too few in numbers. It was uniformed and met regularly at 
its armory to drill," said the Express. John O'Mara, of this 
county, served in the Mexican war as a member of the Texas 
Riflemen; he fought at Monterey and in the battles before the 
City of Mexico; he died here of ill health in 1848. In 1848 strong 
efforts to secure bounty and e.xtra pay for the Mexican war veterans 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 253 

were made; David S. Wilson and others here kept blanic papers 
and proved up claims and discharges. 

The Dubuque City Guards were organized in July, 185 1 ; but 
as yet they had no uniforms. They were finally fully uniformed 
and paraded in full dress for the first time March 17, 1854, under 
Capt. M. M. Hayden ; it was said that they were all Irish except 
the captain; Governor Hempstead reviewed the company. They 
were called upon late in 1854 to check strolling and marauding 
Indian bands in the Northwest. General Shields had general com- 
mand of the company during this movement ; when called upon 
there were only about twenty men in the company, but enough to 
make sixty were promptly raised. They quit business, drilled, 
hired teams, but were not required to leave the city, though they 
were at great expense. Later they presented claims for pay, 
which were scaled down by the legislature and finally allowed. 

In 1856 the Union Guards were organized with Peter A. Lori- 
mier captain ; the City Guards were in existence at this time ; thus 
Dubuque had two companies which appeared at nearly all public 
functions out of doors. They participated in the celebration of 
the battle of New Orleans, January 8, 1855, and were out in full 
strength ; the occasion ended with a supper at the Julien House. 
A small company, of which Judge Hempstead was captain, was 
organized in February, 1858. This company, reorganized, became 
the "Governor's Greys," named in honor of Governor Hempstead. 
They were presented with a beautiful flag in 1859 by the ladies 
of Dubuque, Miss Sallie Lewis making the presentation speech, 
and Capt. J. M. Robison replying; this flag was taken to the field 
in 1861 and led and inspired the company at the battle of Wilson's 
Creek. In November, 1858, the City Guards tendered their serv- 
ices to the state to assist in punishing the Indians guilty of the 
Spirit Lake massacre, but they were not needed. 

In August, 1859, there were four military companies here: 
City Guards, Capt. M. M. Hayden ; Governor's Greys, Capt. J. M. 
Robinson; Washington Guards, Capt. H. H. Heath, and Jackson 
Guards, Capt. S. D. Brodtbeck; the latter company had just been 
formed. Captain Brodtbeck had seen service in the Swedish army. 
The Washington Guards was first organized in May, 1859. In 
February, i860, the Greys received from the state sixty rifled 
muskets and the necessary accoutrements. In March, i860, Cap- 
tain Brodtbeck was appointed major of the Third battalion of 
Iowa militia by Governor Kirkwood. 

"The Governor's Greys were out on parade yesterday in their 
new white accoutrements. We will defy any city in the West to 
turn out a better looking military company or a 'whiter' lot of boys 
than our own G. G.'s. 'Tis true they are composed of the very 
pink of our finest young men, still there is not a tinge of the cod- 



254 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

fish in the composition of one of them." — (Herald, April lo, 
i860.) 

R. G. Herron soon succeeded H. H. Heath as captain of the 
Washington Guards, and was re-elected in May, i860. The Greys 
were reorganized in April, 1859; in July they numbered thirty- 
three. In August and September, i860, the Dubuque light artil- 
lery company was organized ; thirty-two citizens signed the call 
for the meeting that organized this company. In September, i860, 
the officers of the Dubuque regiment of militia were as follows: 
J. F. Bates, colonel ; F. B. Wilke, lieutenant-colonel ; N. G. Will- 
iams, major; George W. Waldron, adjutant. In October this was 
announced to be the only organized militia regiment in the state; 
they began to meet regularly and drill in November. In October 
a company called the "Douglas Rangers" was organized, its captain 
being Newton Mills. Captain Gottschalk commanded the Jackson 
Guards in November. A company called the "Blues" was organ- 
ized at Dyersville at this date. 

On January 11, 1861, the First regiment of Iowa militia. Colonel 
Bates commanding, fired 200 gims from the heights above the 
town with two pieces of artillery in honor of Major Anderson. 
The colonel with his entire staff was out, and the Washington 
Guards, Governor's Greys and Jackson Guards were represented 
by their officers. Each company planted its flag on the height. 
"The demonstration was received with lively satisfaction by all 
the citizens — Democrats, Republicans and all classes, irrespective 
of political affiliations. Hurrah for Major Anderson! and hurrah 
for the First regiment of Iowa militia!" — (Herald, January 12, 
1861.) There were here in January, 1861 : Washington Guards, 
Governor's Greys, Jackson Guards, Turner Rifles, Dubuque Light 
Horse and City Guards. 

Of these the City Guards were nearly defunct ; the Light Horse 
were unequipped ; the Turner Rifles were an independent organi- 
zation ; so that there were really only three companies here that 
could be depended upon for military service. Neither of these 
turned out more than an average of about thirty men each — in all 
about ninety men, or one full company. "A certain number of 
our companies should be broken up, for the reason that they are 
weak and inefficient for all military ends and purposes. Their 
members attend drills when it suits their convenience — act as best 
suits their convenience when they do attend, and disgrace them- 
selves and everybodv else when on parade." — (Herald, January 
23, 1861.) 

On January 14, 1861, the Governor's Greys passed a resolution 
tendering their services to the state or the government for the 
suppression of the rebellion; this was probably the first actual 
tender of men in the state. 

The Herald, in issue after issue, having both intimated and 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 255 

stated what the RepubHcans ought to do, was answered by the 
Times of January 21, 1861 : "We hope our Disunion neighbor of 
the Herald will not permit himself to suffer much mental torture 
in his solicitude for the Republicans of Iowa. On reflection it 
will occur to him that they have heretofore not only managed to 
get along rather comfortably without his fostering care, but in 
spite of his bitterest warfare. They are in condition to do the 
same thing for a good while to come. The Herald says there are 
tens of thousands of Republicans in Iowa who favor the adop- 
tion of the Crittenden proposition. Does that paper know what it 
is talking about?" The Herald replied at length, saying among 
ther things: "We hereby reiterate the belief that there are tens 
of thousands of Republicans in Iowa who would save this Union 
if the adoption of the Crittenden proposition would do it; we trust 
we do but simple justice to the patriotism of a portion of the 
Republican party. The Times knows we are not Disunionists. We 
favor a settlement of the difficulties between the North and South 
on terms fair and honorable to both." — {Herald, January 23, 
1861.) 

On February 26, 1861, twenty .sets of sabers and Colt's pistols 
arrived here for Captain Dillon, of the Horse Guards. A great 
carnival of three days' duration was held here at the anniversary 
of Washington's birthday, 1861. The two companies, Greys and 
Guards, paraded in splendid style and the famous Germania band 
was present at all functions. The event closed with a grand ball 
at City Hall. "All the captains in Dubuque have received letters 
from Adjutant-General Bowen requiring them to report their con- 
dition." — {Herald, February 3, 1861.) In February, 1861, Capt. 
M. M. Hayden applied to Governor Kirkwood for a piece of ord- 
nance in exchange for the arms in its possession, but was answered 
that there was no authority to make such an exchange. Captain 
Hayden had previously sent a portion of his muskets to the Dyers- 
ville Blues. 

The Herald took the position in January and February, 1861, 
that the South was acting under the Constitution and should not be 
coerced. It said; "It is to be hoped that there will be no conflict 
between Fort Sumter and the South Carolinians; for if a con- 
flict ensues and blood be shed and lives lost, it will not be in the 
power of the federal government to restrain the fanaticism of the 
North from indulging itself in the commission of such acts of hos- 
tility against the South as it has long sought for a pretext to justify 
it in doing. Tlie South commits the greatest folly in giving its 
northern enemies a justification for the course which will un- 
doubtedly be taken by the North, should the South become the 
aggressor as apprehended." — {Herald, February i, 1861.) 

The Herald could see no hope for the Union in President Lin- 
coln's inaugural. "The President's inaugural address pronounces 



256 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

the dissolution of the Union, and it will be heard ominously as its 
death knell," it said. 

A call signed by about 100 citizens appeared about the middle 
of January, 1861, for a meeting of "all persons who are impressed 
with the imminent perils of dissolution now threatening the Union 
and are willing in a spirit of conciliation and compromise to agree 
to an adjustment of the questions which now unhappily distract the 
country, upon the basis of the Crittenden Compromise proposi- 
tions." The date of the meeting was set at 7 p. m. on January 
t8. This Union meeting assembled at the court house, and War- 
ner Lewis was called to the chair and William W. Mills made 
secretary. A committee of five was appointed to draft resolu- 
tions — T. M. Monroe, Dr. James C. Lay, Thomas Faherty, James 
H. Williams and J. H. Emerson. While they were consulting the 
secretary read the Crittenden resolutions and the meeting was 
addressed in a strong Union appeal by John D. Jennings. The 
resolutions declared that the people were unalterably attached to 
the Union; that there was no natural conflict between the two 
sections; and that the Crittenden Compromise or some other prac- 
tical proposition based upon a like spirit of material concession 
should be adopted. After debate the resolutions were unani- 
mously adopted. Among the speakers were Thomas M. Monroe, 
Dr. T. O. Edwards, L. H. Langworthy, George McHenry, M. B. 
Mulkern and others. The meeting adjourned after appointing a 
committee to prepare a memorial and procure signatures and for- 
ward the same to Congress praying for the passage of the Crit- 
tenden resolutions or others of the same spirit. 

"The agitation and exciting news of the last few days, contra- 
dictory as it is, is nevertheless evidence enough of the intention 
of the administration to carry out the principles of the 'irrepressi- 
ble conflict,' come of it what will. Civil war, of course, will be 
the result." — {Herald, April 9, 1861.) "War has probably been 
commenced between the North and the South, consequent upon the 
persistency of the administration to hold Fort Sumter and to 
carry into effect the doctrine of the 'irrepressible conflict.' We 
have but little heart today for comment. In a day or two at 
farthest we shall probably have the result of the conflict in Charles- 
ton harbor. We anticipate it will be a bloody one — destructive 
of life and property, and the beginning of a revolution which will 
end in the destruction of the government and of course of the 
Union."- -(H^'raW, April 10, 1861.) The Herald argued that 
while in the abstract the government had a right to reinforce Fort 
Sumter, other circumstances overshadowed such right and a dif- 
ferent coufse should be taken — remedial measures should be 
adopted. 

"A parental government would have tried remedial measures 
first before resorting to the exercise of its vengeance; but the 




BIRDSEYE VIEW OF DUBUQUE 




STEPS TO CEMETERY HILL 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 257 

government as administered by Mr. Lincoln seems to know of 
bnt one course to pursue, and that is to provoke a conflict between 
the government and its disaffected people, for the purpose of coerc- 
ing them to obey its own behests and to submit to the infliction 
of intolerable grievances from a fanatical faction which have ob- 
tained control of the government." — {Herald, April 10, 1861.) 

"What deep lethargy has fallen on the American people? The 
government is tumbling into ruins. The nation is on the verge 
of a plunge into civil war. Imbecility of rulers at the federal capi- 
tal is governed by a military dictator. Hostile fleets and armies 
are dispatched to begin hostilities upon our brethren of the South, 
when that act shall become the death knell of the Union. Men of 
all parties can be found who deprecate the hostile operations of 
the military dictator at Washington. Let us all who are opposed 
to the code of coercion meet in one vast body in Dubuque and 
protest with our loudest voice against civil war and the military 
terrorism inaugurated at Wasihngton. Our motto should be, 'No 
fraternal bloodshed — no civil war ; but peace and conciliation.' " 
--(America, in Herald. April 11, 1861.) 

On Saturday, April 13, came the telegraphic news that Fort 
Sumter had been attacked by the South Carolinians. Much excite- 
ment was kindled in Dubuque. The Herald said : "The govern- 
ment, as we have said already, possesses the undoubted right to 
chastise rebellious people even unto death, but is it always the 
best policy to exercise this right? The precipitation of the country 
into civil war brings upon us all the solemn duty of rallying our 
physical energies and mental powers in the sacred cause of our 
country. Nothing will do now, it seems, but to goad our erring 
and, if it must be so, rebellious brethren of the South into the 
commission of stich acts of violence as must be repelled and 
chastised. Nothing will do with the administration but to irri- 
tate their already excited temper ; nothing will satisfy the fanatics 
of the North but a provocation to civil war, in which they may 
accomplish their darling object — that which they have long hoped 
for, that for which they have toiled for many years — the incite- 
ment of the slaves to insurrection against their masters, and as 
ihey hope the consequent emancipation of those slaves, the abolition 
of slavery and the ruin and subjugation of the South to the 
political thraldom of northern fanaticism." — (Herald, April n, 
fS6i.) 

The call for volunteers by President Lincoln met the approval of 
all Republicans here and also that of many Democrats, particularly 
of tiie Herald, which had recommended that course some time 
before, though in a modified way. There was much excitement, 
which induced the Herald to say: "Some have suffered themselves 
to be carried awa\' by this excitement so far as to indulge in ex- 
pressions, the result of emotions which are well calculated to pro- 



258 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

dnce disastrous consequences even away here far distant from 
the scene of conflict. This is not the time for men to give way to 
their passions ; this not the time to indulge in harshness of ex- 
pression, nor in the language of provocation, nor crimination and 
recrimination." — {Herald, April i6, 1861.) "People gathered in 
groups at the street corners and around the printing offices to hear 
and discuss the news, and in some instances the discussion was 
carried on in a spirit very illy calculated to allay the excitement 
which was on the point of explosion into violence for some time." 
— (Same.) 

In all the churches on Sunday the pastors endeavored to quiet 
the people. Rev. Father Donelan in the morning of Sunday, April 
14, 1861, and Rev. Father Durnin in the evening, at the Cathedral, 
referred in an impressive manner to the unfortunate condition of 
the country. The former was almost overpowered by his emotions, 
and many of his congregation were affected to tears as he pictured 
the horrors of a fratricidal war. 

A public meeting was called by hand bills on Monday evening, 
April 15, at the corner of Main and Eighth street, for the purpose 
of securing an expression of opinion in favor of supporting the 
government against the secession movement. A large crowd gath- 
ered and were addressed bv L. H. Langworthy, O. P. Shiras, 
H. T. Utley, T. M. Monroe and William Mills. The following 
resolutions offered by C. P. Redmond were adopted : 

Whereas. A portion of the people living under the government 
of the United States have seen fit to set at naught the authority 
of the national government, to take possession of the public and 
other property not rightfully in their possession, and have opposed 
by arms the legally constituted authority, and have by unmis- 
takable acts declared an aggressive war against our beloved insti- 
tutions, therefore. 

Resolved, That the people of Dubuque, as good citizens of the 
United States should and do, regret with sincere feelings the rash- 
ness which has driven our southern brethren into arms against 
the government and the terrible necessity of civil war which has 
tlius been forced upon us. 

Resolved, That as good citizens it is our solemn and unavoid- 
able duty to sustain and uphold the government and the execution 
of its laws and the vindication of its authority. 

Resolved. That we will give our devoted attachment, our un- 
wavering confidence and our unconditional support to the govern- 
ment of the United States. 

Resolved, That our hearts are still loyal to the great principle 
of constitutional liberty and free government upon which the 
wisdom of our forefathers erected the temple of the Constitution 
under the shade of which we have enjoyed so many and so great 
blessings, and that the ruthless hands and traitorous hearts that 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 259 

would destroy this beautiful temple merit from us the severest 
reprobation and the most undaunted opposition. 

Resolved. That if we cannot have union we will preserve liberty 
and the Constitution. 

After the adoption of the resolutions the meeting continued to 
grow in size and loyalty. Speeches were made by D. N. Cooley, 
Ben M. Samuels, F. W. Palmer, D. S. Wilson, S. P. Adams and 
James Burt. The stars and stripes were displayed from Root's 
gallery and during the speaking any remarks not in harmony 
with tlie resolutions, and there were a number, were interrupted by 
pungent questions and hisses. 

"Dr. C. B. Smith said he knew there was a small squad of 
secessionists here, 'but,' said he, 'their leader, thank God, is not a 
native of the soil and if he had his deserts he would be swinging 
from the nearest lamp post.' So intense was the sympathy of the 
audience witli the patriotic utterances of the speaker that at the con- 
clusion of one of his sentences they could not restrain a marked dem- 
onstration of applause." — {Times, April 16, 1861.) 

"The Times yesterday contained not less than three articles hav- 
ing for their object the incitement of violence towards this office 
and the editor of this paper. If the destruction of the property 
of this office and the hanging to a lamp post of ourselves, as the 
Rev. Dr. Billings Smith amiably and charitably as became his 
calling of minister of the gospel would have done, should be the 
only consequence of the efforts of the Times, Dr. Smith and others 
to create a riot and destroy life and property in this com- 
munity, it might not be so serious an affair. But there are other 
property and other lives besides ours." — (Herald, April 17, 1861.) 

On April 17 the Washington Guards formally offered their 
services to the governor. Mr. Vandever had already tendered the 
Greys. Upon the fall of Fort Sumter the Herald displayed a large 
spread eagle, which the Times construed as showing the joy of that 
paper at the surrender of the fort to the rebels. 

"It is rumored that the Herald has lost over two hundred sub- 
scribers within the last forty-eight hours, on account of the spirit 
shown and position taken in relation to our troubles with the re- 
belling states. Never has there been such an exhibition of feeling 
towards any paper in this city before as there was to our con- 
temporary yesterday and the day before. We are sorry to see 
this, as it is better to have the Herald running here alone, as the 
organ of Democracy, than to have some good paper started that 
would represent the sentiments of the young Democrats." — (Times, 
April 16, 1 86 1.) 

"The foregoing appeared in the local columns of the Times 
yesterday. It implies what is false when it intimates that this 
paper has ever uttered other than Union sentiments, and we dare 



26o HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

the Times to show the contrary by word or act. Whatever feeling 
may have been manifested toward this office and towards us 
personally is the result of the malignant partisanship of which the 
Times is the echo, the organ and the advocate." — {Herald, April 
17, 1861.) 

No sooner had the citizens here recovered their equilibrium 
than they began effective operations. The Governor's Greys and 
Jackson Guards cjuickly recruited to the maximum for each com- 
pany. The Herald continued to find fault with' the administra- 
tion and deal in moral and constitutional platitudes and was sup- 
ported by a large following throughout the county. 

"Jackson Guards. — We understood last night that the Jackson 
Guards company was nearly full. This city will probably offer 
three companies, and as but two can be accepted, it will be a strife 
among tliem as to wliich shall go." — [Herald, April 19, 1861.) 

"Wasliington Guards. — This company is filling up rapidly with 
recruits. Last night a meeting was held, at which quite a number 
were enrolled. The company meets tonight for drill and to re- 
ceive recruits. Parties who joined the company last evening are 
requested to meet for drill tonight." — {Herald, April 19, 1861.) 

"The Sinews of War. — The State Bank of Dubuque has made 
a tender of a loan to Governor Kirkwood to aid in putting the 
Iowa regiments in the field, in compliance with the requisition of 
the president. Tliis branch of the bank offers all the money that 
may be needed for this purpose." — {Herald, April 19, 1861.) 

"The Stars and Stripes waved from many a building yesterday. 
There was one suspended across the street from the Herald office, 
also from the Times office and numerous other places — Iowa Slants 
Zeitiing. Tremont House, Julien House, G. R. West's warehouse 
and from many stores and saloons. Flags are on the rise." — 
{Herald, Apriri9, 1861.)^ 

On April 19 the Governor's Greys passed a formal resolution 
holding themselves in readiness to obey a requisition from Gov- 
ernor Kirkwood. They at once opened a recruiting office for the 
purpose of raising their number to the required limits. It was 
proposed to hold a public meeting for the purpose of forming a 
home guard that under all circumstanees would support the flag 
and the Constitution. It was also proposed to raise a subscription 
to care for the families of volunteers in their absence. 

On April 19, 1861, Col. J. F. Bates addressed the following 
order to Capt. R. G. Herron, of the Washington Guards, Lieut. 
W. H. Cfark, Governor's Greys, and Capt. F. Gottschalk, Jackson 
Guards : "Sir : A requisition having been made by Governor Kirk- 
wood for two or more companies from this section to form a part 
of the regiment required of this state by the President, you are 
hereby ordered to fill up your company to seventy-eight men and 
be prepared to marcli at a moment's warning at the call of the 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 261 

proper authority. The companies of the First regiment in this 
section, the Governor's Greys, Washington Guards and Jackson 
Guards, will, unless otherwise ordered by the governor, meet at 
Davenport, the place of general rendezvous, with other companies 
of the state, by the 20th of May, but are liable to be called into 
service at any moment. When the companies composing the regi- 
ment meet at the rendezvous, they will elect their regimental offi- 
cers. You are hereby ordered to open the armory of your com- 
pany for the purpose of receiving recruits and appoint a recruiting 
officer to be daily in attendance. The companies will act upon all 
applications and none but able-bodied men between the ages of 
18 and 45 will be accepted. Drills are hereby ordered for every 
night in each company until further order. When your company 
is full you will report to me without delay." 

William Vandever was appointed an aid to Governor Kirkwood. 
The war absorbed all other topics at this time. Eight young men 
arrived by rail on April 20 to enlist in companies here ; six were 
from the college of Hopkinton, Delaware county, and were 
named Westlake, Morgan, Webb, Hussey, Spears and Metsler. 
By the e\'ening of April 20 the three recruiting offices were in full 
blast. The Greys had then sixty-eight names enrolled, the Wash- 
ington Guards about sixty-five and the Jackson Guards over sixty. 
Tne Washington Guards had an offer of six men and a drummer 
from Epworth. 

A large Union meeting was held at the Julien Theater April 20. 
Colonel McHenry called the meeting to order. Mayor Stout was 
elected chairman and C. Childs secretary. The following vice- 
presidents were chosen : Colonel McHenry, W. A. Jordan, P. A. 
Lorimier, F. V. Goodrich, T. Davis, L. Clark, Z. Streeter, J. P. 
Colter, J. C. Cummings, Benjamin Rupert and W. B. Allison. 
Judge Clark was called out and delivered an eloqtient speech on 
the necessity of maintaining the Constitution. Other speakers were 
McHenry, Vandever, Trumbull, Adams and Ross. The object 
of the meeting was to organize a home guard, which was done, and 
the following officers were elected, their duties under the resolu- 
tions adopted being to receive and disburse funds for the benefit 
of families of volunteers: H. L. Stout, president; W. A. Jordan 
and F. V. Goodrich, vice-presidents; J. K. Graves, treasurer; Will- 
iam W. Mills, secretary; H. W. Pettit, corresponding secretary. 
Subscriptions to the amount of nearly $1,200 were received. 

Many men came from all parts of Dubuque county and from 
adjoining counties, hoping to get into the companies organizing 
here. One man from Jackson county walked twenty-five miles 
without stopping and was accepted by the Greys. The companies 
were almost constantly on the drill. The volunteers were mo.stly 
young men, twenty-one years or under. 

There was a misunderstanding as to the duties and character of 



262 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

the home guard — whether it should be an organization to care for 
famiHes of volunteers or a body of militia ready to take the field 
if necessary. Later it was shown that the home guard was a 
different organization from the one that had been formed. The 
one formed was a volunteer fund board. The committee to organ- 
ize the home guard was Samuel Ross, S. D. Brodtbeck and L. W. 
Jackson. The volunteer fund board put everything in systematic 
and working order with investigations and regular reports. Still 
many of the wealthiest citizens apparently took no interest in the 
proceedings. 

On April 20 the boats from St. Louis had on board several hun- 
dred free negroes who had been notified to leave St. Louis. A 
few of them landed at Dubuque. Boats were required to show 
their colors at all landings and all flung out the Stars and Stripes. 
Several boats reported seeing the secession flag flying at Hannibal 
and other Missouri ports. 

Several members of the Washington Guards appeared before 
the volunteer fund board on April 22 and stated that they were 
not prepared for immediate service unless they were assured that 
their families would be taken care of in their absence. The follow- 
ing guaranty was immediately given : "We, the undersigned com- 
mittee appointed by the Union meeting held on Saturday evening, 
the 20th of April, 1861, for the purpose of providing funds for 
the support of the families of such of our citizens as may vol- 
unteer in the service of their country, hereby pledge ourselves to see 
that the purpose for which we were appointed is fully carried out 
and that the families of all such are fully supported during the 
absence of such volunteers." (Signed by) H. L. Stout, J. K. 
Graves, M. Allison, G. F. Matthews, A. H. Mills, J. C. Chapline, 
T. Faherty ; W. W. Mills, secretary. 

On April 23 the Governor's Greys and Jackson Guards left for 
the rendezvous at Davenport. The Greys headed by the Ger- 
tiiania band marched from their armory about 3 p. m. and waited 
a short time below Sixth street for the Jackson Guards. Both 
companies as they passed along the streets were surrounded by 
hundreds of friends, who were shaking their hands and bidding 
them good-bye. At the levee the only open space left by the flood 
was crowded with men, women and children, sorrowing and at the 
same time rejoicing at the departure of the volunteers. The 
troops were soon on board the Alhambra, but the crowd still lin- 
gered, cheering and bidding them perhaps a last farewell. Amid 
the firing of cannon, the waving of hands and handkerchiefs and 
shouts of "God bless you!" and "Good-bye," the boat steamed out 
into the river and started for Davenport. Many tears were shed, 
for it was realized that some of the boys would never return. Not 
a few of the young soldiers themselves wiped away tears as they 
passed along the streets or turned to look for the last time on the 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 263 

friends and city they loved so well. One had left a young bride, 
another an aged mother, others wives and children, and all left 
behind loved ones. There were many full hearts and tearful eyes 
that memorable day. 

The United States marshal notified the Illinois Central Railroad 
Company on the 23d to receive no more freight for ports below 
Cairo, Illinois. Samuel Osborne, orderly sergeant of the Greys, 
was left behind under orders to bring to Davenport, April 27, 
fourteen additional volunteers. Five printers were with the first 
two companies sent off. 

When the first two companies departed. Bishop Smyth dismissed 
his school and with his own hands hoisted the Stars and Stripes 
form the portico of his home. The schoolboys went to the levee 
to see the companies depart. 

The Stars and Stripes were raised on the new custom house by 
W. W. Martin, the contractor, on April 25. By April 26 the roll 
of the Washington Guards was about complete. Then Capt. M. M. 
Hayden began to reorganize the old City Guards, the oldest mili- 
tary company in the city. He required only sixty-five men to com- 
plete the roll. A field piece was to constitute a part of the arms 
of this company. 

The committee on home guards recommended the organization 
of seven companies, as follows : Colonel Heath and Lieutenant 
Lenehan, one company ; Colonel Ross and Lieutenant Conger, one 
company : Major Brodtbeck and Lieutenant West, one company ; 
Captain Doolittle and Lieutenant Grosvenor, one company ; Colonel 
AIcHenry and Capt. G. O. Karrick, one company ; Captain Rubel 
and Doctor Blumenauer, one company. It was announced that 
all men capable of bearing arms must be enrolled in one of the 
companies. At this time there were in the city only about eighty 
.stands of arms, and it was recommended that they should be kept 
here for emergencies. It was recommended that Colonel Bates 
should act as field marshal of Dubuque county. It was further 
recommended that the citizens refrain from angry debate. "The 
ship of state is on fire! Let us with one hand and one voice, 
shoulder to shoulder and side by side, extinguish the flames, return 
it to its original grandeur and nail to its highest mast the Star 
Spangled Banner," said the committee. 

Concerning this report and these singular recommendations the 
Herald said : "It places the whole city under military discipline, 
military regime, military training, military everything, including 
military despotism in prospective. This sort of work has gone on 
long enough, and it is time it were ended. Any number of citizens 
can organize a home guard for the protection of life and property, 
preservation of the peace, or as a contingent force for future or 
emergency service. This will be the Republican or Democratic 
way of doing things and not the despotic as suggested by the com- 



264 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

mittee, witli all due deference to them." — (Herald, April 27, 
1861.) 

Governor Kirkwood late in April took dinner in Davenport with 
the Greys and Guards at their quarters. He called the Greys a 
"bully company." The men were drilled daily many hours and 
were very proficient. Their numbers had been increased. They 
were without uniforms and camp equipment. At the request of 
Governor Kirkwood citizens of Dubuque interested themselves and 
the ladies finally organized and began the task of supplying this 
want. The permanent officers of the ladies' society were : Mrs. 
J. W. Taylor, president ; Mrs. H. L. Stout, vice-president ; Mrs. 
J. L. Langworthy, chairman ; Mrs. A. Gillespie, secretary. Large 
quantities of blankets, socks, handkerchiefs, underclothing, etc., 
were contributed by the society. All sewing machines in the city 
were put at this service. 

The Ladies' Volunteer Labor Society met daily at 9 a. m. and 
adjourned at 5 p. m. Over 100 ladies were thus occupied on April 
30 — all at work on the soldiers' uniforms and other clothing. 
Smith & Wellington and Mr. Becker cut out the clothing and 
superintended the making. They were paid by the government. 
The ladies' work was their volunteer offering. 

The Volunteer Fund Board reported they had appropriated $8 
per week for three families. 

Col. George McHenry planned to raise a company of Zouaves. 
When he and Capt. G. O. Karrick appeared on the streets, April 
29, in Zouave uniforms, they were surrounded by an admiring 
and witty crowd. At the Julien House they called for recruits. 

The Stars and Stripes were formally hoisted early at Cascade 
on a tall pole. The following night someone hauled down the 
flag and raised a dead owl in its place and cut the rope off forty 
feet from the ground. By May 7, 1861, there had been subscribed 
in Dubuque in aid of soldiers' families nearly $6,000. 

Powerful and patriotic sermons were delivered in all the 
churches of Dubuque during April and May, 1861. Particularly 
were the sermons of Bishop Smyth, Mr. Holbrook, Mr. Smith and 
others strong and loyal. The former visited the two companies 
at Davenport and addressed them from the standpoints both of 
religion and of patriotic duty. 

The ladies to the number of 150 were quartered in Globe Hall 
to make the uniforms. 

On May 5 the Greys and Guards at Davenport dropped down 
the river to Keokuk, where all the First regiment was sent about 
the same time. By May 8 tlie uniforms of the Jackson Guards 
were ready to be forwarded to Keokuk, and by the 9th those of 
the Greys were ready. 

Mrs. A. Gillespie, secretary of the ladies' society, composed 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 265. 

about this time the following two stanzas intended as an addition 
to the "Star Spangled Banner" : 

"Rise Sons of the West! In your valor arise! 

'Tis Freedom that summons your legions to glory ; 
Ring out the glad shout to the echoing skies 

And through tlie wide land send the heart-stirring story. 

"To the combat we fly, for the struggle is nigh, 
And for God and our country we conquer or die; 
That tlie Star Spangled Banner forever may wave 
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.". 

D. S. Smith, of Dyersville, said that Captain Moreland, of the 
Dyersville Blues, had orders from Colonel Bates to hold the guns 
then at Dyersville which had been sent there by Captain Hayden. 

A Union meeting was held at the schoolhouse at Center Grove 
May 25, 1861, on which occasion a flag was raised on a high pole 
and speeches were made by J. B. Bothwell, E. D. Palmer and 
George W. Goldthorpe. The flag raised was prepared by young 
ladies named Waters, Scott, Palmer, Lackey and others. After 
being raised the flag was lowered and draped in mourning for 
Colonel Ellsworth. 

The uniforms of the first two Dubuque companies cost $1,939.04; 
transportation to Davenport, ^^t,7 ; shoes and stockings, $300. In 
the first mentioned sum was $208.35 fo^" 200 woolen shirts; $40 
for undershirts, and $13.70 for telegrams, etc., in all $261.05, 
which deducted from the first amount left $1,677.99 ^s the actual 
cost of 205 uniforms. 

The citizens of Peosta and Centralia met at the former place 
and resolved to formally raise the Stars and Stripes in both towns. 
Simeon W. Clark was chairman of the occasion and J. W. Miller 
secretary. 

"There are rumors that several citizens of Dubuque, some time 
absent, and who are known or were supposed to be in the service 
or interests of the Confederate army, have been arrested as spies 
at Cairo. The rumors are not sufficiently tangible to warrant the 
giving of names or the reported circumstances." — (Herald, May 
25, 1861.) 

The following officers were elected for the Washington Guards 
May 25, 1861 : R. G. Herron, captain; D. J. O'Neill, first lieu- 
tenant: P. W. Crawford, second lieutenant. It was announced 
that the company had been accepted for the Third Iowa infantry. 

"Another occasion of deep interest to the patriots of Dubuque 
occurred last evening — the departure of three companies of vol- 
unteers. Captain Smith's company from Cedar Falls, Captain 
Trumbull's company from Butler county and the Washington 



266 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Guards, one of the beloved companies of Dubuque, have left for 
Keokuk — the rendezvous of the three Iowa regiments. The pres- 
ence of 600 volunteers one day and of 300 or 400 for a longer 
time, had tended to increase the military ardor of our people and 
attracted thousands of our citizens to witness the departure of 
the third company of Dubuque volunteers. An hour before sunset 
the volunteers were assembled in order in Washington Square, 
where they were eloquently addressed by Thomas Rogers, Rev. 
Air. Collier, Captain Trumbull and Lieutenant Sessions, after 
which the companies marched in handsome style to the levee, ac- 
companied by a large concourse of citizens, many of them ladies. 
Several thousand then slowly wended their way homeward after 
seeing the brave volunteers embark. There were partings of old 
friends ; young friendships and afifections seemed to grow stronger 
on the day of leaving and a thousand fond and tender associations 
arose incident to such an occasion. Capt. R. G. Herron and his 
Washington Guards swell the number to 300 of the volunteers 
who have been organized and drilled here." — {Herald, June 7, 
■ 861.) 

The Iowa legislature was called together May 15, 1861. An 
attempt here to proscribe business men on account of political 
opinions was disapproved by leaders of all parties and fashions. 
About the middle of May, 1861, Col. J. F. Bates, who was a grad- 
uate of West Point, was elected colonel of the First Iowa regi- 
ment. The Washington Guards were accepted about May 21. The 
German citizens gave an entertainment for the benefit of the Jack- 
son Guard.s. William H. Merritt, who became lieutenant-colonel 
of the First Iowa, was a graduate of West Point ; so was Capt. 
W. W. Barnes. The Herald opposed the Iowa war loan bill, which 
called for $800,000. There were here early in June, 1861, about 
600 volunteers ; three of the companies had come from up the 
river. About the middle of June there were here the partly filled 
companies of Captain Ross, Captain Markell, Captain Hayden, 
and a company of Zouaves made up from the fire companies. 
About this time the two Iowa regiments at Keokuk dropped down 
the river to Hannibal to be in readiness for General Lyon at St. 
Louis. In June Governor Kirkwood ordered the cannon here to 
he sent to Keokuk. During the summer of 1861 the Volunteer 
Fund Board continued to assist the families of volunteers. The 
volunteers under Captain Heath were called Kirkwood Zouaves 
in June. 

On July 12, 1 86 1, an article signed "Patriot" appeared in the 
Times, from which the following are extracts: "To the Laiv-Abid- 
ing Citizens of Duhnque. — It is well known to you that there is a 
paper published in our midst that is devoted entirely, both in its 
editorials and selected matter, to the cause of those who are en- 
deavoring to overthrow our government and our liberties. This 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 267 

paper, while it professes to be in favor of the Union and denies 
being' in favor of secession, yet boldly advocates a recognition 
of the Southern Confederacy and opposes 'forcing a government 
upon people wliich they do not desire,' thus giving the lie to its pro- 
fessions of Union, a paper which is notoriously in the hands of 
a few persons of "gentle southern blood,' who boldly sympathize 
with the South and rejoice over any temporary success she may 
acliie\e and who have repeatedly declared their intention of re- 
turning to her soil to take arms against our government. * * * 
It is well known that tliis paper is exerting quite a widespread 
and seditious influence upon its readers and waxing bolder every 
day. * * * Would it not be well for the patriots of this city 
to assemble in mass meeting in a quiet and orderly manner to 
express our indignation and abhorrence of the sentiments of this 
paper and its supporters, to declare that such are not the senti- 
ments of this community in general, to withdraw our support from 
it, both in subscription and in advertising, and to counsel as to 
those means which may be rigiitly used to rid us of the reproach 
and injury its existence brings upon us? That it is our solemn 
duty, while our sons and brothers have gone forth to fight the 
enemy abroad, to guard against the same enemy at home in what- 
ever form he may appear — must be evident to every thoughtful 
mind. But let 'all things be done decently and in order.' Let us 
then meet at some appropriate time and place, not as partisans, but 
as American citizens, and discuss our duty in this respect, to our- 
selves and the community. That this is a duty now devolving 
upon us is freely admitted by many influential citizens with whom 
longer patience has ceased to be a virtue." 

In answering this communication the Herald of July 13, 1861, 
said : "For the last three months it has been the earnest, constant 
and unceasing effort of the Dubuque Times to create and excite 
a mob spirit in this city to the commission of violence against the 
editor of the Herald and property of this estgiblishment. Although 
the evidence against the Times has always been palpable and un- 
doubted, it never had the boldness to avow its real wishes till 
yesterday, when it gave place in its columns to the publication of 
what purports to be a communication. The object of that article 
is too apparent to be doubted. It is nothing more nor less than to 
destroy this establishment by mob violence." The Herald ex- 
pressed the belief that the real reasons for this hostility were its 
course toward the State bank and toward a swindling transaction 
in Dubuque which had brought the mercantile credit of local busi- 
ness men into disgrace in eastern cities. Such persons, it was al- 
leged, desired the suppression of the Herald, which opposed their 
course and schemes. The Herald further said: "Notwithstand- 
ing the efforts of the malignant partisans whose headquarters is 
at the Times office and whose mouthpiece that incendiary and 



L 



268 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

scurrilous sheet has become, the riot which was designed to come 
off and which was no doubt planned in every respect but its actual 
performance, did not occur last night, thanks to the good sense 
of the gallant volunteers who were expected and designed to be 
made the disgraceful instruments of a violation of the law which 
tliey have enlisted to keep up arms to enforce and uphold." 

Four companies for the Fourth Regiment were here July 12 and 
were on their way to join their regiment at Burlington. They 
marched through town to Washington Square and made speeches. 
They were the men who were expected to wreck the Herald office. 

Colonel Sanders came to Dubuque early in August, 1861, as aid 
of Governor Kirkwood for the purpose of making arrangements 
for the establishment here of Camp Union for the reception of 
two volunteer regiments. The place selected was at the upper 
end of the bottom land adjoining Lake Peosta and on an elevation 
of thirty to forty feet above it. The soil was sandy, slightly roll- 
ing, covered with sod and well adapted for the purpose. A narrow 
grove extended along the bank of the lake and at its upper end 
extended across the whole bottom to the bluff near the residence 
of Mathias Ham. Here the volunteers could have good water, 
bathing in summer and ice in winter. The buildings constructed 
were 20x60 feet and arranged so as to accommodate 100 men 
each. The first troops to enter the camp were the company of 
Captain Carpenter from Anamosa, which had previously quar- 
tered in the various liotels, etc. Col. W. B. Allison, aid of the 
governor, had full autliority to complete the arrangements for the 
camp. George L. Torbert was commissary. Mr. Holland was 
contractor for building the barracks. 

In July recruits for the Twelfth or Vandever's regiment were 
called for. Captain Thomas thus recruited. Lieutenant Heath 
was securing recruits for a cavalry regiment. The Hawkeye State 
took away six companies from Dubuque, those from Lansing, 
Delhi. Lidependence. Chickasaw, Benton and one other. 

When the news of tlie battle of Bull Run reached here in July 
a Federal victory was reported ; when the truth became known all 
became much dejected — even the Herald. A sword was presented 
by the printers to Capt. V. J. David. On July 26, Colonel Heath's 
detachment of cavalry left for Burlington ; there were nearly 100 
men and about fifty horses; a large crowd gathered to see them 
depart. News of the battle of Wilson's Creek, Missouri, in Au- 
gust roused the city. Colonel Vandever was authorized to raise a 
regiment in the Second congressional district. Captain Coon re- 
cruited here in August. Col. W. B. Allison issued urgent calls 
for volunteers in August. Captain Washington began to recruit 
volunteers for the Twelfth U. S. infantry at this time. On August 
22 Captain Hayden's artillery company numbered sixty-eight men. 
Coon's cavalry company left .\ugust 17; a large crowd saw them 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 269 

depart by boat; when half a mile down the river their cheers from 
the hurricane deck could still be heard. The First regiment was 
mustered out August 20 and the Dubuque company was received 
with much pride, enthusiasm and affection. 

Main street from wSecond to Tenth was gaily decorated. Bands, 
soldiers and inhabitants to the number of five thousand received 
the brave boys at the levee and escorted them to Washington 
Square : each soldier was handed a wreath by one of a committee 
of little girls. Mr. Wullweber addressed them in German and Mr. 
Shiras in English and welcomed them home. Several of the boys 
who were sick or wounded, among the latter Captain Gottschalk, 
rode in carriages. On the stand was a banner with the legend, 
"In Memory of McHenry, Rhomberg, Goennel and Jaeggi." The 
Herald said. "All day and until late at night groups of ten to one 
hundred or more were gathered in the streets surrounding some 
soldier and listening to the history of his adventures in the war. 
It was indeed the proudest day Dubuque ever knew and thrice 
honored and thrice welcome be the brave volunteers who gave 
Dubuque the occasion for such a day." 

In 1861 cannon were successfully cast in Dubuque. By August 
25 seven of the ten barrack buildings at Camp Union were com- 
pleted ; three companies were there at this date. On August 26 
Colonel Allison called for the loan of blankets for the volunteers 
at Camp Union. Wounded soldiers began to arrive in August. 
By August 28 there were about six hundred volunteers in Dubuque 
and at Camp Union. By this time the camp was under perfect 
military discipline under Colonel Allison. Late in August Captain 
Washington sent from here a dozen recruits for the Thirteenth 
United States Regiment. Liquors were forbidden sold in or near 
Camp Union, F. B. Wilke, of the Herald, corresponded from 
the field. The company of Captain Thomas was about ready late 
in August. Dr. McCluer was surgeon at Camp Union. Major 
Brodtbeck was a drillmaster at the camp. Colonel Allison bought 
two hundred blankets for the Camp Union boys about September i. 
The citizens were proud of Captain Hayden's artillery company. 
The six companies here in September attended the fair up the 
Couler. Col. William Vandever was present on horseback. The 
County Board, in September, ordered a full record spread on its 
records of Companies H and I of the First Iowa. 

In September the circulation of the Dubuque Herald was inter- 
dicted at St. Louis ; the editor charged this act to political enemies. 
In August, 1 86 1, Lieutenant King recruited here twenty-two men 
for the regular army. An immense excursion from the back coun- 
ties came here to see the volunteers about September i. Captain 
Washington became mustering officer for Camp Union. Captain 
Hayden's company was mustered September 3. About this time 
five hundred dollars was raised by subscription for a monument to 



270 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

tlie soldiers. D. A. Mahony, editor of the Herald, accused Presi- 
dent Lincoln of subverting the Constitution and establishing a 
niilitar}' despotism. The talk of a draft in September caused ex- 
citement among the aliens who had long masqueraded as full-fledged 
citizens ; they began to move in the direction of Canada. Lieu- 
tenant Howard, in September, recruited men for the engineer 
regiment. 

By September 14, 1861, there had been expended by the volun- 
teer fund board about one thousand eight hundred dollars on nearly 
sixty families. Of these there were about twenty-five families 
which had no other means of subsistence. 

Dubuque, Iowa, Sept. 14, 1861. 
D. A. Mahony, Esq., Dubuque, Iowa : 

Dear Sir. — I have seen in the newspapers of the State and heard 
through other sources that the loyalty of yourself and others asso- 
ciated with you has been doubted, and that your influence has been 
adverse to enlistments in the regular army and in the volunteer 
service. I therefore ask whether I understand your position cor- 
rectly — that you are ready to devote your energies to put down 
rebellion — to sustain the Union and put forth your best efforts to 
aid me in raising a regiment from this State to go forth in defense 
of a country whose flag is the emblem of freedom and the defender 
of the oppressed of every clime. It is not my desire to enter into 
personal feuds or private quarrels and I care nothing about the 
past (either personal or political preferences). I only ask that all 
shall now rally in defense of liberty and law. I request a free and 
frank expression of your sentiments. Yours truly, 

N. B. Baker, Adj. Gen. of Iowa. 

To this communication Mr. Mahony replied at length, from 
which the following is an extract : "I reply to your enquiry re- 
specting my position by saying that my services are at your com- 
mand as the representative of the government to aid in raising a 
regiment from this State or in any other way that they may be 
best employed to put down rebellion, to sustain the Union, to defend 
the country and to make the American flag respected whether 
aljroad or at home." — (Herald, September 17, 1861.) 

An immense war meeting was held here September 16, 1861, 
on the occasion of the visit of Adjt. Gen. Baker. It was held at 
the courthouse and was very enthusiastic. The principal speakers 
were General Baker, J. L. Harvey and C. J- Rogers. Col. William 
Vandever commanded the Ninth Iowa Regiment here at Camp 
Union. A new impetus was given to recruiting by the order to 
raise an additional regiment. Mechanics, farmers, miners, etc., 
were to be found at the recruiting offices, it was noted. 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 271 

Dubuque, Iowa, Sept. 16, 1861. 
Rt. Rev. Bishop Smyth, Dubuque, Iowa : 

Dear Sir. — I am fully aware of the loyal and patriotic sentiments 
which animate your bosom in this trying hour of our nation's 
history. I am also aware of your repugnance to interfere with 
matters not connected with the duties of your holy office. I know, 
however, that a public expression of your sentiments would have a 
decided influence on public opinion in favor of the cause of the 
Union, which is the cause of liberty and law, justice and humanity. 

With great respect and esteem. Yours truly, 

N. B. Baker, Adjt. Gen. of Iowa. 

Dubuque, Sept. 17. 

Hon. Sir and Dear Friend. — I have the honor to acknowledge 
the receipt of your esteemed favor of the i6th inst. and agree with 
you in saying that the cause of the Union is the cause of law, of 
order, and of justice. You are aware that I ever avoid all matters 
of a political nature, as foreign to my sacred duties, yet in this 
present hour of trial, when the honor and happiness of our nation 
are at stake, when som.e prejudiced minds may construe my silence 
into a disrespect for you whose friendship I highly prize, or into a 
criminal opposition to our National Government, the Government 
of the United States, the only one to which I owe fealty, it may 
not be departing too far from my usual course to say that my feel- 
ings and sentiments are for the Union, and though peace is now 
the darling object of my ambition, yet I would not consent to pur- 
chase peace at the sacrifice of principle. 

With the deepest respect, Yours most sincerely, 

Clement Smyth, Bishop of Dubuque. 

To N. B. Baker, Adjt. Gen., etc., Clinton, Iowa. 

John O'Neill, J. J. Lambert and James O'Grady were commis- 
sioned to raise a company here for the proposed Irish regiment. 
Adjutant General Baker visited Camp Union September 14. A 
number of citizens who had subscribed to the relief fund for 
soldiers' families neglected and finally refused to pay anything. 
Late in September the Canada and Denmark carried southward 
Colonel Vandever's regiment of about one thousand volunteers. 
Abram Levins raised recruits for the Twelfth regulars. Col. J. F. 
Bates was received here with great ceremony and honor early in 
October, 1861. Capt. M. M. Hayden was presented with a fine horse 
fully caparisoned. "Colonel Allison is justly entitled to the praise 
of being the most energetic and popular officer in this part of the 
State."— (//craW, October 26, 1861.) In October Lincoln Clark 
and Bishop Smyth were appointed members of the Sanitary Com- 
mission. S. D. Brodtbeck became Major of the Twelfth Regi- 
ment. Late in 1861 the Soldiers' Aid Society cared for the sick 



-272 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

soldiers at Camp Union and sent large quantities of supplies to the 
fields; Mrs. Solon M. Langworthy was president and Mrs. Large 
secretary. In November about seventy-five dollars per week was 
paid tD twenty-five families of soldiers. 

In November, 1861, Lieutenant McMahon called for volunteers 
for the sharpshooters' brigade. Sham fights were held at Camp 
Union in November. At this time the Times announced that it 
now favored "no union with slaveholders." This statement kin- 
<lled the wrath of the Herald. 

"Almost daily the Herald is making pretentions to loyalty and 
patriotism, but in words only." — (Times, November 15, 1861.) 

The Herald of November 17, 1861, said, "We are for the old 
L^nion, the Constitutional Union, the legal Union, the Union Wash- 
ington and his compatriots gave us, and not such a bastard Union 
as the Abolitionists have conceived and now attempt to palm off 
upon the country. Are you a Union man, reader? and if so, is it 
for the Union as it was formed by our forefathers or for the Union 
as Abolitionists would have it?" 

On November 26 the Twelfth Regiment left on the steamers 
Canada and Henry Clay. The Seventh Iowa lost heavily at Bel- 
mont. The County Board appropriated one thousand dollars for 
the relief of soldiers' families. The board of relief prepared for 
active work during the approaching cold weather. 

During the holiday season of 1861-2 the Ladies' Soldiers' Aid 
Society held a large, successful and very profitable fair ; they de- 
served and received great praise for this notable event. 

"It Means Something. — Several prominent citizens of this county, 
including an ex-Governor of this State, have within the last day or 
two voluntarily appeared before Colonel Bates and requested him 
to administer to them an oath to support the Constitution of the 
United States. Union sentiment must be on the increase in our 
community." — (Herald. January 12, 1862.) 

Messrs. Merritt, Newcomb and Doyle raised the Light Guards, 
sixty strong, which left here in January, 1862. J. B. Dorr became 
quartermaster of the Twelfth Regiment. Early in January, 1862, 
the relief fund board announced that it was out of funds ; they 
had paid out $2,699.08, about two thousand dollars in cash and 
the balance in clothing, groceries, etc.; they had assisted 116 sol- 
diers' families. H. L. Stout was president of the board and M. 
Allison secretary. Lieutenant Wright called for recruits for the 
Second Iowa Cavalry in February, 1862. 

"Our country is still drifting from bad to worse. Congress is 
doing nothing to better its condition. Day after day the people 
have been told that the backbone of the rebellion was broken and 
that the seceded .States would soon be brought back to the Union, 
but the rebellion grows stronger and the seceded States appear to 
be going farther ofif than ever. Why is this? Is not Union, a 




PARK AND COUNTRY VIEWS 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 273 

political Union such as the people of the United States once had. 
desirable any longer? Of course it is, but the Abolitionists have 
rendered such a Union hopeless by their insane course. * * * 
The great mistake of the present day, the great political error 
which the people of the North have committed, is to attempt to 
control social institutions which have their foundation in the cus- 
toms and interests of the South by government interference." 

{Herald, February 5, 1862.) 

"It appears that the Captain Jones taken prisoner at Fort Henry 
is G. R. G. Jones of this city, son of General Jones, now in Fort 
Lafayette. We doubt if e\en Captain Jones' family knew 
whether he was in the rebel army and they are probably as much 
surprised to hear of his capture as if anything else unforeseen 
and unexpected had befallen him."— {Herald, February 9, 1862.) 
"It is rumored that a committee visited the editor of the Times 
<lay before yesterday for the purpose of intimating the necessity of 
pitchmg into the Herald and that the result of the intimidation of 
tins committee was the article in the Times yesterday. The Times 
under the new regime was to be an independent patriotic paper, 
but henceforth, we presume, it is to reflect the sentiments and feel- 
ings of Dubuque Abolitionists, the meanest, most contemptible 
hypocritical, cantmg .set of fanatics the whole country contains "— 
(Herald, February 12, 1862.) 

The capture of Fort Henry in February followed almost imme- 
diately by the capture of Fort Donelson, fired the patriotism and 
military spirit of this county as nothing had done thus far. 

"Yesterday morning the city was agitated by the rumor that a 
great battle had been fought at Fort Donelson and that the Federal 
army had met with disaster. Soon after, and while the people 
>vere still in suspense and an.xiety, news came that Fort Donelson 
was in possession of the Federal troops with fifteen thousand Rebels 
taken prisoner, including Generals Johnson, Buckner, Pillow and 
Moyd. Tlie news at first was doubtful, but was soon confirmed." 
— (//rrnW February 18, 1862.) The Herald urged that now was 
the time, after the government had secured such prestige by force 
ot arms, to secure peace upon the terms of the original Union 
A meeting in Table Mound township passed the following: 
Resolved That we consider Abolitionism as preached in the pul- 
pit, spread broadcast amongst the people by the infamous Abolition 
press, iiarped upon in Congress and in the Legislature of the Free 
States, as the most disastrous, mischievous and suicidal doctrine 
ever promulgated among the people since the formation of the 
government. We believe it to be the primary cause of secession, 
tor If we had no Abolitionists we would have no secession 

conS?'^ '. n ""'' ''"''r' °- ^- ^"h°"y t° be an unflinching 
constitutional Democrat who has for the past year stood with I 
bold front in the face of public opinion, fanaticism and partisan 



274 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

feeling combined, tlireatened by suppression and the fury of mob 
violence stirred up by a false view of patriotism; he has triumphed 
over his most inveterate enemies. 

"Resolved, That we view with alarm the introduction in this 
country of the Star Chamber proceedings by William H. Seward, 
by which he dares to cause citizens to be confined and imprisoned 
during his will and pleasure." 

The last referred to General Jones' imprisonment in Fort 
Lafayette. All the resolutions were in a similar strain and were 
probably prepared in the Herald office. 

At a big mass meeting in Centralia on February 15 Russell 
Evans was chairman and E. M. Bartholow secretary. John Strohl 
explained the object of the meeting. Mr. Brown also delivered an 
address. The meeting adopted resolutions similar to those passed 
at the Table Alound township, only they were more severe. One 
was "that we deeply sympathize with the afflicted family and large 
circle of friends of our most worthy citizen and statesman. Gen. 
George W. Jones, who is now, as we verily believe, the innocent 
\'ictim of the tyrant and usurper and imprisoned without due 
process of law." 

The Herald rejoiced greatly over Halleck's Order No. 37, reaf- 
firming and reinforcing Order No. 3, not to interfere with the 
negroes or free them ; the paper was in ecstasies over this order. 

"General Jones arrived home last night from his illegal and 
arbitrary incarceration at Fort Lafayette. A spontaneous greet- 
ing of his personal friends and of those who have a proper sense 
of the violation of the Constitution committed in his person and 
in others who were incarcerated with him, will take place at his 
residence this afternoon. Thus will Higher Lawism (Seward) be 
rebuked by the freemen of Dubuque." — (Herald, February 28, 
1862.) At the Jones reception loyal officials were near to observe 
all that occurred. 

"Hydrophobia. — The Abolitionists of the city were terribly mad 
yesterday to think that Secretary Stanton had released Gen. 
George W. Jones from that American Bastile, Fort Lafayette. 
They cursed the Administration from the President down to the 
\\n:ite House gardener and frothed at the mouth like a lot of mad 
dogs. Poor fellows, how we pity them."— (Herald, March i,, 
1862.) 

Early in 1862 Lieutenant Dewey left the citv with sixty-nine- 
recruits for the Twelfth United States Regiment, then at Fort 
Hamilton, New York. Lieutenant Newbury remained to recruit 
others. The Second, Third, Seventh, Eleventh, Twelfth, Thir- 
teenth and Fourteenth Iowa regiments were at Fort Donelson. 
The Second lost close to two hundred killed and wounded in that 
battle : the Seventh did heroic service there. 

'The news yesterday of the possession by the Federal troops of 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 275 

the Rebel stronghold, Manassas, spread like wildfire through the 
city and immediately, as if by magic, the stars and stripes were 
flung to the breeze from nearly every house and public building 
in the city. One patriotic overzealous individual who, like Job's 
warhorse, snuffs the battle from afar, went through the street with 
his hat in his hand shouting, 'We've got 'em, we've got' em !' " — 
(Herald, March 12, 1862.) 

"For the purpose of aiding and abetting the rebels in their open 
treason the Dubuque Herald and kindred organs resort to the decep- 
tive cry that it is an Abolition war originating at the North and 
not at the South. This is a treasonable fraud which should deceive 
no honest patriot." — (Times, March 6, 1862.) 

"How many times has Samuel McNutt called us a traitor; how 
many times has he called us a Secessionist ; how many times has 
lie alleged that we were in collusion with Jeff Davis, that we re- 
ceived money from Richmond to favor the Rebel cause? If we 
took the heart's blood of the villain who has thus belied us it would 
lie a poor satisfaction for the injuries he has attempted to inflict 
upon us. McNutt came here, hired, but not yet paid, to belie 
caluminate, traduce, slander and libel the editor of this paper. He 
has done his work faithfully and expects his reward from those 
wlio brought him here, in the city treasurership of Dubuque."— 
(Herald. April i, 1862.) 

"Democrats. — Do not forget that Jacob Swivel, the Abolition 
candidate for marshal, is the same Marshal Swivel who, when a 
mob roared through our streets and endangered our property and 
our persons, was quietly with his hands in his pockets looking on 
when stones flew through the windows of our fellow-citizens and 
when respectalile men were knocked down and abused because they 
were Democrats." — (National Demokrat, April 5, 1862.) 

"When the peace of this city was violated last summer by a mob 
and when private residences and public business places of citizens 
were stoned and citizens tiiemselves threatened with personal vio- 
lence. Marshal Swivel looked on complacently." — (Herald, April 
6, 1862.) 

Several wounded soldiers of Pea Ridge, Fort Donelson and other 
western fields began to arrive here in March, 1862. Bodies of 
dead soldiers also arrived and were buried with much ceremony. 
The Herald continued to denounce almost every act of President 
Lincoln's administration. Hayden's battery participated in the 
battle of Pea Ridge and lost heavily, but fought gallantly. The 
Herald called Wendell Phillips a traitor and rejoiced when he 
was mobbed at Cincinnati in the spring of 1862. President Lincoln 
was denounced for having received Mr. Phillips. Returning sol- 
diers were cared for at the Peosta Home. At the request of Gov- 
ernor Kirkwood. H. L. Stout spent one thousand eight hundred 
dollars for the care of soldiers passing through Dubuque ; he was 



2/6 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

later reimbursed for the outlay. The Germania band, which had 
been to the front at Springfield, Missouri, returned in April. Lieut. 
Col. F. J. Herron and his brother, Capt. R. G. Herron, arrived 
here in April ; the former was wounded at Pea Ridge. Of the 
immense meeting held at Julien theatre early in April, 1862, to 
celebrate the \nctory at Pittsburg Landing, the Herald said it was 
employed to abuse the successful party in this county. The City 
Council passed the following on April 10: 

"Resolved, That we hail with joy the glorious tidings from our 
victorious armies as indicating a speedy and certain overthrow of 
secession and its sympathizers in the North as well as in the South. 

"Resolved, That Lieut. Col. Frank J. Herron and his associates 
in arms from Dubuque at the battle of Pea Ridge, will be remem- 
bered with pride by its loyal citizens, when those who have gone 
from among us to aid in rebellion will be forgotten or only known 
with infamy as traitors to their country." 

Any suggestion to free and arm the blacks to assist the Federal 
forces encountered the severest denunciations of the Herald and its 
supporters. The Ad Hines brought up twenty sick and wounded 
soldiers from Pittsburg Landing late in April. It was April 14 
or 15 before any detailed and reliable news concerning Iowa regi- 
ments at Pittsburg Landing was received here ; the horrors of that 
bloody battle, the heroic conduct of the surprised Federal troops 
and the grief over loved ones killed and wounded then, were almost 
overpowering to the good people of Dubuque. Early in 1862 D. A. 
Mahony was the real leader of the secession Democracy of Iowa. 

"The war as waged by the Abolitionists is for the evident pur- 
pose of bringing the white and black races to a social, personal 
and political equality and not for the preservation of the Union nor 
for the maintenance of the Constitution. The theme of the speeches 
in Congress and the burden of the arguments of Abolitionists in 
that body is the negro, not the Union." — (Editorial, Herald, April 
30, 1862.) 

"The telegraphic dispatches of yesterday brought the mortifying 
intelligence that it was known at the capital that there was a secret 
league of secessionists in this city who were intending to resist the 
collection of the Federal tax. The leaders are known and the eye 
of the authorities is upon them. Doubtless this is no idle surmise 
or idle rumor, but the result of actual knowledge. * * * y\nd 
this is not all. Yesterday private dispatches were received from 
the seat of government that there was a prospect that the Pacific 
Railroad would be so located that it would not connect with any 
tributary to Dubuque simply because it is such a secession hole. So 
Iowa, the most loyal State in the Union, has become a plague spot." 
--(Times, May 8, 1862.) 

United States Deputy Marshal Captain Conger began to investi- 
gate the allegations that a disloyal society was in existence in this 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 277 

county, organized, it was declared, to resist the collection of the 
government tax. 

Certain citizens here, or persons elsewhere, having informed 
tlie government that there was a secret disloyal organization for 
resistance to the collection of government tax, the Herald demanded 
an investigation and denounced the accusation, so far as it was 
concerned, as false and malicious. From the New York Tribune's 
correspondence the following was an extract : "It is known here 
( at Washington, D. C. ) that a secret organization exists at Du- 
buque, Iowa, to resist the collection of Federal taxes. The ring- 
leaders in this movement are known to the government and its eye 
is upon them." — {Herald, May 8, 1862.) 

"Dubuque as a recruiting station has been the most productive of 
any city in the United States. Over five hundred men have been 
enlisted here for the regular service." — (Dubuque Times, May 8, 
1862.) "What on earth has happened to the Times to make this 
admission? A hundred times or more during the past year the 
Times has tried to make it appear that Dubuque and vicinity was 
so disloyal as to withhold recruits for the war." — {Herald, May 
9, 1862.) "It is equally notorious that the only other attempt at 
riot or of a serious disturbance of the peace for years was the 
attempt last summer of an abolition and Republican mob instigated 
by the Dubuque Times, an Abolition-Republican paper, to destroy 
the Herald printing establishment. The other was when the same 
mobs attacked and in two or three instances broke in the houses 
and business places of peaceably disposed citizens whose only offense 
was that they were Democrats in politics." — {Herald, May 9, 
1862.) 

In the spring of 1862 P. H. Conger became deputy United States 
marshal here. In April two hundred Rebel prisoners passed up 
on the steamer Evansville, but were not landed at Dubuque. 

"We stated and now repeat the opinion that if the government 
finds that it cannot suppress the rebellion without abolishing slavery 
the Constitution gives the right and imposes the duty to remove it." 
— {Times, May 20, 1862.) 

General Hunter's proclamation freeing the negroes in his depart- 
ment was denounced by the Herald, which declared that if Presi- 
dent Lincoln would annul it the Herald would support the Lincoln 
Administration. To the Herald and all Southerners residing here 
the mere suggestion of interference with slavery was sufficient to 
kindle the severest denunciation; they hated Abolitioni.sm with an 
intensity almost unaccountable at the present time ; the negro was 
regarded as an animal, nothing more. 

"What have the fanatics of Dubuque and of Iowa to say now 
to the course of the Herald^ Step by step, act by act, the course of 
this paper has been sustained by the Administration itself. The 
rebuke of Sewardism embodied in Secretary Stanton's executive 



278 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Order No. i. together with the recent discomfiture of the Rebels 
(capture of Forts Henry and Donelson) has brought on a crisis 
in the war and now comes the turning point which will result in 
the demoralization of the Rebels, the discomfiture of Abolitionism, 
the restoration of tlie Union and the establishment of peace on a 
lasting and irrevocable foundation. Secretary Stanton's order of 
amnesty is the most important event of the war." — {Herald, Feb- 
ruary 20, 1862.) Stanton's order released all political prisoners. 
The above article is given to show how utterly mistaken the Herald 
was on the nature of the order and the intentions of the South and 
the Administration. 

In May, 1862, Lieutenant Colonel Herron was promoted to a 
brigadier general. On May 26 Lieutenant Dewey left here with 
seventy-four recruits for the Twelfth United States Regiment. 
So many soldiers passed through Dubuque, needing assistance, it 
was determined in May to provide a soldiers' hospital. Captain 
Case recruited volunteers here for the Nineteenth Regiment in 
June. As Memphis was captured about this time, steamers began 
to go down to that city. On June 4 Lieutenant Newberry left 
with thirty-five volunteers for the Twelfth United States Regiment. 
The battles in Virginia attracted much attention at this time. The 
Times openly accused Mahony. General Jones, Samuels, Lewis 
Jennings, Ouigley and others with being secessionists and traitors; 
the Herald answered with its usual directness, sarcasm and dis- 
loyalty. 

On June 11, 1862, Capt. L. E. Yorke assumed the duties of 
military commander of Dubuque and vicinity. He proceeded to 
put his district in good order by seeing that soldiers were properly 
mustered in or out ; leaves of absence properly signed ; pay of 
soldiers attended to; soldiers absent without leave told to report; 
paroled Union soldiers were considered on leave of absence until 
exchanged, etc. 

"It is taken for granted by a large portion of the people of the 
northern States that the Rebellion of the South is primarily and 
almost exclusively caused and carried on b}' slaveholders, and the 
conclusion is formed with very specious reasoning that as slave- 
holders caused this rebellion the property in slaves should therefore 
be destroyed. We deny both the premise and the conclusion. 
Slaveholders did not cause the rebellion, but those who determined 
to abolish slavery did by personal interference with the institution, 
so called, of slavery and by the influence which those Abolitionists 
acquired over the northern State governments and over the Federal 
government. That is what caused the rebellion and not the slave- 
holders." — {Herald, June 17, 1862.) 

On July 2, 1862, a bogus dispatch that Richmond had fallen and 
fifty thousand Rebel soldiers captured caused a large spontaneous 
celebration here ; flags were flung out, cannon fired, bells rung, 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 279 

stores closed and business suspended. At the Fourth of July cele- 
bration Judge T. S. Wilson proposed three cheers for "the old 
flag and the old Constitution" ; also "three cheers for McClellan." 
Rev. Taylor proposed "three cheers for the Union as it is, and will 
be." More troops being called for, the Herald asked: 

"Why? Because Abolitionism has diverted the object of the 
war, for a restoration of the government, to an emancipation raid, 
disgusting good men and preventing them from joining in the 
work. If drafting is resorted to we may look for lively times and 
great physical disabilities prevalent." — (Herald, July 10, 1862.) 

The following is a list of persons subject to military duty in 
Dubuque county in July, 1862, made out and returned to the adju- 
tant general as provided by law: Julien township, 1,904; Wash- 
ington, 127; Prairie Creek, 140: White Water. 200; Cascade, 152; 
Mosalem, 122; Table Mound, 167; Vernon, 160; Taylor, 159; 
Dodge, 103; Center, 161 ; Iowa, 106; New Wine, 288; Peru, 107; 
Jefferson, 206; Concord, 163; Liberty, 156; total, 4,421. 

"This war can never, no, never, in our opinion, be brought to a 
satisfactory close by means of war." — [Herald, July 12, 1862.) 

In July, under the new call, another regiment was to be raised 
in this congressional district. At this time the Herald was saying 
and doing much to discourage enlistments. The government 
bounty of one hundred dollars was now in force. The confiscation 
bill was denounced by the Herald. By July, 1862, nearly three 
hundred volunteers had been secured here for the Twelfth United 
States Regiment. This is an important fact not to be overlooked. 
In less than three weeks in June and July Captain Case enlisted a 
full company of ninety-nine men. Vallandingham's theories were 
extolled by the Herald which published his speeches in full. 

"Our readers will remember that we had a military company 
here some time ago composed of blood and thunder patriots, better 
known as Shoddies, and that one evening one of the most innocent 
and earnest of them proposed that tlie company tender their services 
to the government, and that the probabilities of their being accepted 
were so strong that the entire company disbanded, quaking in their 
boots from the alarm occasioned bv the dangers they had escaped." 
— (Herald, July 18, 1862.) 

"The arrival in this city of se\eral cases, amounting, it is said, to 
a thousand stand of arms and a quantity of ammunition, fixed as 
well as loose, has afiforded the malignants an opportunity to found 
upon this circumstance the most alarming rumors and to create a 
feverish anxiety if not an intense excitement in the public mind. 
The government can ill afford to have public opinion excited against 
if at this time, and therefore it becomes it to discountenance the 
malicious partisanship which alarms the public mind with fears for 
the security of persons who are alleged to be inimical to the govern- 
ment by their political adversaries. This is no time to permit or 



28o HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

encourage trifling with personal rights either of liberty or of prop- 
erty, for a word unfitly spoken, or an act needlessly or heedlessly 
committed, might plunge this whole State, if not the whole North- 
west, into the horrors of civil war. He who becomes the means of 
producing such a state of things is, we need not say, the worst as 
well as the most dangerous enemy of his country and of his race. 
Let the government act openly and trustfully with the people and 
permit no one to make it appear otherwise than it should do in its 
relations to any individual, and a world of trouble will be pre- 
vented: but if it should subject itself to this guidance of the fa- 
natics hereaway, it will inevitably find itself involved in a conflict 
which might prove to become irresistible. We kindly, calmly but 
firmly, warn our rulers and those who have become the minions of 
power that thrift may follow fawning, to beware of their course 
in relation to the rights of the people. There is no need of a con- 
flict between the government and the people in the exercise of their 
respective rights; neither should infringe upon or violate the rights 
of the other. To do so at this time by either government or people 
might result in the worst possible consequences."- — {Herald, July 
31, 1862.) 

"The fairest way to raise troops is by drafting. There are in 
this city at least a hundred partisan leaders who are urging every 
Democrat they meet to go to war, but not one of whom volunteers 
himself to go. It is amusing to see our Stouts, Langworthys, Alli- 
sons, Adamses and other leading Republicans running to and fro 
urging their poorer neighbors to go to war. If they will not, let 
them take their chances at the time of drafting." — {Herald, July 
30, 1862.) 

Late in July. 1862, the Chicago Journal and other journals of the 
West called upon the government to suppress the Herald and thrust 
its editors into "a safe military prison or to furnish them with a 
pass to the Southern Confederacy." "Its sedition is open and 
shameless." — "A falsehood," replied the Herald. "It does all in its 
power to discourage enlistments and to dampen the ardor of the 
people." — "That is a lie," said the Herald. 

"We are pretty reliably informed that a number of young men 
left this city Monday morning to escape the consequences of a 
draft and that more are intending to go in a day or two. We have 
heard both Democratic and Republican names spoken of in this 
connection. * * * It is the duty of every man to stop and meet 
it like a man. * * * We implore every man to remain where he 
is and meet the issues. There should be no fear of an unfair draft. 
We will not insult the authorities by premising that such an infamy 
will be undertaken, but if it should be, the place to meet it is here. 
A draft to be binding on any of us must be fair, above suspicion 
and legal in every particular." — {Herald, August 5, 1862.) 

"Anotlier 300,000! — It will be seen by the news from Washing- 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 281 

ton that a call for three Inmdred thousand more men has been 
issued by the Secretary of War in addition to the three hundred 
thousand required by a recent proclamation. This news spread 
consternation through this city yesterday and set even fanatics to 
reflecting upon the state of the country and its probable fate." — 
{Hcraldj August 6, 1862.) "Recruiting officers flaunt their flags 
from almost every block in the city." — {Herald, August 6, 1862.) 

In July draft evaders again became alarmed and prepared to 
leave for Canada. A printer named Lambert enlisted men for a 
typo-battalion at Chicago. The Herald assumed that drafting 
would be partial, one-sided and of Democrats only. Much help 
was given to soldiers' families. "Every cord of wood given to 
soldiers' families was recorded above," it was paragraphed. When 
the Irish regiment was first talked of Mahony signified his willing- 
ness to assist, but when it was decided that he should not become 
its colonel his ardor cooled. Lieutenant Flint recruited for the 
Twenty-first Regiment in July and August. Under the new call 
"Dubuque was the only backward county in the State and has done 
nothing as yet toward filling her quota, offering bounties, or kin- 
dling a patriotic fire." — (Herald, August 5, 1862.) On August 4 
the Ladies' Volunteer Aid Society sent a large box of hospital 
stores to Keokuk by the steamer Canada. Shubael P. Adams 
v.'as an unflinching Union man. Sam Osborn, William Coates, A. 
Y. McDonald and C. Hill, the first two of whom had served with 
the First Regiment, were authorized to raise volunteers in August. 
Captain Horton enlisted fifty sharpshooters by August 11. By 
this time the city and county were alive with meetings to secure 
volunteers. 

"Various and discouraging will be the difficulties in the way of 
successfully drafting the required number of men in this part of 
the country for war purposes. The severe ailments, hereditary, 
chronic and otherwise which now afflict such large numbers of our 
community is frightful to think of. Men supposed to be in the 
prime of manhood have within ten days fallen into the 'sere and 
yellow leaf with amazing rapidity and in astonishing quantities. 
Old crutches have been scoured up and are now about ready for 
action. Some men are lame, blind, have springhalt, spasms, 
consumption, heaves and much general debility ; others are troubled 
with a sort of insanity which induces them to imitate gophers and 
ground moles, by burrowing in mineral holes. The doctors and 
apothecaries are absolutely overrun with applications for advice 
and medicines. * * * The report that those persons who have 
gone to Canada will be delivered up by the British government to 
ours, may prove true; if so, these late emigrants to that country 
will be in a beautiful fix." — (Herald. August 10, 1862.) 

"Recruiting. — This city is all ablaze with recruiting. There are 
some fifteen recruiting offices already and more are in contempla- 



J282 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

lion. General Harrison has some sixty names on his roll. The 
general lakes the right way to secure recruits. He is not like 
most of those who address war meetings and who make buncombe 
speeches." — {Herald, August 12, 1862.) 

"Troops are arriving by nearly every boat and train which, with 
those eight hundred Eniield rifles brought over yesterday from 
Dunleilli, give the city a war-like appearance. All day long and 
half the night the roll of drums and the shrieking fife salute the 
ear. Captain Horr arrived from Epworth yesterday with a squad 
of recruits which will make, with these he has already recruited, a 
very respectable company." — {Herald, August 13, 1862.) 

On Thursday, August 13, 1862, at about 3:30 A. M., Mr. Ma- 
hony was roused at his residence by loud knocking, and peering 
from an upper window, saw several armed men at the door and 
others near. Thinking that a mob had come to attack him, he 
gave a loud shout to rouse the neighbors and withdrew his head. 
Deputy Marshal P. H. Conger then came forward and told him 
that he was there to arrest him and for him to come down and open 
the door. Mr. Mahony at once complied. He was immediately 
marched to the steamer Bill Henderson at the levee. He was 
treated courteously and permitted to see his friends. The arrest 
caused considerable excitement on the streets and much satisfaction 
to his enemies in all parts of the State when the news became gen- 
erally known. He was arrested under a late general order of the 
War Department. 

On Board Steamer Bill Henderson at Dubuque. April 14, 

1862. 
To THE People of the State of Iowa: 

Readers of the Herald and felloti'-citicens of Iowa. — I have been 
arrested this morning by an arbitrary order from the War Depart- 
ment, on what grounds I know not, except it be for the expression 
of my sentiments through the Dubuque Herald, sentiments which, 
as true as God lives, I believe to be loyal to the Constitution of my 
country. I have only to commend my wife and children to your 
care and protection. 

Your friend and fellow-citizen, 
D. A. Mahony. 

Stilson Hutchins, of the Herald staff, said, "The principles which 
the Herald enunciated and supported, it does not shrink from now. 
Neither does Mr. Mahony. That he is loyal to the Constitution 
and the laws we believe as heartily as we believe that we exist. 
There is no probability of the suppression of this paper : we have 
that assurance from the proper authorities." — {Herald, August 15, 
1862.) 

"For Congress. — The feeling in favor of Mr. Mahony for Con- 
gress has been excited rather than depressed by his arrest, and we 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 283 

may now look upon his nomination as a foregone conclusion. * * * 
We hope, perhaps without reason, for his speedy acquittal just so 
soon as it shall be known that his arrest has been brought about by 
malice and not on account of any violation of law." — {Herald, 
Augaist 15, 1862.) 

"Volunteers. — We visited such of the recruiting offices in this 
city yesterday as we could find occupied for the purpose of ascer- 
taining the number of men at each, and our investigations resulted 
as follows: Messrs. Osborn and Swivel had about 100 men; Gen- 
eral Harrison, about 80 ; Captain Horton, about 80 ; Leonard Horr, 
75 ; Captain Greaves, about 50; Messrs. Dixon and Mills, about 35 ; 
and probably among all other officers, 50 more — in all, probably 
450 men. Besides these, a considerable number have joined the 
regulars. "^ — (Herald, August 17, 1862.) 

"Mr. Mahony is still stopping at the Burtis House under official 
charge. He was to have gone to Iowa City yesterday, but differ- 
ent arrangements were made ; General Baker went out in the morn- 
ing and it is thought that he and tiie Governor will be in tonight." — 
(Davenport Nezvs, August 16, 1862.) 

"Excitement.^ — ^Nothing is so well calculated to make things move 
in a lively manner as excitement, unless it be a little more excite- 
ment. Our streets are full of people, one-half military, one-half 
want to be, and the rest entertaining desires of the same kind. 
Martial music is heard in every direction, including up and down; 
flags are fluttering gaily in the breeze and patriotic excitement 
reigns supreme. The question of drafting has wholly been ab- 
sorlaed in the greater matter of military arrests. The number of 
good citizens of our city reported under arrest yesterday was truly 
enormous, many of whom remain ignorant even this morning of 
the perilous predicaments in which rumor placed them." — (Herald, 
August 19. 1862.) 

On Sunday evening August 17, 1862, John Strohl, a farmer 
residing near Centralia, Dubuque county, was arrested at his resi- 
dence shortly after his return from church by Deputy Marshal 
Conger and Lieutenant Duffy. Rumor said he had organized a 
company of his neighbors and armed them for the purpose of 
resisting the collection of the war tax; that he opposed drafting; 
that he was preparing to rescue Mr. Mahony, and that he discour- 
aged enlistments. All this was denied. Mr. Strohl was brought 
to Dubuque and permitted to stop at the house of a friend on his 
own parole. He was treated with great courtesy and was per- 
mitted to go home upon his promise to report again at Dubuque at 
a stated time when called upon to do so. 

Volunteers raised by Osborne and Swivel were united : also those 
raised b}' Horr and Harrison. Captain Dixon called for recruits 
for Herron's Rifles. At this time the camp here was called Frank- 
lin. Numerous war meetings were held throughout the county. 



284 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

August 15 was fixed as the day for the draft, but the date was 
postponed. Captain Harrison's company left about August 16, 
1862. By August 18 the barracl<s at Camp FrankHn (old Camp 
Union") were nearly completed. Meetings to raise volunteers for 
the Irish regiment were held throughout the county, but progress 
was slow ; there seemed to be a prejudice against the regiment. 
Captain Horr's company was complete about August 18. For a 
time, in order to stop, if possible, the exodus to escape the draft, 
persons crossing the river were required to secure a pass from 
Marshal Conger. As fast as the companies were ready they went 
to Camp Franklin to drill and become accustomed to camp life. 
Henry O'Connor and John O'Neill were talked of for colonel of 
the Irish regument. In a letter to the Herald of August 21, Mr. 
Mahony merely and generally reaffirmed his former views. 

On August 19, 1862, the county board "Resolved, That the sum 
of fifty dollars be appropriated by this board to be paid in county 
warrants to each and every volunteer who may enlist hereafter, 
and until September i next, in the service of the United States as a 
volunteer soldier to the credit of Dubuque county, the said sum 
to be paid in such manner as the board may prescribe. And this 
board pledges itself to ratify and carry out at its next regular 
session this resolution in letter and spirit. Cort, Kitler and Ma- 
comber were the only members of the county board to vote against 
the above resolution. The Times declared that the result of the 
arrest of Mahony and others was the passage of the above resolution 
and the great improvement in recruiting. Storr and Karrick 
recruited men in August. By August 22 the Twenty-first Regi- 
ment (Herron's) was nearly completed. About August 20 Gov- 
ernor Kirkwood appointed the following draft officers for this 
locality : John L. Harvey, commissioner ; C. J. Cummings, enroll- 
ing officer ; Dr. Lewis, surgeon. 

"Recruiting.— We learn that so rapidly have recruits been raised 
that there are now in this congressional district more than the num- 
ber required to fill our proportion of the first three hundred thou- 
sand men called for, and there is every indication that our entire 
quota of the six hundred thousand will be ready by the ist of Sep- 
tember, volunteering thereby obviating the necessity of drafting." — 
(Herald, August 20, 1862.) "Negro-Mania on the Brain. — This 
horrible disease has broken out in our midst and promises to assume 
every type from the mildest to the most dangerous and incurable 
form," said the Herald of August 29, 1862. A Herald carrier 
tried to circulate that paper in Camp Franklin, but was kicked out 
of the camp by Company B of Clayton county. 

D. A. Mahony was taken to Washington, D. C, and confined in 
the old capitol prison. The appearance of enrolling officers all 
over the countv caused much excitement late in August; no serious 
opposition was offered except in two or three instances. Horr's, 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 285 

Harrison's and Swivel's companies were in the Twenty-first Regi- 
ment. Tlie Indian trouble in Minnesota engrossed attention in 
the fall of 1862. By August 28 there were five full companies 
quartered at hotels and boarding houses, waiting for the next call. 
Dr. Lewis was besieged for exemption permits. Lieutenant Duffy 
took away fifteen recruits for the Thirteenth United States Regi- 
ment late in August. About this time Governor Kirkwood wrote 
John O'Neill that he would approve an order from the War Depart- 
ment authorizing the latter to raise an Irish regiment. It was at 
this time also that a petition asking for an emancipation proclama- 
tion as a military necessity was circulated here and numerously 
signed. 

Rev. Mr. Holbrook called in person upon President Lincoln late 
in August and urged him to seize the present opportunity to declare 
the slaves of Rebels free. The Herald ridiculed the movement, 
asking how the government could make them free when the south- 
ern States were in possession of the Rebels. J. B. Dorr raised 
recruits for the Twenty-first Regiment. Lieutenant Dewey secured 
more recruits for the regular service. Late in August it was 
announced that two more regiments would be recruited at Dubuque 
— Twenty-seventh and Thirty-second. 

"We think if a little time be given for volunteering that not only 
will our entire quota be full but that the Irish regiment will be 
organized. Let us have an opportunity by all means, and we will 
see what can be done." — {Herald, August 30, 1862.) 

Late in August David S. Wilson was commissioned major of 
the Irish regiment to be raised. At this time the government 
bounty was $104 and the county bounty $50. The total exempts 
August 31 were as follows: Physical disability, 366; aliens, 267; 
under and over age, 103; firemen, 88; ferrymen, etc., 15; total, 
837. The following v^'as the report of the enrolling officer Septem- 
ber 1 , 1 862 : 

September. 1862. Militia. 

First Ward 647 

Second Ward 469 

Third Ward 628 

Fourth Ward 722 

Fifth Ward 482 

Julien Twp 314 

Total 3262 

Mosalem 168 

Iowa 165 

Taylor 281 

Prairie Creek 160 

Concord 188 



Volunteers 


Regular 


Three 


for war. 


army. 


months. 


65 
65 


39 

4 


4 
24 


77 


10 


31 


121 


8 


10 


58 
64 


2 
3 


19 


450 


66 


88 


3 


4 




II 


I 




79 


. . 




17 
38 


2 





59 


5 


I 


20 


4 


. . 


53 


I 




33 






34 






23 


10 


I 


13 




2 


36 


9 


. . 


37 






20 


4 


. . 


27 


I 





286 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

New Wine 354 

Dodge 148 

Jefferson 312 

Vernon 213 

White Water 216 

Wasliington 201 

Liberty 263 

Cascade 215 

Table Mound 197 

Peru 165 

Center 237 

Total 6745 953 107 92 

In September Conday, Duffy and O'Brien recruited for the Irish 
regiment. The Iowa Army Sanitary Commission had a branch 
here in September. The Herald said the progressive steps of Abo- 
litionism were emancipation, confiscation, extermination and damna- 
tion. By September 2 the Twenty-seventli Regiment was full. 
Large sums of money were paid out for bounty. V. J. Williams 
became colonel of the Twenty-seventh : he had fought at Wilson's 
Creek. The pass system to catch "skedaddlers" from the draft 
was enforced again at the levee early in September; but the exodus 
continued at night in yawls. In September, 1862, the county board 
refused to make an appropriation for the support of soldiers' fam- 
ilies. An immense emancipation meeting early in September, called 
by Rev. Holbrook and others, was largely attended and very urgent 
and enthusiastic. Bailey, Langworthy, Bissell and Cram prepared 
a petition to President Lincoln to free the slaves. D. S. Wilson 
became colonel of the Sixth Iowa Cavalry. County bounty fifty- 
dollar warrants were worth about forty-five dollars. On Septem- 
ber 16 the Twenty-first Regiment left Dubuque in a drenching rain ; 
thousands gathered to see them depart. The Irish regiment was 
called the Forty-second ; George M. O'Brien became its colonel. 
On September 16 Governor Kirkwood announced there would be 
no general draft. A mass meeting of men opposed to emancipa- 
tion was held about the middle of September. Mr. Mahony, it 
was announced, was obliged to wait until a military commission 
had been appointed to try his case. W. B. Allison, in a public speech, 
called Mahony a traitor, whereupon the Herald lampooned Allison. 
George W. Beaubien made saddles, bridles, spurs, etc., for the 
troops. 

By September 20. 1862, Dubuque had furnished the following 
volunteers : First Iowa, two companies under Captains Herron 
and Gottschalk; Third, one company under Capt. R. G. Herron; 
Ninth, a company under Captain Thomas and Hayden's Battery 
of one hundred and forty men ; Twelfth, two companies under Cap- 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 287- 

tains Plater and Vanduzee ; Curtis' Horse, two companies recruited 
here; First or Second Cavalry, one company under Captain Coon; 
Sixteenth, two companies under Captains Ruhl and Newcomb ; 
Twenty-first, four companies under Captains Greaves, Swivel, Horr 
and Harrison. Captain David raised about seventy men for the 
Twenty-first Iowa Battery. Regular army : two companies secured 
by Lieutenant King, one company by Lieutenant Newberry, one 
company by Lieutenant Dewey, two companies by Captain Wash- 
ington, one company by Captain York ; Captain Woodman was 
now raising another company. Not all of the above companies 
came from Dubuque county ; particularly those for the regular 
army came from all parts of this congressional district. Mark 
Smith made clothing for the soldiers. W. H. Peabody bought 
liorses for the army. Late in September three regiments partly 
completed were at Camp Franklin. Markell and Williams raised 
sharpshooters in September and October. Trouble between Colonel 
Brush and the Thirty-eighth Regiment caused Governor Kirkwood 
to put Lieutenant Colonel Hughes in command in October. By 
October 5 Sixth Cavalry had six full companies. The Twenty- 
seventli Regiment was ordered to Spirit Lake in October to hold tlie 
Sioux in clieck; they received 750 muskets, 120 Enfield rifles, and 
87,000 rounds of ammunition. Four companies left for St. Paul 
to reinforce General Pope ; the others followed a few days later ; 
all went by the steamers Northern Light, Itasca and Flora. 

"The time has come when we can no longer shut our eyes and 
hope for better things at the hands of the dominant party. This 
war is to be waged for partisan purposes. To save the Union is 
not a part of their design, but to divide and destroy it is their aim. 
Tliis war. which we are told liv Abolitionists, is being conducted to 
put down the rebellion, is in reality to further their mad schemes 
of negro emancipation and negro equality." — {Herald, October 8, 
1862.) 

On October 26 Governor Kirkwood was here and reviewed the 
soldiers at Camp Franklin ; he called on Bishop Smyth. On this 
date the Herald said that Lieutenant Dewey was the most success- 
ful recruiting officer ever here ; within one year he secured about 
five hundred volunteers for the Regular Army, usually in small 
squads. A row at Camp Franklin resulted in the death of one sol- 
dier and the wounding of several others. The Silver Greys, eighty- 
four men, under Captain West, left for Davenport October 17; they 
were all over forty-five years. The citizens here did not properly 
care for the volunteers at Camp Franklin ; many complaints arose ; 
late in October about eighty were sick, mostly with measles and 
light fevers; a few of the worst cases were sent to private houses; 
several deaths occurred. Peter Kiene, Jr., was wounded at Corinth, 
captured, taken to Vicksburg, and finally paroled; he was warmly 
welcomed upon his arrival home, his death having been reported. 



288 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

By November 4 the Thirty-eighth Regiment was full, but over- 
coats and arms were yet to come. The removal of McClellan in 
November was declared to be a great mistake by the Herald. It 
was proposed by the Times to ascertain the property of Rebels here 
and confiscate the same. Mr. Mahony was discharged by the 
War Department about November 12, 1862; his friends gave him 
a rousing reception upon his return to Dubuque ; he was met at the 
ferry and welcomed in a speech by Ben. M. Samuels; bonfires were 
lighted on the bluffs, buildings were decorated, and he was carried 
on the shoulders of enthusiastic admirers; at First street men took 
the places of the horses and drew his carriage up Main street and 
on others around to his residence on Bluff street. At the stand in 
Washington Square he was welcomed by Judge Wilson. Samuels 
and O'Neill Mr Mahony replied and stated that he would advo- 
cate the same policy he had formerly supported. When the Ma- 
hony procession passed the Times office all lights were extinguished 
and sepulchral groans came from the darkness. At the reception 
the Times employes and others spiked the cannon and hid the bar- 
rels of tar intended for the illumination. 

"The captains of two of the companies of the Thirty-eighth Regi- 
ment, which left town Monday, ordered their companies to halt in 
front of the Herald office and give three groans, which they did. 
Many of tliese men are those who have been guilty of acts of 
rowdyism and vandalism lately. They can never forgive us for the 
exposure of their cowardice.'' — {Herald, November 18, 1862.) 

"The Herald of Sunday published a most preposterous account 
of what it terms 'a brilliant ovation' given to D. A. Mahony in this 
city last Saturday evening on his return from prison. No one who 
was in the city then and saw what occurred could read its stilted 
description without laughing at its absurd falsehoods." — {Times, 
November 18, 1862.) 

"The Democrats of Dubuque county, like Democrats everywhere, 
who have contended for the 'Constitution as it is and the Union as 
it was,' have been called traitors because they favored the suppres- 
sion of the rebellion by legal and constitutional means. The charge 
of treason is now applied to men who seek to uphold laws They 
who apply the name traitor boast that it has been their effort for 
sixteen years to destroy this government. To this school belong 
the leaders of the Abolition party in Iowa and to this class belong 
the men who in darkness and secrecy caused your arrest. The news 
of your arrest struck the people with astonishment. What was the 
specific charge? Where were the affidavits? Did anyone ever 
know who made the affidavits? I never did, except as a vague 
rumor." — (Judge Wilson in welcoming speech.) 

"I am come back, fellow-citizens, more than ever devoted to the 
principles for the advocacy of which I was incarcerated. I am 
come back resolved to adhere to them and advocate them. I told 




PICTURESQUE DUBUQUE 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 289 

them at Washington tliat they should hear from me and they said 
tliey expected to. In due time they sliall." — (Mahony in his reply 
to welcoming speech. ) 

■'The reception speech was delivered by Judge Wilson. As he 
embraced this occasion for throwing off the mask which he wore 
before the election, and by which many loyal voters were induced 
to vote for him, we shall notice it further." — (Times, November 
18, 1862.) 

Again in November, 1862, was draft threatened; the return of 
Mahony and the disloyal speeches of such men as Judge Wilson 
threw a damper on enlistments. 

Late in November, 1862, the Times demanded the suppression of 
the Herald upon the following grounds : i. That it was preparing 
for a practical demonstration of treason; 2, that it would induce 
Democratic party followers to rise in mob resistance to the draft 
and the war tax; 3, that if allowed to continue it would bring 
about the same state of things witnessed in Pennsylvania and Wis- 
consin. The Herald denied all this charge. 

The report of the hospital at Camp Franklin from September 18 
to November 30, 1862, showed that the whole number admitted 
was 193; returned to duty, 163; furloughed convalescent, 7; dis- 
charged, i; died, 8; remaining in the hospital, 24. Typhoid, bil- 
ious and lung fevers prevailed. Men of the Twenty-first, Twenty- 
seventh, Thirty-second and Thirty-eighth regiments suffered most. 

In December Mr. Mahony addressed a four-column article to 
President Lincoln, giving his views on the conduct of the war; it 
failed to convince the Administration that it should change its 
policy. The Thirty-eighth Regiment, Colonel Hughes, left for the 
front December 1 5 ; they made a fine appearance as they marched 
through the streets. One of the barracks at Camp Franklin burned 
in December ; part of the Forty-second Regiment saved the others. 
Late in December the Silver Greys were on furlough. The Forty- 
second and the Irish regiment were consolidated; O'Brien of the 
latter became lieutenant colonel. General Vandever was here for 
the holidays and was serenaded. The Ladies' Aid Society gave 
the soldiers at Camp Franklin a splendid dinner on Christmas, 
1S62; turkeys, pies, cakes, fruit galore. 

"Another Compliment. — Two companies of the Thirty-eighth 
marched by our ofiice in good style yesterday and, while passing, 
their band (a good one, by the way) played Dixie in a very credit- 
able manner. At the expense of being called a Secesh, Butternut, 
Copperhead or Dimmycrat, we must solemnly avow that we know 
of no tune when properly played that so soothes our savage breast as 
does Dixie, and we don't care who knows it — except the U. S. 
marshal." — (Herald, December 13, 1862.) 

"We believe that he (Lincoln) has violated the most solemn of 
all oaths over and over again. We believe that for the purpose of 



290 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

giving liberty to the slave lie lias enthralled the freemen and while 
life lasts and our present convictions are retained, we will oppose 
him and counsel opposition to the bitter end. What right has he 
to play the usurper over men as free as he? What right has he to 
burden the country with an ever-eating, never-satisfying debt? What 
right has he to destroy the nation as he has and then proceed to 
render it forever abject as he does. The people who submit to the 
insolent fanaticism which dictated this last act (emancipation proc- 
lamation) are and deserve to be enslaved to the class which Abra- 
ham Lincoln self -sufficiently declares free. If they possessed a 
tithe of the spirit which animated Rome when Catiline was expelled 
from its walls, or of their own immediate ancestry who went to 
war for an act which seemed to encroach vipon their liberties, they 
would hurl him into the Potomac, Cabinet, Congress and all." — 
(Herald, January 3. 1863.) On January 6 Mahony spoke of Lin- 
coln as "a brainless tyrant, a perjured public servant, a blundering 
partisan, a buffoon President." 

The Herald continually misunderstood and misconstrued the ob- 
jects of the war, if its statements are to be believed. At all times 
it insisted that the object was to free the slaves and establish a 
despotism, that "save the Union" was a mere pretext ; that the freed 
slaves would be poured on the North to the ruin of free white 
labor; that the freed .slaves would be used by the Federal officers 
to aid them in stealing the cotton of the South. The fact or the 
northern view seems never to have entered Mr. Mahony's head, or 
else he was playing the cards for the Secessionists living in this 
county. He said "emancipation and re-Union are incompatible 
objects of the war ; he who is for emancipation must be for dis- 
union, for emancipation is dis-Union with the South. As the 
South can never be conquered the war should stop." He resumed 
connection with the Herald January i, 1863, and said: 

"I shall continue to advocate the application of constitutional 
principles to the administration of the government, not only with a 
fervor unabated by my temporary subjection to arbitrary power but 
with a zeal stimulated with a zealous regard for American liberty, 
by the experience which I have acquired, by how easy it is to subvert 
the best government of nations and to subject millions of freemen 
to the outrages of a military despotism. 

The Dubuque Times of yesterday announces, probably by au- 
thority, that Governor Kirkwood has decided not to enforce the 
draft. The results elsewhere attending this 'vindication of gov- 
ernment authority' have not been so encouraging as to enamor 
his excellency with the system, and so we go free. The 'exempt 
brigade' can burn up their tickets of physical debility and inability : 
they are not wanted. The war is getting to be a little unpopular 
and the draft unhealthy." — (Herald, January 8, 1863.) 

Seventeen privates of the defunct Irish regiment applied for 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 291 

release from further military duty and asked for writs of habeas 
corpus to Judge Hempstead, which were granted. As they had 
been mustered into the service of the United States government, 
they were remanded back by Captain Byrnes to the service for 
three years or during the war. 

The barracks at Camp Franklin were sold at auction for $1,564 
in January, 1863. Believing from the start that the war was 
waged for the purpose of destroying slavery, Mahony said, January 
10: "We have therefore given it no countenance, contributed to- 
ward it no support." The Forty-second (Irish regiment) and the 
Forty-third were merged into the Seventh cavalry regiment early 
in 1863. 

"Has not the proclamation of emancipation discouraged enlist- 
ments? has it not demoralized the army? has it not united the 
South to a man ? has it not disaffected the border states ? Is it not 
the crowning act of Lincoln's folly?" — {Herald, January 18, 1863.) 

"Camp Franklin is now desolate, not a solitary soldier inhabit- 
ing a single barrack. The governor says that no more troops will 
be rendezvoused in Dubuque, so notoriously secessional is the 
character of its leading citizens. The governor does us proud by 
clearing us of all charges of Abolitionism." — {Herald, January 
16, 1863.) 

Referring to Vallandingham's disloyal speech, Mr. Mahony said, 
January 20, 1863 : "It is bold, logical, direct and positive. The peo- 
ple think with him and were he prepared to lead would act with him 
at the word. We must and will have speedy peace." This meant, 
if anything, open and armed revolt against the administration. 

"Train's Lecture Last Evening. — Globe Hall was well filled last 
evening to listen to the lying renegade from Massachusetts. Rebel 
sympathizers were there — men who have sons in the rebel army 
were there — men who pray daily that our armies may be over- 
thrown (the only prayers they ever make) were there — and all 
of them applauded to the echo his infamous lies and treason. Ah, 
well, let the poor fool lie and talk. If it were not for the sweet 
pleasure it gives the Tories here we wouldn't care a fig for the 
effect of last night's lecture." — {Times, January 20, 1863.) 

In January, 1863, the Chicago Tribune called Mahony "the 
Dubuque traitor; the spawn of a felon's cell." The Herald ridi- 
culed the appointment of Herron to a major-generalship and said : 
"His appointment is a suggestive commentary on the poverty- 
stricken military ability which characterizes the Federal army." 
Children of loyal parents sang during recess at the public schools 
"John Brown," which act was objected to by disloyal parents. 

"The record we have labored to make up is one of opposition to 
the war — not a factious but a frank and conscientious opposition. 
We did not believe that war could restore the Union of these states," 
said the Herald of February 18, 1863. 



292 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

The Times declared on February 20, 1863, that the administra- 
tion had just as much right to suppress a paper which was opposed 
to it as it had to spike a cannon of the enemy. The Herald asked 
tlie citizens if they were willing to submit to such extinguishment 
of the rights of free press. 

The Herald and all disloyalists were so outspoken in February 
tliat the Times and the Union men planned to secure here a branch 
of the Loyal League. Such a company was organized at Cascade 
early in 1863. 

"In view of the disloyal and treasonable conspiracy against the 
government of the United States, for its overthrow by its enemies, 
and which is evidently fast developing itself throughout the North- 
west, we whose names are hereunto subscribed do agree and form 
ourselves into a company or association to be called the "Cascade 
National Union Guard," to co-operate with like associations in this 
state, for the protection of life, liberty and the Union, to hold in 
check disloyal organizations, or any armed resistance to the laws, 
and at all times to be under the control of the state of Iowa, to 
organize, meet and drill after the manner of the state militia." Dr. 
W. H. Francis was sponsor of this company. It was armed and 
commanded by ex-soldiers. 

"Our citizens do not know that in our county a secret society 
has begun to ramify — that in our city it has its adherents and that 
William L. Bradley is one of its instruments. They do not know 
that an S. B. society has been started here under Abolition auspices 
in Chicago and is rapidly spreading over the country. They think 
that when we warn the people of the danger we are fools or alarm- 
ists and fearful of our own shadow. We tell our readers that 
there is danger in the very air and that this administration and 
its minions, unable to conquer and devastate the South, are de- 
termined to conquer and subjugate the honest Union loving, 
patriotic masses of the North. Abolitionism is bent on mischief. 
Do our readers want further proof? They siiall have it." — {Her- 
ald, February 24, 1863.) 

A s])y of the Herald reported that one night he saw Bissell, 
Conger, Allison, Blocklinger, David, Shiras, Adams and others 
steal out one by one from a secret meeting in old Turner Hall. 
"What did it mean?" was asked. The branch of the Loyal League 
was thus organized in this city and supplied with amis by the 
authorities. This fact angered the disloyalists. The Herald ad- 
vised caution and said : "We must be cautious in bringing them 
within the operation of the laws, that we do no wrong; we must 
meet them at the ballot box." This movement checked for a time 
much of the disloyalty here. The Herald said the objects of this 
society were to establish a military despotism. It was at this time 
that the Herald and its friends began to be milder in their attacks 
on the administration and less rabid in their strictures on the war. 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 09^ 

Abolitionism was taken into the school elections and caused much 
bitterness. 

"We are glad that the proprietor and editor of the Times does 
not misunderstand our position. That office is safe just so long 
as is the Herald office undisturbed. We are assured by Mr. Stew-, 
art that we are in no danger from mob violence. That is sufficient. 
There will be no conflict between ourselves or our friends and the 
friends of that establishment so long as our rights are respected." 

— (Herald, February 25, 1863.) "There is danger in this society 
and it should be met. The South is not subjugated and cannot 
be, but the North is to be brought under the yoke. We believe if 
the people could be aroused from their lethargy they would fling 
off the brood whicli hover around and defile the sources of power." 

— (Same.) 

On March 11, 1863, a large delegation of Republicans from 
farther west in the state assembled here at the office of W. B. 
Allison. The Herald took fright and declared "those midnight 
gatherings of a lawless confraternity have no worthy object for a 
stimulus. They are held to plot against the liberties of their polit- 
ical opponents and unless we awaken in time to an appreciation 
of our danger we shall find ourselves subjected to the merciless 
tyranny of an organized mob. The S. B.'s of Fayette county 
claim as the object of their existence the destruction of 'an organ- 
ized conspiracy in Dubuque to revolutionize the government.' These 
men have no knowledge of such an organization, for there is none. 
They are making this the pretext for their organization simply 
that they may be allowed to proceed without interference. The 
society in this city meets almost nightly. Whether it is yet in 
possession of arms we do not know; we are informed, however, 
that it is. But preparations will not injure anybody and may 
prove im'aluable. We therefore advise a public meeting of the 
Democracy called under the auspices of the Democratic club to con- 
sider the steps proper to be taken for the formation of an open 
day organization to defend ourselves against midnight conspirators 
and would-be assassins." — (Herald, March 14, 1863.) 

Early in r86i Lieutenant Sessions, of Cedar Falls, in a speech 
at the public park in Dubuque, called the Herald a secession sheet 
and declared that the office ought to be mobbed. For this the 
Herald denounced him through the lozva State Journal as a cow- 
ard for advising such an attack on a defenseless newspaper office. 
On March 8, 1863, two years after the above event, the editor of 
the Herald (local editor probably Armstrong or Hutchins) stopped 
at a hotel in Cedar Falls and while there was approached by Lieu- 
tenant Sessions, who demanded an explanation of the article in 
the Journal. Not receiving a satisfactory explanation, he proceeded 
with his fists to take revenge then and there. He struck the editor 
several times in the face, bringing the blood, and a crowd rushed 



294 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

in, shouting "Give it to him; he is a Secessionist." The editor was 
pretty thoroughly cowed and was severely beaten to the evident 
delight of the shouting crowd that had hastily gathered. About 
the same time a squad of soldiers at Waterloo took an agent there 
of the Dubuque Herald and ducked him repeatedly in the river to 
show their distaste for that newspaper and for the alleged dis- 
loyalty of the agent. 

About this time there arose all over Iowa and the Northwest a 
general demand from all persons actively and earnestly engaged 
in putting down the rebellion that the course in opposition to the 
prosecution of the war should cease in Dubuque, city and county. 
The Herald, though still outspoken and apparently defiant, began 
to modify its tones of severity and instead of howling as before 
vented its wrath and hate in ominous growls. 

On March i8, 1863, the Herald passed from the control of Stil- 
son Hutchins to that of Patrick Robb, Esq. Mr. Hutchins and 
Mr. Mahony took charge of the Philadelphia Journal. 

At this time (early in 1863) there were several deserters in 
this county and they were .shielded by their relatives and neigh- 
bors. When the officers approached, warnings were sounded. Lieu- 
tenant Downey called for recruits for the Seventh regiment, where- 
upon the Herald of March 4 said: "The business of obtaining 
recruits is, however, 'played out' here just at present ; so we think 
Lieutenant Downey will not be troubled with a very large muster 
roll for some time to come." This open and manifest opposition 
to enlistments was not lost upon the Times and the Union leaders. 
The Herald, with Mahony, Hutchins and Armstrong, was the 
strongest secession sheet in the state, if not in the West. All three 
possessed unusual ability. Hutchins made a fortune of several 
million dollars by 191 1. 

Mr. Mahony published a book in April, 1863, entitled "Prisoners 
of State," in which he related his experiences while confined in the 
old capitol prison at Washington. The Copperheads here cut out 
the heads of Liberty on the copper cents, made pins of them and 
openly wore them — copper head. At an open meeting of the 
Union League at Julien Theater on March 21, H. H. Heath, D. E. 
Lyon, John O'Meara and G. Grosvenor delivered speeches. It was 
at this time that many Democrats began to disapprove of the severe 
course of the Herald and its supporters and sided with those who 
favored a continuance of the war. The Herald received a setback 
which was probably the cause of the reorganization of its editorial 
staff. Lieutenant-Colonel O'Brien sent seventy recruits to the 
Seventh cavalry late in March. 

"It has been very hard to impress upon a certain class of the 
community a true conception of the designs of the party in power. 
Plainly and unequivocally, readers of the Herald, its members are 
determined either upon your subjugation or a revolution. What 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 295 

else do you think that their midnight meetings betoken? For what 
other purpose are they being provided with arms? Now from the 
lips of the governor we have the admission that such is a fact. 
This was done, he said, 'because secret organizations of disloyal 
men had banded together to inaugurate rebellion and civil war in 
the state. If the citizens now refuse to heed our warning, abso- 
lutely refuse to place themselves in a position of safety, they must 
not reproacli us when tliey pay the penalty of their apathy. We 
say to them, organize everywhere, organize in every school dis^ 
trict, no matter how few or many. We have done our duty. We 
have placed before the people a knowledge of the dangers which 
beset and threaten them." — (Herald. .April 12, 1863.) 

J. B. Dorr, Jesse Clement, Edward Langworthy, E. R. Shank- 
land, H. Knowlton, Thomas Gilliam, D. Leonard, F. Hinds and 
Colonel O'Brien and others went to Waterloo April 15, 1863, to 
attend the formation of a Grand Union League of the state of 
Iowa. 

In April, 1863, the editors of the Herald, at the request of 
several subscribers, ordered from New York eight Colt's revolvers 
wliich were to be sent by the American Express. Upon their arrival 
here they were detained by J. E. Henion, collector of the port of 
Dubuque, who apprised Mr. Hutchins, of the Herald, of what he 
had done. The box was marked "current funds," and Mr. Hutch- 
ins was refused possession by order of the collector. Mr. Hutchins 
wrote a formal note demanding to know the reasons for the de- 
tention, and was answered that such was the order from the gov- 
ernment, and the act containing such authority was cited and lan- 
guage quoted — "until further orders no powder of any description 
and no arms, large or small, will be permitted to pass into the 
state of Iowa * * * except such as are moving under military 
authority." The Herald accordingly said: "The arms were kept 
from our possession by virtue of no law, but in express contra- 
vention of law and, without employing force, we were and are 
powerless. * * * The game is too transparent to win — too 
bold to deceive any sensible man. Its purpose is to put the Demo- 
cratic party at the mercy of armed Union Leagues. We saw at 
Fairfield on Monday forty armed Union Leaguers drilling on the 
public square. What does it portend ? We are no alarmist. Noth- 
ing do we so much fear and desire to avoid as war at home. We 
cannot stand still and be bound hand and foot. We will not! 
Our only defense is to provide against outrage, and that we will 
provide against it these men may be sure. Upon them will be the 
responsibility of the assault ; but when it comes, when we are 
reduced to the alternative of the conflict or subjection, we shall 
not hesitate in the choice. We can get arms in spite of them. 
We advise all to provide for their security without delay, and in 



206 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

tlie fear of God, but not of man, we warn these conspirators tc 
cease their wicked efforts." — {Herald. April 26, 1863.) 

According to Mahony the four acts of despotism were: i, Tax 
bill ; 2, conscription bill ; 3, finance bill ; 4, indemnity bill. 

Late in April, 1863, the provost marshal at St. Genevieve, Mis- 
souri, issued an order suppressing the Dubuque Herald at that 
point. The order of General Hascall broke the hearts of the 
Herald editors. They called it the "last act of the tragedy." All 
disloyal newspapers were to be suppressed. The order said : "All 
newspapers and public speakers that counsel or encourage resist- 
ance to the conscription act, or any other law of Congress passed as 
a war measure, or that endeavor to bring the war policy of the 
government into disrepute, will be considered as having violated 
the order above alluded to and treated accordingly." The Herald 
said: "If this order of Hascall's means anything it means that we 
are now at his mercy. Because we take the risk of the action does 
it render it less dangerous? We do talk to see if we cannot arouse 
the people to action, in order that they may not be shot down like 
dogs or driven like cattle." 

The "death of civil liberty" was the arrest of Vallandingham 
and his sentence to be sent South, said the Herald savagely and 
bitterly. "We might as well speak plainly respecting this affair and 
let the consequences which follow plain speaking follow this. 
That the administration have the power to punish recusants we are 
well aware and we refrain from saying a great many things we 
are impelled tO' say because we do not wish to invite its attention 
or the exercise of its arbitrary power. But there are times, how- 
ever, when to fail to speak is criminal, and this is one of them. 
A crime has been committed against the most vital right of the poor 
and the rich, the humble and exalted — the right to think, to speak, 
to live. When this thing is consummated then^jjlainly before the 
American people does Abraham Lincoln stand — the murderer of 
the nation. The plea of military or governmental necessity is a 
flimsy screen which will command no respect. No necessity can 
justify the monstrous outrage." — (Herald, May 15, 1863.) 

"The Herald sustains the government, the Times does not. The 
administration subverts the government, and the Times approves 
of the subversion. The Herald makes a wide distinction between 
the administration and the government — as wide as the difference 
between Abraham Lincoln and the Constitution of the United 
States. The Herald supports the Constitution against the despot- 
ism and tyranny of Abraham Lincoln. The Times supports Abra- 
ham Lincoln against the Constitution. The Herald opposes all 
treason to the Constitution and all traitors, Abraham Lincoln in- 
cluded, as well as Jefferson Davis. The Times advocates and sus- 
tains the treason of Abraham Lincoln and condemns only that of 
Jefferson Davis." — {Herald, June 2, 1863.) 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 297 

In May, 1863, John Hodnett, who was connected with the Her- 
ald, while at a private house in Cedar Falls, was waited upon 
by Lieutenant Sessions and a crowd of his friends and told to 
leave town in ten minutes or suffer the consequences, and that 
if he returned he would be tarred and feathered. He was fol- 
lowed across the river by a howling mob and remained there all 
night and in the morning went to Independence. S. P. Adams 
became provost marshal in May. Marshal Conger collected the 
government revenue here. In May, 1863, Bishop Smyth dis- 
approved of all secret societies and his remarks went the round 
of the press. The enrollment for the draft was commenced June 
I. 1863. 

The Ladies' Aid Society gave a strawberry festival at the Lori- 
mier House, June 11. 1863, for the benefit of sick and wounded 
soldiers. There were urgent appeals at this time from the fields 
and hospitals. The net proceeds were $412.20; the Herald said, 
"The soldiers will probably never see a dollar of it." 

"The conscription act, as will be seen by telegraphic dispatches, 
has caused an insurrection in the city of New York. This was no 
more than was expected and anticipated. The popular belief is 
that besides being unconstitutional, the conscription act is unjust 
in its discriminations. It is also regarded with disfavor by the 
large portion of the citizens, who do not believe that the war is 
waged for but against this Union. How can anyone who in his 
heart believes that the war is only widening the breach between 
the North and South give his services to fight in this war? If 
there were no question about the objects of the war there would 
be no more need of conscription to raise an army now than there 
was when it was supposed that the war was for the Union." — 
{Herald, July 14, 1863.) 

The Federal successes in July greatly encouraged LTnion senti- 
ment here and cast a damper on the outspoken opposition of the 
Copperheads. The victories were duly celebrated by a large crowd 
at Washington Square. The river was soon to be opened to New 
Orleans, it was said. Two men arrested in Clayton county under 
the conscription act and brought here to be confined were released 
on a writ of habeas corpus by Judge Hempstead. The men then 
sued the sheriff for kidnapping them, but nothing came of this 
suit. 

"Thus at the outset of the contest under the conscription act 
have the rights of the people been vindicated in Dubuque from the 
attempt of provost marshals, a deputy United States marshal, the 
sheriff of Dubuque county and leading members of the S. B. 
Society to trample under foot the power given by the people to 
maintain the laws inviolate. * * * Was it not a brave act of 
Marshal Conger, assisted by a crowd of S. B.'s, to march these 
shackled victims of arbitrary power through the streets of Du- 



298 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

buque on a Sunday afternoon. * * * Wg congratulate this 
community that the majesty of the law is still respected in the 
city of Dubuque and that there are some judicial officers left who 
have the courage to enforce the laws even against United States 
officers." — {Herald, July 21, 1863.) 

The Times denounced the action of the county court in the 
conscription cases and Governor Kirkwood directed the adjutant- 
general to call out volunteer companies to aid the provost marshals 
and serve as a posse comitatus, or bands of loyal citizens to do the 
same. Generally over the state the act of Judge Hempstead was 
declared to be an outrage and a direct afiFront to the draft and 
state authorities. 

"The go\'ernor of Iowa has directed the adjutant-general of the 
state to issue an order which, if carried into practical effect, will 
result in producing civil war. * * * \Ye have no words which 
will adequately express our condemnation of this order from Gov- 
ernor Kirkwood. * * * The governor invites his partisan 
friends to take up arms ostensibly to aid in the enforcement of 
the laws — for the purpose of overawing Democrats and preventing 
them from exercising their political rights. There can be no doubt 
whatever that a secret understanding existed between the gov- 
ernor and the organizations known as Union Leagues to furnish 
those organizations with public arms and to pay them for services 
they might render as partisans in support of the administration. 
We call the attention of the people to the infamous designs of the 
order, and we undertake to tell those partisans who are expected 
to comply v^ith it that civil war will be the result should this order 
of Governor Kirkwood be carried into practical effect." — (Herald, 
July 23, 1863.) 

"The Parade of Armed Union Leaguers. — The oflfensive exhi- 
bition of about fifty Union Leaguers, Thursday, armed with gov- 
ernment muskets, has created no small amount of talk and indigna- 
tion. The reports are rife — reports, too, spread by themselves, 
that in joining this organization they are released from the opera- 
tions of the draft by pledging themselves to the service at home 
against the Democracy. If the madmen at the head of affairs do 
not consider the feeling of opposition to the draft already of 
sufficient magnitude, they are taking the very steps to auginent it. 
People do not look upon the impudent display of a force ostensibly 
for their own subjection with much charity or complacency. That 
it is not equal to the design matters nothing. While we 
may not fear the fifty or sixty members of the Union 
League, who paraded the streets on Thursday with their govern- 
ment muskets, bayonetted and shotted, it does not follow that they 
are (not) viewed with contempt. The intention is plain. It is 
asserted that all the members of this company are by their so 
associating exempted from the draft ; and it is also asserted that 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 299 

still another company is being raised for the same purpose. If 
this be so the provost marshal is aware of it and the people should 
demand that his knowledge be made public." — {Herald, August 
8, 1863.) They paraded on the special Thanksgiving day proclaimed 
by the President. 

In July several associations were formed to provide against the 
draft : one was for each member to put up $50, which was to serve 
as a fund to hire a substitute for any member of the association 
who might be drafted. Pope Pius IX in a letter to Archbishop 
Hughes, of New York, urged the latter to use his influence, per- 
sonal and episcopal, to put an end to the war in America. Mr. 
Mahony withdrew permanently from the Herald in August, 1863, 
and Stilson Hutchins assumed editorial management. The Union 
Leaguers at Cascade were mostly Irish Orangemen and English- 
men. About August 25, 1863, the enrollment was completed, it 
was announced ; the rolls were open to inspection. Those of the 
first class in Dubuque county numbered 3,117. 

Frank McLain, a farmer residing on the North Cascade road, 
seven miles from Dubuque, was arrested as a deserter, brought to 
town, put aboard the James Means and sent down to Davenport. 
He had deserted, it was said, from the Thirty-seventh Wisconsin 
regiment two years before. 

About 8 o'clock August 12, 1863, two officers, D. E. Lyon and 
Marshal Hungerford, tried to arrest Wendel and Adam Jacobi, 
brothers, at their home in Peru township on the charge of deser- 
tion and other offenses. They were resisted, whereupon in the 
struggle the former was shot and mortally wounded and the latter 
was seriously wounded. A third brother assisted, but was not 
harmed. The coroner returned a verdict that he came to his death 
by being shot with a pistol in the hands of an unknown person 
wilfully. The Herald said: "No cause was given for such ex- 
traordinary proceedings and the act can only be characterized as 
it is by the jury, a most wilful murder. This horrible affair added 
to the harsh manner in which young McLain was treated lately 
has stirred up a feeling in the community which is fast becoming 
determined. Certainly, if something is not done to bring the 
offenders to justice there is cause for alarm and independent action. 
It will never do to let this affair settle into a result of military 
necessity." 

"The Jacobi Investigation. — We learn that the grand jury failed 
to find a bill against Lyon and Hungerford for the Jacobi affair. 
Dubuque will not see such a jury for many a year hereafter. As 
the evidence is to be published, we make no further comment." — 
{Herald, August 20, 1863.) 

Governor Kirkwood at the big Union meeting, August 26, 1863, 
in his speech said : "I have been represented as saying that I was 
arming the Union Leagues throughout the state and some are 



300 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

base enough to declare, and there are fools who believe, that it is 
for the purpose of influencing the election. It is for another pur- 
pose — to keep down mobs, to sustain the laws and assist the 
provost marshals in the execution of the draft. I warn you people 
of Dubuque to see to it that the Keokuk county mob is not re- 
peated here, for if I come up here on the same errand that took 
me to Keokuk county, I will bring no blank cartridges, but I will 
put down the mob and put my heel upon it and keep it there even 
if it causes the blood of everyone to flow concerned in it." 

In answer to this statement the Herald of August 27, 1863, said : 
"We are glad that he was exhibited from the platform, because a 
few men, unaware of the reckless character of the person who is 
entrusted with the enforcement of the laws of the state, have come 
to know him as he is. * * * The governor of Iowa is one of 
that class of persons who can safely be trusted to do just what he 
says he will not do. Nor do we think that his bravery exceeds his 
honesty or his cleanliness. * * * When did he see that the 
laws were executed? How did he answer when Mr. Mahony 
called on him as an officer to give him the protection of the state 
laws? * * * Nq j^^^^ y^i^iQ jg 3 fnaj^ fears you, though you 
were thrice governor. This people have learned that they have 
nothing honest to e.xpect from you, but your bluster does not in- 
timidate them." 

Governor Kirkwood again addressed a large audience at the public 
square on September 16. So great was the feeling among the 
Copperheads here against him he was guarded by two companies 
of Union Leagviers — one of tliis city and one from Epworth. The 
Herald said : "We condole with Governor Kirkwood — mob advo- 
cate that he is and Copperhead that we are. * * * jjg nttd 
not have been alarmed, however; no injury was contemplated to 
his person. It might have been an act of wisdom to cover the 
stand witli one hundred muskets in the hands of sworn Loyal 
Leaguers as he did last night, but he would have fared as well had 
he not been fortified. He is a played-out card. He has bullied and 
badgered Democrats until they despise him as they would a rep- 
tile. The official robes which cover him and which would hide an 
ordinary amount of meanness fail to protect him. Viewed as a 
man he challenges no sentiment of respect; viewed as governor of 
the state, he arouses nothing but contempt. Why should we choose 
soft words or seek for golden metaphors when we speak of a 
governor who bids his partisan supporters assault their political 
opponents and promises immunity for their crimes ? * * * //^ 
to be treated with respect ! Rather place in the hands of every 
honest man a whip of scorpions to lash the scoundrel naked through 
the world." — {Herald, September 17, 1863.) 

"He (Governor Kirkwood) delivered himself of his usual 
bravado about the draft, told what he was going to do if any re- 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 301 

sistance were offered, and generally deported himself as would 
be expected of a filthy, low-lived creature accidentally elevated to 
power. There isn't a humble laborer in Dubuque who by 
hard toil bridges over his week's indebtedness by his 
week's income that has not more honor, more decency, 
more respect for his word, more sense of obligation to his 
oath, and who is not better fitted for governor of Iowa than 
Samuel J. Kirkwood. * * * There does not live a man in 
Iowa so rich in lucre and with such an utter poverty of character 
as the blustering, sweltering and doubtless cowardly governor of 
Iowa. He is a pitiful partisan without a redeeming trait." — 
(Herald, October 3, 1863.) 

In September, 1863, the Herald favored the organization here of 
a lodge of the Knights of the Golden Circle to oppose the action 
of the Union Leagues; but Bishop Smyth opposed this step by ad- 
vising all Irish-Catholics not to join the proposed organization. At 
this time there was great suffering here among the families of 
soldiers. The following resolution introduced by Mr. Cort was 
passed by the county board : Resolved, That a committee of five 
be appointed to examine into tlie propriety of this board making 
the necessary provisions by the issuing of bonds or otherwise by 
the county for the payment of $300, either in whole or in part, for 
the relief of such persons who are not able to pay the amount re- 
quired by the conscription act if drafted." Carried, 14 to 4. 

A large sum for their relief was raised by a gymnastic parade 
of 100 ladies and gentlemen under the auspices of the Ladies' Aid 
Society ; it was held at City Hall ; 25 cents was the price of ad- 
mission and a large crowd attended. 

"The Dubuque Times says that the resolution of the county board 
of supervisors to exempt poor men from the draft is a weak 
scheme to make the county pay their exemption fee for them. That 
is just what the board meant to do and no poor man who knows 
his interest will fail to support the board at the polls. Mr. Knoll, 
Mr. Cort and Mr. O'Brien, who are running on the Democratic 
ticket, voted for it, while Mr. Miller and Mr. Bonson, who voted 
against it, are running on the Republican ticket. Every man in 
Dubuque county who votes the Republican ticket votes for the 
draft and against the exempting of drafted men by a tax. Every 
man who votes the Democratic ticket votes for the conscription to 
be paid by property and not by blood. Now, which ticket will the 
poor man vote? Which ticket should he vote?" — (Herald, Octo- 
ber II, 1863.) 

In September, 1863, Dr. N. B. Mathews, of Peosta, was captain 
of a Union League company or lodge. The Ladies' Soldiers' Aid 
Society netted at the State Fair here in September $503.90. The 
Herald denounced and derided the colored regiment that was at 
this time being formed in Iowa. The old ferry-boat Peosta be- 



302 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

came Gunboat 36 in 1863. A home for soldiers was established 
in the fall of 1863 ^t a meeting held in the Congregational church, 
of which George L. Mathews was chairman and D. N. Cooley 
secretary. Doctor Guilbert, from a committee previously appointed, 
reported a plan, which was adopted. The board of control were 
Mrs. D. N. Coolev, Mrs. Solon Langworthv. Mrs. J. W. Robinson. 
Mrs. F. W. H. Sheffield, Mrs. L. D. McKenzie, Mr. J. H. Thedinga. 
i\Ir. H. L. Stout, George L. Mathews and L. A. Thomas. Mrs. 
Hancock was one of the vice-presidents of the Woman's State 
Sanitary Society. A large quantity of supplies was sent to the 
Chicago Sanitary Fair. His friends here presented Colonel Dorr 
with a fine horse. The west storeroom of the Tremont House was 
converted into the Soldiers' Home ; the hotel furnished the meals, 
which were paid for by the society. When D. A. Mahony under- 
took to lecture to the Teachers' Institute at Epworth in October, 
opposition was encountered and he was informed by a strong dele- 
gation that he was not wanted. The society asked the county board 
for $200 down and $100 per month for the soldiers and their fami- 
lies. Mr. Bonson, of the board, moved that $190 be paid at once 
and $90 a month thereafter as requested ; on this motion the vote 
stood as follows: Yeas — Bonson, Hetherington, Metcalf and 
Miller ; nays — Bucknam, Cort, Donovan, Duggan, Heber, Kile, 
Macomber, McAleer. McCarron, Moore, O'Brien, Squires, Sweeney, 
Wilder and chairman. Later the amount was fixed at $100. 

"This the board has been compelled to refuse, because if the 
county should once commence giving aid to associations formed 
for the dispensation of charity, there would be no end to the ap- 
plications made to them. They have therefore wisely abstained 
from making special appropriations, but at the same time have 
given the superintendent of the county poor additional instructions 
for relieving the wants of those in need wherever such cases are 
found, and the charity will be dispensed to soldiers as freely as to 
others." — (Herald, October 23, 1863.) 

"Whereas, The board of supervisors of Dubuque county at their 
last session were respectfully solicited to make an appropriation of 
money for the use and benefit of the Soldiers' Home in this city, 
by a petition signed by the officers of such association, which peti- 
tion clearly stated the objects and aims of the enterprise, and 

"Whereas, This board with onlv four dissenting votes refused 
all aid, except upon tlie conditions that it be expended in the sup- 
port of paupers and under the direction of the county officers 
having in charge this duty, thus compelling our sick, suffering and 
destitute soldiers to receive such aid as common paupers, or be 
denied it entirely ; now, therefore, believing as we do that this 
action of the board of supervisors is ungenerous, ungrateful and 
unjust and justly merits the scorn and contempt of all patriotic 
men and also demonstrates more clearly than language can the real 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 303 

intentions of the board, which we believe to have been the proscrip- 
tion of our patriot soldiers who have suffered and endured so much 
to transmit to us the inheritance bought by the blood of our 
fathers, that we take this opportunity to tender to all our soldiers 
our warmest gratitude for what they have done and are doing 
to crush this wicked rebellion and make the flag of our country 
honored and respected at home and abroad, and we pledge them 
our constant aid and sympathy in sickness and health, and we 
also pledge them that the Soldiers' Home in this city shall fur- 
nish all reasonable comfort to those sick, suffering and destitute 
soldiers as long as there is one dollar in the treasury subject to 
our control ; therefore, 

"Resolved, That an order be drawn on the city expense fund 
for $100 for the support of the Soldiers' Home in this city and 
that the same be delivered to the mayor of this city, who is the 
president of said board, to be used in such manner as in his judg- 
ment may become necessary." 

These resolutions of the city council of Dubuque were de- 
nounced by Aldermen Mulkern, Ouigley and Kiene, the former 
of whom moved that all the preamble be struck out. Those voting 
yea were Christman, Kiene, Mulkern, Quigley and Treanor ; nays — 
Cummings, Mathews, Russ, Schmidt and Stout. There being a 
lie. Mayor Thedinga voted so that the whole series was adopted. 

"The Hypocrites. — The Copperhead farmers of this county, 
who bring their grain and other products here to sell, heap the 
foulest abuse on the administration and all connected with it, as 
only ignorance can abuse that which it doesn't understand. When 
they receive their pay they won't take anything but the "Dirty 
Greenbacks," as they call them, to carry home. This a fair sample 
of the shameless hypocrisy of the party which controls the politics 
of the county." — {Times, October 30, 1863.) 

"About two thousand hard-fisted, hard-working honest men who 
helped to make Dubucjue just what she is and without whom her 
merchants could not live a month, who clog her granaries with 
grain and her markets with produce, are the subjects of this petty 
slanderer's abuse. The very life and trade of Dubuque city is 
ihus attempted to be rendered contemptible and driven from her. 
We ask the merchants of Dubuque what they think of it. We 
know some of them whose advertisements appear in the Times 
regularly, who depend entirely on this 'ignorant class' of 'shame- 
less hypocrites' for their trade." — (Herald, October 31, 1863.) 

Late in October J. H. Scanlan called for volunteers to serve on 
government gunboats. The Teachers' Institute at Epworth re- 
solved that the government should be supported in its efforts to 
crush the rebellion. Dr. E. A. Guilbert was prominent among the 
Union Leaguers; he became colonel of the Tenth cavalry. The 
Methodist and Presbyterian congregations at Epworth refused to 



304 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

permit Mr. Mahony to speak in their churches; he addressed the 
citizens in the Christian church. Stephen Hempstead had two 
sons in the Confederate army. About November the officials pre- 
pared the following statement of the number of troops furnished 
by Dubuque county, as follows: Second regiment, 187; Third, 71 ; 
Fifth, 2; Ninth, 67; Twelfth, 78; Fourteenth, i; Sixteenth, 79; 
Eighteenth, 3 ; Twenty-first, 484 ; Twenty-sixth, i ; Twenty-seventh, 
7; Thirty-second, i; Thirty-seventh, 83; Thirty-eighth, 8; Fifty- 
first, i; First cavalry, 81; Second, 24; Fourth, 6; Fifth, 109; 
Sixth, jy \ Eleventh Pennsylvania, 6; regular army, estimated, 
500; total infantry, 1,063; cavalry, 303; artillery, 80; regulars, 500; 
grand total, 1,946. 

"There has probably no paper suffered so much for its bold- 
ness, its independence, as the Herald. For daring to be free we 
have paid all the penalties which proscription, intolerance and 
unreason could suggest or inflict. We have been ceaselessly fol- 
lowed by enemies ; our patrons have been threatened and cajoled, 
to induce them, if possible, to withdraw all pecuniary assistance 
or support. In many places persons who would gladly take and 
read the Herald ha\^e been the victims of an organized persecution 
until they are glad, for their own peace, to discontinue its coming. 
Merchants in this city and Chicago have withdrawn their adver- 
tising favors until we could name them by scores. In some towns 
in Iowa we have large amounts due us, which it is impossible to 
collect, because whoever attempts their collection is most certain to 
be set upon by some bully or mob. Despite all this the Herald has 
lived. We need, however, the assistance of every man of whose 
opinions we are the exponents." — {Herald, November 17, 1863.) 

Late in October a splendid reception was given to General Her- 
ron by the loyal citizens regardless of party. William B. Allison 
was president of the occasion. D. N. Cooley delivered the address 
of welcome. J. M. Harrison was marshal. He was received with 
imposing ceremony. Under the new call 1,754 men were required 
from this congressional district. Twelve lots in Linwood cemetery 
were set apart for the soldiers. Prior to November 15 thirty soldiers 
were assisted at the Home. In November it was claimed that there 
were in Dubuque county seven branches of the Union League, 
with a membership of about 2,000; of these about 1,000 were in 
the city of Dubuque. An enrollment of November, 1863, showed 
that 443 men were required from this county under the late call. 
On November 29 the Union Leaguers paraded the streets ; halted 
in front of Bishop Smyth's residence and when he came out gave 
him three cheers ; presented arms when he delivered them a short, 
loyal and eloquent speech, ending with the statement that his elec- 
tion as an honorary member of the League was the highest military 
honor he had ever received. 

"Whereas, It is rumored and appears to be a fact that there 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 305 

are recruiting officers in this county of Dubuque enlisting persons 
in this county for the mihtary service of the United States to be 
placed to the credit of other counties in Iowa ; and that it is the 
design to leave in this county the families of such recruited and 
enlisted persons to be supported by and at the expense of the county 
of Dubuque ; and l 

"Whereas, It appears that families and parts of families of 
persons enlisted from other counties in Iowa come or are sent 
here at the expense of this county ; and 

"Whereas, It appears to this board that Dubuque county is 
sufficiently burdened with its own poor, with the destitute families 
of soldiers who have enlisted or may hereafter enlist, and to its 
credit; be it therefore and it is hereby 

"Resolved, That the superintendent of the poor and of the 
poorhouse be directed to give the aid and relief provided by this 
board for the families of soldiers to such families of soldiers only 
as have enlisted for this county and are placed in its quota of vol- 
unteers or conscripts." Adopted January 8, 1864. 

The county board, which had voted in favor of the desired aid 
for the Soldiers' Home, voted another $100 in its favor for No- 
vember; Mulkern and Ouigley voted against it. Captain O'Neill 
recruited here in December. During 1863 Mr. Kyne, superintend- 
ent of the poor, assisted 113 soldiers' families; they were given 
provisions in summer and provisions and wood in winter. The 
draft, it was announced, would take place January 5, 1864. At 
the November election, 1873, Mr. Mahony was chosen county 
sheriff. Of the 122 persons who were put in jail in 1863 thirty 
were deserters. By January 14 there were here 225 recruits under 
the recent calls. The provost marshal's office was the liveliest 
place in town, but the recruits came forward slowly. When the 
Ladies' Aid Society, in January, 1864, proposed a sanitary fair 
here, like the one held in Chicago, the Herald objected unless help 
were furnished to all county poor alike ; for this and other reasons 
the plans were abandoned ; but the ladies continued their regular 
relief work. Many recruits passed through Dubuque at this time, 
bound for the front. 

The large call for volunteers in January, 1864, staggered Du- 
buque county, which was already behind in raising its quota. The 
case of Gen. George W. Jones against Secretary Seward was 
argued in the United States Supreme Court in February. The 
majority of the citizens objected to negro children in the public 
schools. The draft was postponed to March 10. By February i 
the recruits required from this county under the former calls were 
435 ; there had been raised fifty. The county enrollment was 
4,932. In March serious trouble between the soldiers of the 
Ninth regiment and the Copperheads here was narrowly averted. 



3o6 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

They threatened to destroy the Herald office, made hostile dem- 
onstrations, but were finally dissuaded from such intentions largely 
through the influence of Adams, Conger, McSweeney and others. 
One man was arrested, but George W. Cummins went his bail and 
in the end he was released. Many old soldiers returned singly 
and in groups during the summer of 1864 on veteran furlough 
and were royally welcomed. In March the plan to hold a sanitary 
fair was revived and the movement progressed rapidly. The draft 
was again postponed to April i. 

Nearly all of the churches had their own soldiers aid societies 
in 1863-4. In April Governor Stone called for 100-day men. It 
had been decided to hold the sanitary fair beginning May 24, but 
it was finally postponed to June 21. It had progressed to such 
large dimensions that it was seen about June ist that the City 
Hall and Turner Hall would be wholly inadequate ; whereupon 
it was proposed to enclose all of Washington Square and hold 
the fair there. Great efforts to fill the quota were made early in 
1864; a dozen officers were recruiting at the same time in April 
and May. By May 12 tJie Governor's Greys had sixty-seven men 
for the 100-day service; they filled their ranks and left about 
May 17. The Union Guards were filled the same time and also 
departed. About half a dozen lawyers enlisted at this time. H. 
Markell was captain of the Greys and Dr. E. A. Guilbert captain 
of the Guards. News of the battle of the Wilderness caused much 
excitement here; all admired the way General Grant hung to the 
conflict. M. B. Mulkern was United States commissioner for this 
district. The county Democracy in June, 1864, opposed the prose- 
cution of the war. 

Actively connected with the Sanitary Fair were the following 
ladies : Booth, Lang^vorthy. Stout, Williams, Mackenzie, Markell, 
Robinson, Cooley, Clement, Dorr, Horr, Mobley, Vandever, Feni- 
more, Davis, Fellows, Tredway, Cummings. Scott, Wemott, Wood- 
worth, Edsall, Gilman, Whitaker, Burden, Shiras, Holmes, Faherty, 
McBride, O'Brien, Hayden, Cornwell, Shankland, Wilson, Hill and 
many others. Among the men most active were H. A. Wiltse, the 
president ; F. E. Bissell, George L. Mathews, Austin Adams, O. P. 
Shiras, William B. Allison, J. K. Graves, H. W. Sanford, William 
Westphall, J. T. Hancock, Richard Bonson, William Larrabee and 
Mr. Wood. In June Messrs, Wiltse and Wood raised in the East 
$5,000 for the fair. Mrs. Booth and Mrs. Bissell collected a thou- 
sand dollars in a single day. Every institution and industry in the 
city and many throughout the county and state contributed to the 
success of the fair. Long excursion trains brought immense crowds 
from abroad ; even the postoffice had a fair department. The whole 
state had become interested and valuable contributions came from 
scores of counties. All the available halls in the city were called 
into use. The display was immense and magnificent. The elabo- 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 307 

rate decorations clothed the whole city in flowers, evergreens and 
holiday attire generally ; floral hall in the courtroom was made 
beautiful in the extreme. Even the steamers on the river were 
decorated. Boats, theaters, races, concerts, societies, organizations, 
officials, artists, stores, manufactories, relics, lectures, boat contests, 
lotteries, auctions, prizes, contributed valuable gifts and donations 
and everywhere were emblazoned banners rich with loyal phrases 
and mottoes, such as, "We Welcome You," "Our Hearts Are With 
Our Soldiers," "Buy and Help Our Brave Boys," "Grant and the 
Army Forever," etc. The season ticket cost $2 and single admis- 
sion 50 cents. Over 10,000 donated articles were disposed of at 
auction ; the fair was extended well into the second week. In fact 
it was many months before the last articles were disposed of. By 
the middle of November the net proceeds amounted to over $86,000. 
This sum exceeded the proceeds of the Chicago fair of 1864. It 
was called "Northern Iowa Sanitary Fair" ; sixty-one counties of 
Iowa made donations varying from a few hundred dollars to as 
high as over $7,000. Clayton county made the largest donations 
next to Dubuque county; Mitchell county the largest in propor- 
tion to wealth, and Kossuth county the largest in proportion to 
population. Over $25,000 worth of hospital stores was turned 
over to the United States sanitary commission. All conflicting 
interests were united in the one grand object of assisting the sol- 
diers. The results reflect the highest credit on the citizens of this 
city, county and state, and should stand forever in history as a 
monument to the generous impulses of all the people. 

No. in No. re- No. added Total 

first Total maining since No. sub- 

Dubuque County, enroll- dropped subject first enroll- ject to 

July, 1864 — ment. from list, to draft. ment. draft. 

Julien 274 62 212 91 303 

First ward 445 63 382 89 471 

Second ward 317 149 168 147 315 

Third ward........ 629 87 542 76 608 

Fourth ward 674 224 450 167 617 

Fifth ward 391 80 311 166 477 

Peru 134 32 102 24 123 

Jefferson 159 35 124 21 145 

Concord 136 22 114 26 140 

Liberty 179 38 141 56 210 

New Wine 251 67 184 43 227 

Iowa Ill 24 87 9 96 

Center 172 70 102 36 138 

Dodge 107 2,7 7° 27 97 

Taylor 156 2,2> 123 26 149 

Cascade 148 24 124 41 165 



51 


I09 


2i 


132 


43 


159 


13 


172 


97 


65 


36 


lOI 


22 


102 


29 


131 


I03 


75 


51 


126 


152 


74 


32 


106 



308 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

White Water 160 

Vernon 202 

Table Mound 162 

Mosalem 124 

Prairie Creek 178 

Washington 226 

Totals 5,335 1. 515 3,820 1,229 5.049 

In July, 1864, Governor Stone ordered that all militia of the 
state should be organized into companies. In August Shubael P. 
Adams was provost marshal; J. H. Powers, draft commissioner; 
Allen Phillips, surgeon. Substitute brokers did a large business 
in 1864; all sorts of schemes were practiced. It was stated on 
August 17 that persons here had offered as high as $300 for one- 
year substitutes, but could find none at that figure. The Herald 
stated that William B. Allison secured a substitute for $150. It 
was said August 29 that $500 had just been paid here for a sub- 
stitute. 

The following was the quota, credits and deficits of Dubuque 
county from February, 1864, to August 15, 1864: 

August, 1864— Quota. Credit. Deficit. 

Julien township 102 64 38 

First ward 162 lOl 61 

Second ward 112 78 34 

Third ward 220 152. 68 

Fourth ward 232 171 61 

Fifth ward 150 118 32 

Peru 46 24 22 

Jefferson 55 38 17 

Concord 48 35 13 

New Wine 86 58 28 

Iowa 38 20 18 

Center 56 38 18 

Dodge 36 26 10 

Taylor 54 46 8 

Cascade 55 37 18 

Whitewater 53 29 24 

Vernon 68 43 25 

Table Mound 49 33 16 

Mosalem 46 28 18 

Prairie Creek 56 34 22 

Washington 63 44 19 

Liberty 68 33 35 

Total 1,855 1-250 605 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 309 

"The Draft. — Tomorrow is the day appointed for as shameful 
an outrage as was ever perpetrated upon a free people in any age or 
in any clime. It is the day appointed by Lincoln for a draft of men 
with whom to prosecute a partisan war for partisan purposes — a 
war not for the restoration of the Union but, as the President him- 
self declares, to compel an abandonment of slavery — a war that is 
liable to be turned at any time against the freemen of the North. 
We have not the least doubt that many of these conscripts who are 
now to be torn from their homes will be employed sooner or later in 
a warfare upon their neighbors and friends at home; if not, why 
all this preparation by the Administration for war at the North?"— 
{Herald, September i, 1864.) 

"Some of them (wives of soldiers) were melted to tears as they 
told their sufferings, of want and famine, staring their families in 
the face. Their husbands are in the army and many of them have 
received no pay in seven months and consequently can send no 
means home for the support of their families. Their wants were 
relieved by Mr. Kyne, who is authorized to grant their request in 
cases where want is known to exist." — {Herald, September 16, 
1864.) 

Under the new State militia law the Germans of Dubuque organ- 
ized a company in September, 1864, with Frederick Gottschalk as 
captain; they called themselves German National Guards. The 
100-day men returned in September. Mr. Adams notified the 
county that the draft would commence in this district on the 22d 
of September, and that on that day the first drawings would be 
commenced in Julien township outside of the city ; 2^ were to be 
drafted in that township and 23 more for alternates. The enroll- 
ment in this township was 265 ; a boy named Monroe Amsden was 
blindfolded and required to draw the names one at a time from 
the wheel or box ; tlie first slip drawn bore the name. Michael 
Carney. Further drafting was temporarily stopped at the request 
of many citizens until the county board should meet to act on the 
question of bounty. 

At the draft meeting in tlie court house September 23, 1864, the 
largest crowd ever convened in the county assembled to hear the 
report of Messrs. Mahony and Bates, who had been previously ap- 
pointed to investigate. Mr. Mahony explained that the object was 
to adopt proper measures for the relief of such persons as were 
subject to draft, and then asked whether the citizens were in favor 
of voting a tax to be borne equally by all, or of each man drafted 
to hire his own substitute or go. He stated that he and Colonel 
Bates had seen a majority of the county supervisors and had 
learned that they would, on October i, meet and take steps to 
relieve the county from the consequences of the draft. Colonel 
Bates stated to the meeting that it seemed that the people of the 
county were willing to subscribe a sufficient amount of money to 



310 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

procure substitutes if volunteers were not forthcoming. Upon re- 
quest Provost Marshal Adams attended the meeting and explained 
the situation and stated what his duty was. The following resolu- 
tions were thereupon adopted : 

Resolved, That this meeting take measures to have committees 
appointed in each ward and township in the county to solicit sub- 
scriptions to raise a fund to be added to the proposed bounty to be 
offered by the County of Dubuque to fill the quota of this county, 
the fund received in each ward and tovv'nship to be used in favor 
of volunteers for each ward or township. 

Resolved, That the board of supervisors of Dubuque County be 
requested to take such action as they may think proper to relieve 
the people of the county from the pending draft. 

The necessary committees were thereupon appointed. Franklin 
Hinds was asked to serve as chairman of this meeting, but declined 
on the ground that he did not understand the nature of the as- 
semblage. Patrick Ouigley served as chairman, and J. J. E. Nor- 
man as secretary. 

On September 23 the draft was carried to Delaware county. In 
this county it was postponed until the county board could meet and 
act. The number of men required from Dubuque City on Septem- 
ber 23, 1864, was as follows: First ward 28, Second 16, Third 33, 
Fourth II, Fifth 16. 

"We regret exceedingly that the Times in its Monday's issue 
should indulge in an extremely partisan view of the movement now 
on foot to fill the quota of this count}' without a draft. It opposes 
the whole proceeding and expresses the hope that loyal men will 
give the whole movement 'a wide berth,' and calls upon provost 
marshals 'to let the draft go on.' Inasmuch as the movement re- 
ferred to is the effort to fill our quota by volunteers, the above 
would seem very much like discouraging enlistments. It is hardly 
necessary to refer to the fact that a wide difi^erence of opinion 
exists between Democrats and Republicans as to the propriety and 
justice, and even legality, of a draft. The former, if in power, 
would avert a draft altogether, while the latter have considered 
one necessary and enacted a law for that purpose. But no matter 
what our opinions are as to the merits or demerits of that law, it 
must be obeyed. Dubuque county is called upon for 300 men to 
fill her quota. If they are not furnished voluntarily they will be 
taken by draft. If the draft occurs many families will be left 
destitute, in which case the county would be called on for support. 
Which step, then, should the countv take — ofifer the bounty or pre- 
pare to care for the families?" — (Herald, September 27, 1864.) 

Every ward in Dubuque and many precincts throughout the 
county, independent of any act that the county board might take, 
raised large sums to secure recruits or substitutes. When it was 
realized that the draft would now surely take place in all portions 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 311 

of the county unless tlie quota was raised at once, the citizens began 
work in earnest. The county board met about October i and fully 
considered the subject. As it was apparent that a great majority 
of the citizens favored a county bounty, they finally passed resolu- 
tions appropriating $125,000 for that purpose. County coupon 
warrants bearing 6 per cent interest, payable in ten years or sooner, 
were to be issued ; and not exceeding $400 was to be paid for any 
recruit. The fund was to be applied to substitutes previously se- 
cured under the pending call. A committee of five was appointed to 
carry the order into effect. They were Arthur McCann, Dennis 
O'Brien. Theophilus Crawford. F. M. Knoll and John Rugamer. 
The following was one of the preambles of the resolutions of the 
county board appropriating the $125,000: 

"Whereas, If such draft be permitted to take place, there is 
reason to believe that the peace of the county would be disturbed, 
its prosperity impaired, its business in the various walks of life 
suspended, and the better portion of its able-bodied population 
dri\'en into exile to avoid compulsory conscription ; therefore," etc. 

Many exciting incidents occurred in all parts of the county, 
growing out of the efforts to escape the draft. Bounty jumpers 
kindled the wrath of the people ; prices of substitutes ran up to 
$600 or more. In Concord township one of the recruits, after 
receiving the bounty, escaped from the guards, but was pursued 
by thirteen citizens armed with pistols, who conveyed him to Du- 
buque and delivered him to the marshal ; he escaped again, where- 
upon the aforesaid thirteen citizens cast lots to see which of them 
should go in his place. There was much excitement, not unmixed 
with ludicrous incidents, for several months. There was great 
rejoicing as township after township and ward after ward raised 
its quota. 

"Recruits are urged to enlist for three years, and we are told 
that all in excess of the present quota will be credited on the next 
draft. Another draft will surely come if Abraham Lincoln is 
re-elected, and still others, each succeeding one more cruel and 
remorseless than the last, until the last man shall be taken. Who 
will vote for an administration so bloody in its policy and pur- 
poses?" — (Herald, October, 7, 1864.) 

"A negro from one of the interior towns presented himself at 
the provost marshal's office as a volunteer to fill the quota of his 
town, and was also authorized and furnished with the means to 
buy enough men to fill the quota. He flourished among the white 
brokers and was a formidable rival, bidding up in a spirited man- 
ner. He got one white man for $700 and would pay the price for 
several more, but he happened to open negotiations with a Copper- 
head, who gave him a blow over the peeper and the darky left 
for home soon after with a black eye and has not been seen since. 
He is several degrees above those ranting, howling Abolitionists 



312 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

who blow war all the time i)ut never enlist themselves. He is 
going to the front along 'wid the white folks.' " — {Herald, Octo- 
ber 15, 1S64. ) 

Nearly all the townships took the county bounty warrants at 
par. Jefferson and Taylor townships were drafted October 6. 
By October 8 the First and Third wards of Dubuque were the only 
ones behind. On October 9 Cascade, Concord and Iowa townships 
were drafted. The Third ward cleared itself by October 10; it 
raised thirty-five men in two weeks. Dodge township was an- 
nounced free from the draft October 11, Liberty cleared itself 
October 12. The First ward was clear the 12th, paying $550 for 
its last man. Mahony and Bates did more to free the county from 
the draft than any other men. They led the movement which 
induced the county board to offer the bounty. Substitute brokers 
did a "land office business" ; one boasted that he had cleared 
$2,000 in two months. A broker furnished six men in a lump, 
who were secured by Taylor township. The draft occurred in 
White Water township. Iowa township cleared itself October 22. 

Prior to November 19. 1864, there had been paid out in county 
bounty warrants $115,800. This sum had been divided among the 
several wards and townships of the city and county and to persons 
who had hired substitutes, in part as follows : 

First ward $10,000 

Second ward 5.600 

Third ward 14,000 

Fourth ward 4,000 

Fifth ward 4,000 

Julien 2,400 

New Wine 6,400 

Prairie Creek 5.200 

Vernon 7,600 

Table Mound 4400 

Peru 5.200 

Liberty 7,600 

Dodge 1 ,000 

Washington i ,400 

Iowa 4,000 

Center 4400 

White Water 5,600 

Mosalem 4,400 

Cascade 2,000 

Taylor 2,400 

Jefferson i ,200 

Concord 2,800 

Special 600 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 313 

There was still due townships and individuals the sum of $13,- 
250, making $129,050 in all, or $4,050 over the amount appro- 
priated by the board in October. 

There was a supplemental draft in one or more of the townships 
in November. Sherman's march to the sea and the Federal suc- 
cesses late in 1864 were fully appreciated here. "No draft" was 
announced early in January, 1865, to the great relief of the whole 
county. Even as late as February, 1865, the Herald clung to its 
idea of peace on the basis of the old Union. Dr. E. A. Guilbert 
succeeded Dr. Phillips as examining surgeon. The old Herald 
died at this time, though the new one found fault with every step 
of the administration. On January 6 the city council "Resolved, 
That hereafter payment made to soldiers' families from the relief 
fund in Dubuque county shall be paid in money instead of orders 
on designated stores in the city of Dubuque, if demanded by them." 
The question of additional bounty was considered in January, in 
view of the new quota and fresh calls for recruits. The Herald 
had an exasperating way of noticing with great display all im- 
portant events solely of interest to the South and of studiously 
ignoring occurrences of interest to the North. During 1864 forty- 
seven deserters were put in jail in Dubuque. Substitute brokers 
again were prominent in January, 1865. As high as $700 was 
paid by several individuals. The county board adopted the follow- 
ing resolution on January 4 : 

Whereas, The county of Dubuque has given a large bounty to 
those persons who have joined the army of the United States 
during the fall of 1864 and thereby liberally provided for the 
families of said persons ; therefore be it 

"Resolved That the families of such soldiers who have received 
the county bounty, or in whose favor the warrants of the county 
have been issued, are not entitled to nor shall they receive the sup- 
port of the county, the same as other soldiers' families, and that 
the resolution passed by this board at its last regular session au- 
thorizing the members of this board to recommend the aforesaid 
soldiers' families to the superintendent for support be and is 
hereby rescinded. 

"Babylon Has Fallen. — Richmond, the capital of the Confed- 
eracy, has fallen. The news was first received by a dispatch from 
Lincoln, and afterward confirmed by Stanton, when all doubts 
were removed, as the event had long been expected. Signs of 
rejoicing and hilarity began to manifest themselves throughout the 
city, when flags were displayed and crowds of men thronged the 
newspaper offices to learn the truth of the report. The Germania 
band paraded Main street during the afternoon playing inspiring 
airs and was followed by a crowd. The Key City battery fired a 
salute from Washington Square without meeting with any acci- 



314 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

dent. The whole city was glad to know that the end draweth 
nigh, for all are more or less tired of the war, and the sooner it 
is ended the better it will be for all parties. With the Federal vic- 
tories and the city election the town was in a blaze of excitement 
last evening." — {Herald, April 4, 1865.) 

"We have to record in this issue two great victories, one of 
Dubuque and the other of Richmond and both of large importance. 
Richmond has at last fallen; after withstanding a siege of three 
full years it has at last succumbed and Federal troops are now 
stationed on its streets and Federal tents cover the Shocpoe Hills. 
This was the last stronghold of the rebels — the last standpoint of 
the Confederacy — and with its capture goes out not perhaps their 
last hope but certainly their greatest. It is a blow from which 
we do not believe they can ever recover, and indeed, if they are ever 
able to again rally a large army, they will disappoint us. Still it 
is presuming too much to believe that the war is virtually at an 
end, for it is not so ; there will be a good deal of fighting yet and 
many severe struggles before they yield." — {Herald, April 4, 

1865.) 

The news of Lee's surrender was received a little before 10 
o'clock p. m. Sunday, April 9, 1865, and immediately an impromptu 
celebration was held. An enthusiastic crowd, headed by the Ger- 
mania band, paraded the streets and called the people from their 
beds ; bulletins conveyed the glad tidings. Bishop Smyth, who was 
called out, rejoiced at the pros]3ect of speedy peace. Mayor Thomp- 
son gave permission to ring all the bells in the city. Other leading 
citizens were called out, made glad speeches, and far into the next 
day the rejoicing continued ; bonfires and patriotic songs closed 
the celebration. But the next day the excitement and rejoicing" 
continued with little diininution ; nearly all business was suspended, 
the people preferring to meet, congratulate and make merry. An 
immense procession paraded the streets at 2 p. m., with banners, 
mottoes and war reminders, amid the fire of artillery from the 
bluff ; speeches of joy and gladness were delivered in halls and 
churches to cheering, happy- faced crowds. The Herald asked 
President Lincoln to give the South all the rights it had before 
the war. 

"Our faith, however, in Mr. Lincoln doing this we must acknowl- 
edge is small. If he rises from politics to statesmanship he will 
disappoint the precedents he has set. If he can disentangle himself 
from the radical destructives who have governed and owned him 
since he has been in power, he will do much more than we antici- 
pate from him. It is almost as morally certain that he will bring 
in the odious and everlasting nigger cjuestion as that the sun will 
rise tomorrow; he will prove himself, we fear, instead of a wise 
and judicious statesman, nothing but a groveling Abolitionist, sac- 
rificing the interests of a great and mighty nation and of millions 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 315 

of white men to an abstract question about a few niggers. If he 
should not do it, then indeed would Lincoln cease to be Lincoln." — 
(Herald, April 12, 1865.) 

On Sunday, April 16, the terrible news of Lincoln's assassination 
was received and occasioned general regret and sorrow. Here, 
as elsewhere in the North, many had come to believe him a tyrant, 
and several rejoiced at his death. The Herald denounced the act 
as an awful crime and issued bulletins, as did the Times. Many 
voluntarily draped their buildings in mourning. 

A grocer named Morrill, located at Main and Eighth streets, on 
the morning of April 15, 1865, offered to head a band of men to 
tear down the Herald office. 

PROCLAMATION. 

In consequence of the sad news received by telegraph of the 
cowardly assassination of our President and secretary of state, I 
hereby request all places of business and saloons in the city to be 
closed during the day and evening. It is further requested that 
all drape their buildings in mourning. 

John Thompson, Mayor. 

"It was but a short time before the city was almost entirely 
draped in mourning, presenting a strange contrast from the gay 
and festive aspect of the first part of the week. The streets had 
the appearance of Sunday. Store rooms were closed and shutters 
up. The banks closed business after 12 o'clock. Men gathered on 
the street to talk of the atrocious deed. Tears rolled down the 
cheeks of gray-haired men. The excitement was intense. From 
joy the nation was turned to sorrow. No such a dismal looking 
day was ever seen in this city before and we hope will never be 
again." — {Herald, April 16, 1865.) 

"Precisely at 12 o'clock all the bells in the city commenced a 
doleful tolling, continuing for an hour. All the churches, public 
buildings and fire companies rung out a slow, mournful dirge that 
fell on the ear like the spirit of the departed. On the levee the 
observance was kept; flags trimmed with crape floated half-mast 
and all the packets' bells tolled a funeral dirge. Sunday was not 
more quiet than Main street during two hours yesterday. The 
citizens assembled at the Congregational church according to public 
announcement andi occupied an hour or more with services appro- 
priate to the solemn occasion. The divines delivered fitting eulo- 
gies on the death of the lamented President. Hon. W. B. Allison 
made a few remarks appropriate to the occasion." — {Herald, April 
20. 1865.) 

"If there should e\'er be any violence or mobs in Dubuque — 
which we fervently hope will never be the case — we shall know 



3i6 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

where to trace tliem and to whom to lay the blame. These min- 
isters propose to visit upon us the same vengeance Wilkes Booth 
wreaked upon Mr. Lincoln, and think thereby, as he did, they are 
doing God and humanity a service. Last Friday Parson Holmes 
proposed the appointment of a committee to come down and mod- 
erate our tone, but wise man that he is readily gave way to sapient 
suggestion that the matter should be deferred till the soldiers coine 
home, when they would compel what he desired. Parson Whiting 
hopes that the day will come when Dubuque will not be a disgrace 
to Iowa and the North." — (Herald, April 21, 1865.) The Herald 
called these ministers "bloodhounds of Zion." 

"We wall give these men who are so eager to stir up strife in 
ihis communit}' a bit of wholesome advice. It will be a sorry day 
for them and their friends when they attempt any violence. They 
are in the minoritv here and it is the intention to keep them there. 
The Democracy will not allow themselves to be provoked into any 
violence of any kind by taunts of 'shameless disloyalty' or by 
threats of 'patriotic indignation' — they intend to preserve order, 
obey the laws and criticise the acts of public men as they please." — 
{Herald, April 21, 1865.) 

"Fanatical priests have been the curse of this country for the 
last fifteen years. Casting aside the work of their Master, they 
have entered fully into the service of the devil and have preached 
the country into a revolution and now they w'ant to preach it into 
anarchy." — (Herald, April 22, 1865.) 

On April 19, 1865, Bishop Smyth's fine barn containing two 
fine Morgan horses worth $1,000, a carriage worth $500, two sets 
of harness, a cow, a Newfoundland dog, a sleigh and a large 
quantity of hay was burned by an incendiary. This was one of 
the meanest, most contemptible acts ever perpetrated in this city ; 
it was denounced by everybody as a dastardly crime. The mayor 
offered a reward of $1,000 for the arrest of the guilty ones. 

"Rev. R. Nagle, McGregor. 

"On last Wednesday (19th) about i o'clock in the morning, my 
stable, coach-house, carriage, splendid horses, grain, etc., etc., were 
all burned down by the foul hand of some southern secesh because 
I had on last Sunday strongly condemned the bloody and cruel 
assassination of our late lamented and humane President. I for- 
give them and may God forgive them. Loss about $4,000. 

Clement, Bishop of Dubuque. 

"We believe this opinion of the bishop is as hasty as it is ill- 
founded. We cannot think that there is any such rascal in Du- 
buque. Still, if he is so confident in his knowledge, is it not his 
duty as a good citizen to inform "the officers of the law of the 
guilty wretch." — (Herald, April 29, 1865.) 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 317 

"If there liad been no Copperhead paper in Dnbuque to call the 
President 'bloody tyrant,' 'widow-maker,' 'wretch,' 'imbecile,' 'm- 
human fool,' and to even seek to cast disgrace upon his mother 
in asserting that he was a 'bastard,' Bishop Smyth would not have 
lost his property. To be consistent the Herald ought to lavish 
praise upon the incendiary. This act was but the practice of south- 
ern rebels carried northward, and the Herald, you know, has ever 
since the war commenced spared no praise in speaking of the acts 
of 'the noble Confederates.' * * * \^Jq believe it wa;? a ruf- 
fian, born in the Catholic church, one of the ignorant beings who 
are a disgrace to religion and society, who applied the torch to 
the bishop's barn. We cannot expect anything else when the ipse 
dixit of a Democratic defaulter is of more importance than the 
kind admonitions of a venerable and kind-hearted prelate ; when 
the verbiage of small lawyers and the drunken bluster of pros- 
perous dunces are heeded in preference to the advice of those who 
have no object but the spiritual and temporal welfare of their 
charges. Let it be remembered for all time in Dubuque the humble 
residence of the Catholic bishop was threatened by the torch of 
an incendiary ; that his barn was fired because he denounced a 
foul, infamous and unparalleled murder." — (Times, April 23, 
1865.) 

In April, 1865, all recruiting was stopped by order of the au- 
thorities. In May the Lincoln Monument Association was organ- 
ized, the object being to raise means to erect in this city a monu- 
ment to Abraham Lincoln. In June the Iowa regiments began 
to be mustered out and be sent home. Often they came in small 
squads, but when they came en masse they were received with 
great ceremony and showered with honors. The Ninth and Fif- 
teenth regiments were given such a reception at the City Hall in 
July. The Thirty-fourth and Thirty-eighth regiments arrived in 
September. The Fourth of July was duly celebrated in 1865. The 
Herald could not say enough mean things against the men who 
on that occasion exhibited an effigy of Jefif Davis hanging to a 
sour apple tree. The Copperheads refused to have read at their 
celebration the emancipation proclamation, so there were several 
celebrations. 

In September, 1865, the first steps to form in Dubuque a per- 
manent organization of the old soldiers were taken ; several meet- 
ings were held. On May 30, 1868, the organized old soldiers began 
to observe Decoration day: General Vandever was the chief speaker 
this year. Gen. M. M. Trumbull was the chief orator in 1869. 
D. B. Henderson was the chief orator in 1870. Gen. William 
Hyde Clark died here in October, 1872. In 1861 he went out with 
the Governor's Greys, was at Wilson's Creek, Pea Ridge and other 
battles. The G. A. R. camp at Dubuque was named in his honor ; 
he ofifered the Greys to the governor in January, 1861. The an- 



3i8 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

iiual reunion of the Twenty-first regiment was held here in Sep- 
tember, 1872. The Dubuque Rifles were reorganized in 1875, with 
Captain Duane at their liead. Col. George McHenry died here 
in 1877; he assisted in raising the company for the Mexican war; 
he previously had been colonel of militia at Jacksonville, Illinois. 
He was a "war Democrat." In 1877 the Fourth regiment of 
National Guards was organized in this county. Capt. M. M. Hay- 
den died in 1876; in 1854 he became captain of the City Guards; 
his rebellion record was brilliant. The Dubuque Light Artillery 
company was organized in 1878. In 1878 three companies of 
Dubuque were members of the Fourth regiment : Dubuque Rifles, 
Dubuque Guards and Dubuque Cadets. C. S. Bentley was colonel 
of the regiment. In August, 188 1, the members of Company I, 
First regiment, organized in order to preserve the memories of 
the battle of Wilson's Creek. The immense national military en- 
campment was held here in August, 1882 ; nearly thirty military 
organizations participated ; they came from all parts of the Union. 
Several hundred tents constituted their home at "Camp Dubuque" 
on the Fair Grounds. This was by all odds the finest military 
display ever seen here ; 25,000 people saw the sham fight. Drills, 
parades, steeplechase, gun contests, etc., entertained all persons. 
The United States signal corps gave a fine exhibition. The Por- 
ter Guards, of New Orleans, won first prize of $1,000 for general 
excellence. The total receipts were $12,820 and the total expenses 
$13,665.13. Another, even larger, was held in June at Dubuque in 
1884; this was the largest ever held in the Northwest. Over 
thirty companies were here the first day and in all about forty were 
present later. Ten bands furnished music. As before, all sorts 
of contests enlivened the event. The Mobile Rifles took first prize 
and Tredway Rifles, of St. Louis, second prize. 

The Governor's Greys had four distinct organizations : ( i ) In 
1858, under Governor Hempstead, from whom it took its name; 
(2) in 1859; (3) in 1864; (4) in 1885. Its temporary ofiicers in 
1885 were W. H. Thrift, acting captain; C. D. Hayden, first lieu- 
tenant ; C. D. Ham, second lieutenant ; they drilled in the City 
Hall. On July i, 1885, they numbered forty-one. At the organi- 
zation the old members yet alive were George L. Torbert, J. F. 
Bates, C. N. Clark, J. B. Howard, W. W. Wormood, J. K. Graves, 
G. B. Grosvenor, S. M. Pollock, Horace Poole, Alonzo Cragin, 
A. Y. McDonald, V. J. Williams, B. M. Harger, F. H. Carberry, 
and others. In 1886 Governor Larrabee attended the Greys' ball. 
The Greys represented the state at the Centennial in Philadelphia 
in 1887. Their new officers in 1887 were C. D. Hayden. captain; 
C. D. Ham, first lieutenant ; F. D. Shiras, second lieutenant. In 
1890 the officers were W. H. Thrift, captain; B. F. Blockinger, 
first lieutenant ; A. M. Jaeggi, second lieutenant. The Greys' 
armory was dedicated in 1892. The Greys in October, 1892, rep- 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 319 

resented the state at the opening of the Cohimbian Exposition at 
Chicago. Captain Thrift and Private Becker became involved in 
serious trouble in 1892; the latter was dropped from the rolls, but 
this was declared to be a whitewash of the captain. 

A joint committee of the legislature visited Dubuque in 1886 
to inspect proposed sites for the Soldiers' Orphans' Home. There 
was sharp competition among the cities of Iowa for this institu- 
tion. Dubuque tried hard to get it. but was defeated by Marshall- 
town by only one vote; this city would no doubt have won had 
not the rival cities raked up the disloyal record of this community 
during the rebellion. The Grand Army encampment of Iowa was 
held here in 1887; it was a notable event. The G. A. R. held an- 
other encampment here in 1891 ; 15,000 visitors were present; 3,000 
veterans were in line ; Governor Boies addressed the old soldiers ; 
50,000 people saw the parade ; the Woman's Relief Corps was well 
represented ; the largest crowd ever here saw the performances. 
Col. J. F. Bates died in 1892; his military record was splendid. In 
1892 Gen. George W. Jones was granted a special pension of $20; 
he was a drummer boy in the War of 1812; served on the staff 
of General Dodge in the Black Hawk war. 

The First Regiment of Iowa National Guards in 1898 comprised 
the following companies: Company A, of Dubuque; B, of Water- 
loo; C, of Cedar Rapids; D, of Charles City; E. of Independence; 
F, of Tipton; G, of Vinton; H, of Marshalltown; I, of Waukon; 
K, of Toledo ; L, of Lyons, and M, of Maquoketa. The Dubuque 
Company A was the Governor's Greys. In April, 1898, W. G. 
Dows, of Cedar Rapids, was elected colonel of this regiment. 

It was presumed that in case of war with Spain the Governor's 
Greys, as Company A, of the National Guard, would, of course, 
become the volunteers called for from Dubuque. It was due to this 
reason that the Greys themselves did little when war commenced. 
But this course did not suit others here. On April 18 Capt. W. H. 
Thrift issued a call for volunteers independent of the National 
Guards. On April 18 a large war meeting, presided over by Mayor 
Berg, was held. Colonel Lyon delivered one of his fiery speeches. 
Other speakers were Senator Malley, Rev. L. M. Waterman and 
Captains Dow and Thrift. Volunteers were enrolled, but how 
many is unknown, as no record was kept. The call by Captain 
Thrift extended over northwest Iowa and was for a full regiment. 
But this call was wholly unauthorized and was disclaimed by 
Adjutant General Byers. 

About this time the Twenty-fifth Regiment (colored) and the 
Second Regiment of regulars passed through Dubuque for the 
front. Thousands of citizens gathered to see the latter. In the 
meantime the Greys began to drill every night and get ready for 
camp. On April 22 Adjutant General Byers notified the National 
Guard throughout the state to get ready for service. On April 23 



320 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

President McKinley called for 125,000 men for two years. The 
officers of the First Regiment were as follows : W. G. Dows, 
colonel; Clifford D. Ham, senior major; Benjamin F. Blocklinger, 
junior major; Dr. J. R. Guthrie, assistant surgeon; A. M. Jaeggi, 
battalion agent; W. H. Thrift, inspector. The officers of Company 
A were as follows : William M. Flynn, captain ; Jacob R. Ballou, 
first lieutenant ; Charles J. Stewart, second lieutenant. The Greys 
were not up to the full number required and besides several dropped 
out, not finding it convenient to go. This left the company with 
three corporals and twenty- four privates, besides the officers. There 
was also here the regimental band, under Drum Major Joseph Reis. 
Recruits were hurriedly called for, drilling occurred every night, 
and on April 29 the company left for Des Moines, pursuant to the 
following call : 

Capt. W. M. Flynn: 

Assemble your company and report at Camp McKinley, Des 
Moines, tomorrow morning. 

W. H. Byers, Adjutant General. 

When this dispatch was received it was quite late in the evening 
of the 24th ; the company was then drilling and a large crowd was 
present. At once a hush fell upon the audience, drilling ceased and 
after a hurried consultation, it was determined to leave at 4 o'clock 
the next morning in order to reach Des Moines according to the 
above dispatch. Bells throughout the city were tolled at 1 1 o'clock 
that night, whistles were blown and from that time until the hour 
of departure the whole city was in a state of great excitement. At 
Ninth and Main streets rockets were set off, firecrackers were ex- 
ploded, tin horns were blown and all seemed like an important 
election night. At 2 o'clock in the morning the Greys had luncheon. 
At 3 o'clock it was decided that the First Regiment band should 
accompany the Greys. As the moment of departure drew near an 
immense crowd gathered to bid the "boys" farewell and see them 
go. Much feeling was shown, because they were the pride of the 
city and all left behind loved ones, who believed that many would 
never return. The company marched down Ninth street to Main, 
thence to Eighth and thence east to the station. Forty-four left 
at this time ; of these thirty-five were privates. 

Soon after the arrival of the required regiments at Des Moines 
it was announced that the First was too small, and as it was consid- 
ered the latest organized with regimental officers, it would be sent 
home, to be recruited up to the limit. It was suggested that the 
First should be distributed among the other three regiments, but 
this step was vehemently opposed by the whole regiment. The 
rights of the regiments to service were in the order of the election 
of their colonels, announced Adjutant General Byers. In order to 




ROCKDALE. STREET SCENES DUBUQUE AND MT. ST. JOSEPHS 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 321 

settle the difficulty Governor Shaw advised the consolidation of the 
four small regiments into three, but all opposed this step. It was 
then proposed to send one regiment home, but this step was likewise 
opposed by all the four regiments. 

An appeal was then made to Secretary of War Alger so to change 
the call that all four regiments could be accepted as they were. 
This appeal failed, although it went to President McKinley him- 
self. Finally all the Iowa congressmen and the two senators were 
lined up against the war authorities, no doubt with intimations of 
the dire consequences that would affect their political fences at home 
in case they failed. Hot telegrams flew to Allison with the result 
all four regiments were accepted, though the two light batteries 
were not wanted. Under this arrangement the number of men 
required from Iowa was 3,336. The Greys at once enlisted enough 
recruits to fill up their company. 

When the war commenced there were four military districts in 
the state and four regiments of National Guards. The call was 
for three regiments of infantry and two light batteries, or for a total 
of 3,321 men. Each of the four military districts sent forward a 
regiment. Then the question arose, how should the four small 
regiments be combined so as to form three full-sized ones ? 

The First Regiment became the Forty-ninth Iowa, the number 
following the last one of the Civil War. In June it was ordered to 
Jacksonville, Florida, where it sufifered much from disease. Pre- 
vious to August the number of sick at any one time did not exceed 
from ten to fifteen, but in that month the number in the hospital ran 
up suddenly to sixty and seventy, although the regiment was moved 
out to a much better place on a sandy knoll, where the drainage was 
good. Late in October the regiment was transferred to Savannah 
and late in December sailed for Havana, where it did guard and 
scout duty until ordered home to be mustered out. It returned to 
Savannah in April, 1899. Company A lost during its service Charles 
E. Lobdell and Henry Becker, the former of typhoid and the latter 
from injuries resulting from falling down a hatchway. 

Upon their return, in May, 1899, the members of Company A 
were given a splendid reception, fully 10,000 people turning out to 
welcome them at the station. They had done their duty, had suf- 
fered much, and were treated royally on this memorable occasion. 
During the Spanish-American war the vessels Ericsson and Win- 
dom, which had been built in Dubuque, were used by the United 
States Navy in West India waters. They gave a satisfactory account 
of themselves. 

On November 5, 1893, thousands of persons gathered at Lin- 
wood cemetery to witness the unveiling of the soldiers' monument. 
T. W. Ruete was president of the day. The bands, Greys, Grand 
Army posts and Sons of Veterans participated. Miss Hayden 
unveiled the beautiful monument. Doctor Staples made the pres- 



322 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

entation speech, after whicli Dr. E. A. Guilbert dedicated the monu- 
ment according to the Grand Army ritual. Judge O'Donnell de- 
hvered a splendid oration, glorifying the soldiers dead and alive and 
extolling the country as the home of freedom and justice. The work 
of collecting funds for this monument had been in progress for 
twelve years. 

Soon after the war the Grand Army established Hyde Clark 
Post No. 78 in Dubuque. It has been in existence ever since. Also 
Lookout Post No. 70 was formed here. A post was later estab- 
lished at Cascade — No. 369. They observe Decoration day regu- 
larly and are always honored on Fourth of July and at public func- 
tions. Henderson Camp Sons of Veterans was established a few 
years' ago. The Woman's Relief Corps is a prominent feature of 
the Grand Army reunions. The Daughters of the American Revo- 
lution organized in Dubuque about 1893. In Linwood cemetery 
repose the remains of four soldiers who served in the War of 1812 : 
Preston Eyre, Moses Eggleston, Peter de Lorimier and Zephaniah 
Williams. 

The following is a copy of the original roster of the Greys on 
May 2, 1859: H. H. Heath, William Hyde Clark, Henry C. 
Paxson, James C. Van Pelt, J. B. Howard, J. F. Bates, William F. 
Rapides, U. S. Gilbert, F. J. Herron, M. W. Smith, F. A. Doolittle, 
J. B. Smith, Charles N. Clark, F. T. Goodrich, H. B. Gifford, G. B. 
Smith, G. B. Grosvenor, A. Russell, George W. Waldron, James C. 
Bennett, James Steel, John M. McDaneld, Sol. Turck, H. Curtis, 
V. J. David, S. M. Pollock, O. Bronson, A. Williams, Charles 
Burtleson, William W. Wormood, H. D. Farquharson, William 
Luther, V. H. Sutkamp, Edward Wright, J. M. Robinson, J. K. 
Graves and W. T. Barker. 

The Greys often hold fairs and other assemblages, and their 
efforts are always appreciated and admired. In 1894 the Greys, 
upon special invitation, attended Mardi Gras at New Orleans and 
were signally recognized, toasted and honored. The Spanish War 
Veterans are a recent organization. In the fall of 1899 Dubuque 
was honored by a visit from a former Dubuquer, Commander Gott- 
fried Blocklinger, of the Navy. He commanded the cruiser Charles- 
ton in the Philippines. In December, 1908, a beautiful sword was 
sent to him at Washington upon his accession to the rank of rear 
admiral. At this date he commanded the battleship Illinois. In 
1905 Capt. Albert Jaeggi was commander of the local Spanish- 
American war veterans. He was promoted to adjutant general in 
1907. In June of this year the Iowa Grand Army Encampment 
was held in Dubuque and was one of the most notable events in the 
history of the city. Thousands gathered to witness the proceedings. 
A soldiers' memorial hall will probably soon be built in Dubuque. 



POLITICS. 

WHEN Wisconsin territory was separated from Michigan 
territory in 1836, George W. Jones represented the latter 
in Congress, and was chosen at once to represent the 
former in that body. 
A pubHc dinner was given Gov. Henry Dodge on the occasion 
of his visit to Dubuque, July 16, 1836. He stopped at the Wash- 
ington House. There were present at the dinner Lockwood, Quig- 
ley, Stoddard, Camp, Hempstead, Morrison, Lorimier, Rice, King, 
Coriell, Hogan, Sleator, Osman, L. H. Langworthy, Hughes, My- 
ers, Jones, Lott, Fassitt, Harrison, Prentice, Butterworth, Graham, 
Wright, Lewis, Finley, Bourne, Langley. 

In September, 1836, a large Democratic meeting was held in the 
woods on Bee Branch, near Dubuque, to name candidates for the 
October election. The meeting denounced the "secret speculators' 
bill" in Congress and also declared against "caucus dictation." A 
full ticket was nominated. 

At the October election in 1836 all candidates were required to 
avow that they favored Dubuque as the capital of Wisconsin 
territory, favored the formation of townships, common schools, 
internal improvement, and were opposed to the division of Du- 
buque county into other counties ; this avowal was made at the in- 
stance of the town of Dubuque. For Congress, George W. Jones 
received 930 votes and Moses Meeker 49. For the council, John 
Foley received 815; Thomas McCraney, 451; Thomas McKnight, 
413; Peter A. Lorimier, 409; Stephen Langworthy, 363; William 
W. Coriell, 190; Simeon Clark, 163. For the house, Loring 
Wheeler received 572; Hardin Nowlin, 567; Peter H. Engle, 437; 
Patrick Quigley, 401; Hosea T. Camp, 450; Ezekiel Lockwood, 
291 ; E. White, 267; Chauncey Swan, 251 ; A. W. McGregor, 233; 
John Finley, 140; William Hutton, 137; B. Bushee, 115; William 
C. Jones, 112; E. Parkhurst, 50; David Dyass, 2>7\ J- K. Moss, 15. 
For sheriff, George W. Cummins received 374; E. C. Daugherty, 
198; H. H. Pease, 190; D. D. Downs, 93; G. Kennedy, 44. For 
colonel of the militia regiment, W. W. Chapman, 501 ; Leroy Jack- 
son, 197; J. S. Loraine, 127. For lieutenant-colonel, Paul Cain, 
493; C. H. Stowell, 280. For major, William S. Anderson, 373; 
William Allen, 274; T. Childs, 273. The total vote in Dubuque 
county was 1,031. Dubuque county was entitled to three mem- 
bers of the council and five members of the house. The following 

323 



324 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

election districts in Dubuque county were established in Septem- 
ber, 1836: Dubuque at the house of Robert Bourne; head waters 
of the Catfish at the house of Colonel Camp ; Turkey river at the 
house of Robert Hatfield; Prairie la Porte; Durango; Bellevue; 
on North Fork of Maquoketa at the house of Hamilton; Higgins- 
port; upper end of Mississippi Rapids; Le Claire's; Brophy's Ferry 
on Wapsipinicon river; on Red Cedar river. In November, 1836, 
Peter H. Engle, of Dubuque, was speaker of the territorial house. 

In November, 1836, Gov. Henry Dodge and a delegation from 
the territorial legislature visited Dubuque ; they were met at the 
ferry landing by a citizens' committee and were entertained with 
dinner at the Grafford House and with preaching by Rev. Mr. 
Teas at the Methodist church. This was a notable occasion of 
early Dubuque. Late in 1836 General Jones introduced a bill in 
Congress to inquire into the expediency of establishing a separate 
territory west of the Mississippi north of Missouri. Quigley's 
speech against the location of the Wisconsin capital at Madison 
was an important political event of the times. All members from 
this county protested against the location of the capital at Madison; 
Dubuque wanted the honor. 

In August, 1837, George W. Harris and R. Whittlesey were 
appointed justices for Dubuc|ue county. Colonel Camp, repre- 
sentative, having died, a special election to fill the vacancy 
resulted as follows : McGregor, 302 ; Parker, 364. The following 
were the election precincts : Dubuque, Peru, Durango, Bellevue, 
Prairie la Porte. Turkey River, Higginsport, White Water, Bro- 
phy's Ferry, Parkhurst, Le Claire and New York. 

In October, 1837, the people of Dubuque county were urged to 
attend the convention to be held at Burlington in November to 
take steps to form a new territory west of the Mississippi. A 
large meeting was held at the court house on October 13, Warner 
Lewis serving as chairman and John Plunbe, Jr., as secretary. The 
following delegates to the Burlington convention were chosen : 
P. H. Engle, J. T. Fales, S. W. Harris, W. A. Warren, W. B. 
Watts, A. F, Russell, W. H. Patton, J. W. Parker, J. D. Bell and 
J. H. Rose. Mr. Engle served as chairman of the Burlington con- 
vention. 

In January, 1838, William H. Brown and Mathias Ringer were 
justices. In March, 1838, the Democrats nominated for county 
commissioners Peter A. Lorimier, James Fanning and Edward 
Langworthy; George W. Harris for recorder; Guy B. Morrison for 
county treasurer; Charles Leist, John Laflesh and Reuben May- 
field, constables. All these men except Langworthy were elected ; 
Andrew Bankston defeated Langworthy. J. L. Hempstead was 
elected coroner. In 1838 Ouigley and McGregor having resigned 
from the legislature, Lucius H. Langworthy and Patrick Ouigley 
succeeded them, the latter being re-elected over his resignation. 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 325 

At this election the county was Democratic by about two to one. 
Timothy Mason was justice. In June, 1838, Joseph T. Fales was 
doorkeeper of the house and George W. Harris sergeant-at-arms. 
In June, 1838, Congress passed the law providing for the formation 
of Iowa territory. Mr. McGregor, after resigning, was arraigned 
on the charge of having received a bribe and for extortion and cor- 
ruption. In June, 1838, Jackson county indorsed Thomas S. Wil- 
son, of Dubuque, for Congress. The Democratic meeting in Du- 
buque recommended either Col. William W. Chapman, Peter H. 
Engle or Thomas S. Wilson for that position. The latter was 
unanimously chosen. The following men were appointed a com- 
mittee of vigilance : Col. Andrew Bankston, John R. Ewing, Hiram 
H. Loomis, John Parker, James Fanning, Milo H. Prentice, Will- 
iam Smith, Sr., Stephen Hempstead, James Langworthy, William 
Hutton, Hardin Nowlin, Joseph T. Fales, Patrick Ouigley, Warner 
Lewis, Michael Powers and Calvert Roberts. Other candidates for 
Congress, besides Mr. Wilson, were Milo H. Prentice, Stephen 
Hempstead, Col. P. H. Engle and George W. Jones. In 1838, 
Robert M. Lucas was appointed governor of Iowa territory. Be- 
fore Peter H. Engle had resided in Dubuque five months he was 
chosen to represent it in the legislature ; his first term expired in 
1838. In 1838 the governor appointed Hardin Nowlin supreme 
court commissioner; Thadeus C. Martin, notary public; Joseph 
T. Fales, C. C. Behows, William Morrison and Charles P. Hutton, 
justices ; Thomas Child, district surveyor, and David Sleator, lieu- 
tenant-colonel of militia. 

Governor Lucas arrived at Dubuque on August 19, 1838, on 
board the steamer Knickerbocker, but returned to Burlington on 
the 24th. While here he discussed public affairs with the leading 
citizens, all of whom called upon him. He was about sixty years 
old, tall and commanding, but easily approachable. He left a good 
impression. While here he prepared his proclamation making va- 
rious appointments and disregarding the proclamation made by 
William B. Conway, secretary of the territory, made for him in 
his absence. The counties of Jackson, Dubuque, Delaware, Buch- 
anan, Fayette and Clayton were constituted one election district 
and entitled to two members of the council and four members of 
the house. The first election was set for the second Monday in 
September, 1838, and the sheriffs in the counties were directed 
to give ten days' notice of such election. The candidates here for 
county officers were as follows : Paul Cain and George W. Cum- 
mins, sheriff; Alfred McDaniel, county commissioner; John B. 
Russell, recorder. In accordance with the proclamation of Gov- 
ernor Lucas, the sheriff of Dubuque county fixed the polling places 
as follows: Dubuque, at the house of Lorimier and Gra- 
tiot; Peru, at the house of M. W. Power; Durango, at 
the house of A. J. Devin; Paul's, at the house of John Paul; Re- 



326 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

gan's, at the house of John Regan ; Whitewater, at the house of 
Jacob HamiUon ; Hewitt's, at the house of Joseph Hewitt; 
Dreibelbis', at the house of Jacob Dreibelbis. The election was for 
one delegate to Congress, two members of the council, four mem- 
bers of the house, one county commissioner, one county treasurer, 
one recorder, three constables and one coroner. 

In 1838 J. R. Ewing. G. W. Ames and W. Smith were elected 
county commissioners; Peter H. Engle, delegate to Congress; War- 
ner Lewis and Stephen Hempstead, senators; Chauncey Swan, 
Andrew Bankston, Thomas Cox and Hardin Nowlin, representa- 
tives; George W. Cummins, sheriff; George W. Harris, recorder; 
J. M. Emerson, treasurer; John W. Finley, coroner. A dispute as 
to authority between the old and the new county boards was settled 
by the county attorney, Mr. Hempstead, in favor of the new board. 

"While Colonel Engle was out stumping his district for Con- 
gress and while crossing the Wapsipinicon, which was very high, 
he became entangled and would have drowned but for the daring 
energy of an Indian, who, upon hearing his call, ran 200 vards, 
plunged in and caught him after he had sunk for the tliird time 
and pulled him ashore in a senseless state." — (lon'a A^eivs, Septem- 
ber I, 1838.) 

Early in 1839 Dr. Timothy Mason, Mortimer Bainbridge, Ben- 
jamin Rupert and Joseph R. Goodrich were appointed justices 
and Charles Corkery judge of probate. Joseph T. Fales was clerk 
of the house in 1839. 

In 1840 the presidential contest was fought out here, but the 
territory had nothing to say in the result. The sub-treasury bill, 
the banks, Locofocos, log cabin and hard cider terms were bandied 
back and forth by Whigs and Democrats. The Whigs sang — 

"Cold water will do for the Locos, 

And a little vinegar stew; 
But give us hard cider and whisky 

And we'll vote for Old Tippecanoe." 

In November, 1840, Mortimer M. Bainbridge, of Dubuque 
county, was chosen president of the Iowa Territorial Council. 
Timothy Mason and Edward Langworthy were active members 
of the house in 1840, and M. M. Bainbridge and Joseph S. Kirk- 
patrick were prominent in the council. 

On May 9 the Democrats reassembled at the court house. Foley 
again presided. The following citizens were appointed a committee 
to draft resolutions expressive of the sense of the meeting: L. H. 
Langworthv, Patrick Ouiglev, George Ames, J. Parker, T- W. 
Harris, J. R. Ewing, J.'King,' P. S. Dods, J. B. Russell, W. Smith, 
J. Fanning, W. Cardiff, T. McCraney, M. W. Power, H. Lore, 
W. J. A. Bradford, J. Taylor, A. Levi,' E. D. Welle, T. H. Benton, 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY z^7 

Jr., G. L. Nightingale, E. M. Bissell and W. Lewis. While this 
committee was preparing the resolutions a lengthy address to the 
people which had been prepared by the previous committee was 
read to the meeting. It glorified the Democracy and asked for the 
support of the people. Then the resolutions were read and adopted 
separately. They declared in favor of a Democratic territorial 
convention to select candidates for delegates to Congress. The 
following men were then elected delegates to such convention: 
John Parker, David Sleator, Lucius H. Langworthy, Thomas Mc- 
Craney, Hardin Nowlin, John Beach, Joseph T. Fales and John B. 
Russell. The following were appointed as Democratic county ex- 
ecutive committee : P. Ouigley, J. R. Ewing, George W. Ames, 
William Smith and Dr. S. Langworthy. 

Li May, 1841, the Democrats sent John Foley, Thomas H. Ben- 
ton, Jr., Gen. Francis Gehon, C. H. Booth and L. Dillon as dele- 
gates to the territorial convention ; Mr. Foley was chosen president 
of that body ; General Gehon was a member of the committee on 
resolutions, and Mr. Booth was one of the committee to prepare 
an address to the people of the territory. General Gehon was one 
of the first marshals of Iowa territory. At a Democratic meeting 
held at the Presbyterian church in May a committee of five was 
appointed to meet a like committee of Clayton and Delaware 
counties to prepare the names of candidates for the legislature; 
P. C. Mohiser, A. Cline, William Smith, Lyman Dillon and John 
Parker were chosen such committee. Coriell, of the Nezvs, had op- 
posed the advancement of General Gehon, whereupon, at this meet- 
ing, Mr. Churchman introduced a resolution condemning the Nczvs, 
which was adopted unanimously. This act angered Mr. Coriell 
and he attacked General Gehon more sharply than ever. 

The Democratic territorial convention held at Iowa City on 
June 21, 1841, to nominate a candidate for delegate to Congress 
was the largest assembly of the kind ever convened in the territory 
up to that time, and was largely attended by prominent Dubuque 
citizens of that political faith. Augustus C. Dodge received the 
nomination. The delegates to the convention from Dubuque, Clay- 
ton and Delaware counties were as follows : Gen. F. Gehon, C. H. 
Booth, John Foley, B. Rush Petrikin and Lyman Dillon. John 
Foley was chosen president of the convention, C. H. Booth one of 
the vice-presidents, and General Gehon one of the committee on 
resolutions. 

In August, 1841, the combined vote of Dubuque and Delaware 
counties for delegate to Congress was as follows: Dodge (Dem. ), 
363; Rich (Whig), 225. In December, 1841, Warner Lewis was 
elected speaker of the house, and George W. Harris transcribing 
clerk of the council. Coriell of the loiiv Ncii's, was state printer 
in 1841-2. At the election for territorial councilman in June, 1842, 
there was a tie vote between Hardin Nowlin and Stephen Hemp- 



328 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

stead. In the second election Nowlin, Gehon and Hempstead, Dem- 
ocrats, ran against Collins, Whig. Tlie latter admitted he was a 
deserter from the British army, but had enlisted at the age of sev- 
enteen years and pleaded his youth to excuse his act. Francis 
Gehon was elected by a large majority. The Bloomington Herald, 
of September 23, 1842, called Hempstead a bogxis Democrat and 
said: "Poor Stephen, once honored with the confidence of that 
district, is now laid on the shelf, at least for a season. We would 
have greatly preferred seeing Collins elected than Hempstead." 

In 1842 the people of Iowa territory voted down a proposed con- 
vention to form a state government ; the majority against it was 
2,696. 

In August, 1842, Thomas Cox and Stephen Hempstead were 
elected to the council, representing Dubuque, Jackson, Clayton 
and other counties, and T. Rogers and F. Sudros were elected 
from Dubuque county alone for the house. There was a division 
of the Democracy on the question of the convention or no con- 
vention system. A convention was held, but as Jackson county 
was poorly represented, its citizens placed the name of another 
candidate before the people. "Then Hempstead, who is scarcely 
worthy of the name of a psciido Democrat, ran as a matter of 
course. Nowlin, the nominee of the convention, backslided. too, 
and disavowed all connection with Gehon, his fellow nominee. He 
traveled with Hempstead and acted all for self. Having four 
Democratic candidates, the Whigs thought it a fine chance to run 
in an interloper and under their patronage aided by the renowned 
'Long Jim' (John Tyler's surveyor-general, James Wilson), a fel- 
low who came from Ireland, not an Irishman ( for all who come 
from Ireland are not Irishmen), became a candidate. With three 
Democratic candidates in the field and one 'bogus' and one Whig 
candidate, our strength was dix'ided and the Whigs uniting upon 
'Long Jim's' candidate, one of the latter is thought to be elected. 
Such was the bitterness of the Whigs toward the Democratic can- 
didates tliat some of them we have heard say they would never 
vote for any foreigner for office, though some supported Collins." 
— (Cor. of Bloomington Herald. August 12, 1842.) 

The Democratic central committee in 1843 ^^''^s ^s follows: 
Thomas H. Benton, Jr., Hannibal Emerson, John Parker, Charles 
Corkery, James Fanning, Thomas McCraney and John H. The- 
dinga. In 1843 Dubuque county gave A. C. Dodge, Democratic 
candidate for Congress, a majority of 255 votes over W. H. Wal- 
lace, Whig. 

In May, 1844, Dubuque county again voted on the question of 
a state convention, as follows : For convention, 282 ; against con- 
vention, 293. But the question carried by over 4,000 majority out 
of about 11,000 votes polled. Parties here sided for or against 
the annexation of Texas in the spring of 1844. The citizens could 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 329 

not yet (1844) take part in the presidential election. The proposed 
constitution for Iowa was published broadcast in November, 1844. 
Stephen Hempstead. Theophilus Crawford, Francis Gehon, Ed- 
ward Langworthy. Samuel B. Olmstead and Dr. O'Brien repre- 
sented Dubuque county in the territorial convention in 1844. 

By the constitution of 1844 the counties of Dubuque, Delaware, 
Clinton, Fayette. Buchanan and Blackhawk were given two sen- 
ators and Dubuque county was given one representative. 

The passage of the joint resolution in Congress in April, 1845, 
:mnexing Texas caused great rejoicing here among the Democrats, 
but was denounced by the Whigs. In 1845 Dubuque favored the 
division of Iowa territory on the line dividing Clinton and Jackson 
counties. The Burlington Hazckeyc also favored this division in 
order to secure anotlier Whig state. A mass meeting at Dubuque 
on May 5 was held "for the purpose of adopting such means as 
may be deemed necessary to insure a division of the territory of 
Iowa and the formation of a new territory." George Greene, Han- 
nibal Emerson, John Foley, James Crawford and Piatt Smith 
were the committee on resolutions. It was declared to be the 
policy and welfare of the West to increase its representation in 
Congress, and the proposed division would accomplish that result. 
Stephen Hempstead, P. B. Bradley, D. S. Wilson, Samuel Mur- 
dock and James Leonard were requested to do their best in the 
legislature to secure this division. 

In the summer of 1845 war between Mexico and the United 
States as the result of the annexation of Texas seemed inevitable. 
In 1845 Dubuque county voted for delegate to Congress as fol- 
lows: Dodge (Dem. ), 480: Lowe (Whig), 270. On the constitu- 
tion it voted — For, 278 ; against, 502. The bill to vote again on the 
constitution was vetoed by the governor, but was passed over his 
veto. In 1846 Dubuque county voted as follows on the constitu- 
tion : For. 3Q5 ; against, 597. It was carried in the territory by 
less than 500 majority. In 1846 Ansel Briggs (Dem.) and 
Thomas McKnight (Whig), of Dubuque, were candidates for 
governor ; the former won by a small majority. 

The election of April, 1847, '" t'le city of Dubuque was im- 
portant because a new city charter and license or no license were 
to be voted up or down. P. A. Lorimier (Whig) received 232 
votes for mayor and Charles Corkery (Dem.) 149 votes. License 
received 204 votes and no license 173 votes. Dubuque county gave 
Judge Mason a majority of 152 over James Harlan for state super- 
intendent of public instruction. The result for Congress in 1847 
was: Leffler (Dem.), 749; McKnight (Whig), 617. In 1848 the 
Democrats named Shepherd Leffler as delegate to Congress and 
Thomas H. Benton, Jr., as superintendent of public instruction. 
George W. Jones. John G. Shields, David Jones, Thomas Hardie, 



330 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

William H. Morrison, William S. Hall, Lincoln Clark and I. P. 
Van Hagan were delegates to the Democratic state convention. ' 

Stephen Hempstead, of Dubuque, was one of the committee of 
three appointed by the legislature in 1847-8 to revise the laws of 
the state. Joseph T. Fales, of Dubuque, was auditor of state at 
this time. 

In February, 1848, the Democratic members of the legislature 
selected the following party candidates: Thomas S. Wilson, of 
Dubuque, for United States senator, and George Greene, of Du- 
buque, for an associate justice of the Iowa supreme court. 

The Democrats of Dubuque in March, 1848, nominated the fol- 
lowing city officers : H. S. Hetherington, mayor ; Joseph Swab, 
marshal ; A. D. Anderson, recorder ; Charles Miller, treasurer ; 
George McHenry, assessor. Lincoln Clark presided at this meeting. 
Valentine Glenat was named for school fund commissioner. About 
the same time the Whigs nominated G. L. Nightingale for mayor; 
John Coffey, marshal ; Major Mobley, school fund commissioner. 

"What a strange contrast is presented to see Whigs and Demo- 
crats laboring together in a common vineyard. But the surprise 
is in a measure lessened when we reflect that the call was for a 
'mass meeting of the people' and two of the nominations are outside 
of the Whig party evidently to catch Democratic votes." 

Joseph Swab, candidate for marshal, announced himself thus: 
"I am in favor of appropriating the public square for a calf pas- 
ture and giving the freedom of the city to all swine and goats, 
believing such animals to be great at keeping streets clean. I will 
not at any time during the day or night interfere with any of my 
friends who may be engaged in the laudable acts of quarreling, 
fighting, gambling, carousing, firing cannons, gtuis or pis- 
tols, breaking houses, etc. — in short, I pledge myself to 
allow all who vote for me to do as they please and to those who 
vote against me I will give particular Jesse. I will pay the utmost 
respect to the corpses of all those unfortunate cows, calves, horses, 
dogs, cats, etc., which may hereafter 'go dead' within the limits of 
our fair city by allowing them to remain where they have fallen, 
in peace and quietness undisturbed, to perfume the air of heaven. 
In regard to the Mexican war I am sound, being opposed to peace 
on any terms until the whole of Mexico, South America, China, 
British Provinces, Cuba and Ireland are annexed to our glorious 
Union." 

In April, 1848, George L. Nightingale (Whig) was elected 
mayor over Warner Lewis (Dem. ) by a small majority. In 1848 
Dubuque county cast 766 votes for Shepherd Leffler (Dem.) for 
delegate to Congress and 597 for Timothy Davis (Whig) for the 
same office; this vote showed the comparative strength of the Demo- 
crats and Whigs. In the forties the favorite meeting place 
for political parties was over Terry's saloon. Lincoln Clark 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 331 

was one of the Cass electors hi 1848. At a big Whig meeting in 
October, 1848, Langworthy, Berry and Nightingale addressed the 
audience; the first had lately become a Whig. At a Democratic 
meeting Hempstead, Rogers and Merritt ridiculed the candidacy of 
General Taylor. A "Rough and Ready" club was formed here. 
A Free Soil convention held at Iowa City was attended by a dozen 
or more of Dubuquers. On November 25 the Whigs celebrated the 
election of the Whig national ticket. In 1848-9 George W. Jones 
was elected senator of the United States; this election left the sur- 
veyor-general's office vacant; General Booth succeeded. Dubuque 
county gave the Cass electors a majority of 186 votes. Theophilus 
Crawford and John G. Shields were state senators and Sidney 
Wood and James A. Langton representatives in 1848. 

In the spring of 1849 the state legislature reversed itself on the 
Wilmot proviso and voted against any more slave territory; this 
roused the wrath of the Democracy of Dubuque county. In the 
spring of 1849 the Whigs cried "no partyism" in the city election, 
but the Democrats refused to bite. As the city was really Demo- 
cratic, now was the time for its redemption, it was said. The 
Democrats won the city election in April, 1849. In May W. H. 
Robbins was appointed postmaster of Dubuque. The Democrats in 
1849 elected their county ticket by about 395 majority. W. G. 
Stewart became sheriff; J. P. Van Hagan, recorder; John Ball, 
surveyor; Charles J. Leist, coroner, and J. H. Thedinga, county 
commissioner. It was noted in 1849 that there was almost open 
warfare among the Whigs for the spoils of office under the Taylor 
administration. There was also a newspaper war between the 
Tribune and the Telegraph. 

"The factions into which the Whig party of Dubuque is now 
divided are warring with each other with a degree of malignant 
hostility which should bring the blush of shame to every honest 
politician. The spoils of office constitute the bone of contention 
and no mastiff cur or ferocious bulldog ever contended with more 
determined fury than have the factions of Dubuque Whiggery for 
the precious morsel." — {Miners' Express, June 27, 1849.) 

All Whigs who were friendly to the Abolitionists were de- 
nounced by the Democrats and when the two amalgamated in the 
summer of 1849, ^t Iowa City, the Democrats began a severe cam- 
paign. This drew political lines sharply here. In November, 1848, 
the Democratic majority in the county was about 197 ; in August, 
1849, it was about 300. Judge Corkery, in 1848-9, was secretary of 
the state board of public works. In June, 1849, at the Democratic 
convention. Judge Wilson made desperate efforts to have the dele- 
gates to the state convention instructed to vote against the Wilmot 
proviso. This was the time when Whiggery, Locofocos, Hunkers, 
Barnburners and Americans were abroad in the land. In Decem- 
ber, 1849, A. P. Wood, editor of the Tribune, was cowhided by 



332 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Charles Bogy ; it was due to a quarrel between the "Fogies'" and 
the "Anties" of the Whigs, local factions at Dubuque. George 
L. Nightingale established the Telegraph, it was said, to aid him 
in his own political schemes and ambition. 

Credit or discredit was given to George L. Nightingale, acting 
editor of the Telegraph, in the spring of 1849, for inventing the 
term "Fogies," which was applied to a local clique of the Whigs; 
he himself was a Taylor Whig. Mordecai Mobley was a member 
of the Whig executive committee of the state. He did not like 
Taylor, who he said "smelt too strongly of the negro" to suit him 
The divison here in the Whig ranks was due to the slavery ques- 
tion. The Wilmot proviso and "shall the Union be preserved?" 
were important topics in 1850. General Jones in Congress op- 
posed the proviso. The Democratic county central committee in 
1850 was Ben M. Samuels, D. S. Wilson, John Fitzpatrick, F. 
Mangold, Benjamin Rupert, Thomas Hardie and William G. Stew- 
art. Webster's speech against the Wilmot proviso attracted great 
attention here ; everywhere "save the Union" was the cry. People 
sided for or against the great compromises of that year. The 
Democrats nominated Hannibal Emerson for mayor, and the 
Whigs nominated Peter A. Lorimier; the former received 183 
and the latter 142; it was a strict party vote. 

The Democrats at Iowa City nominated Stephen Hempstead, 
of this county, for governor in 1850; after a sharp contest he won 
on the eleventh ballot. Lincoln Clark was Democratic nominee 
for Congress, and William H. Henderson, Republican nominee. 
The Whigs favored the United States bank, paper currency, state 
banks, charters to corporations, and opposed the existing state 
constitution. Rev. James L. Thompson was the Whig nominee 
for governor. Political questions at this time were the Utah bill, 
Texas boundary bill, admission of California, fugitive slave law, 
to make New Mexico a territory, and suppression of the slave trade 
in the District of Columbia ; these were called the "Compromise 
Measures." The Whigs declared that the fugitive slave law was 
a protective tariff for the property of the South. The Democrats 
elected their county ticket in 1850. For governor, Hempstead re- 
ceived 721, and Thompson 353; the Democratic majority averaged 
about 330. Clark was elected to Congress ; there were then nine- 
teen counties in this district. 

The election of August, 185 1, was closer than usual in this 
county, though the Democrats won generall}' by a reduced ma- 
jority. 

In 1852 J. H. Emerson (Dem.) was defeated for mayor by 
J. P. Farley (Whig) ; the latter had a majority of 9 votes in a 
total of 442 ; the Democrats won the balance of the ticket by 
greatly varj'ing majorities. 

"True our candidate for mayor has been defeated by nine votes, 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 333 

but it is admitted upon all sides that his defeat is attributable to a 
purely sectional cause — with reference to the cut (Waples) oppo- 
site Waples' store. No one can regret the defeat of our candidate 
for the mayoralty more than we do ; yet we would rather he were 
defeated a thousand times than lend himself to a local influence 
which sought to control him." — {Dailv Miners' Express, April 
6, 1852.) 

At this election the Whigs fought desperately in order to secure 
prestige for the presidential campaign. Emerson was defeated by 
the First ward. 

"He refused to give an assurance before election that if elected 
he would favor a diversion of the dredge boat from the main im- 
provement and legitimate work contemplated in the contract to the 
improvement of a cut (Waples) in the First ward to be done and 
paid for by individuals." 

Both parties, Whigs and Democrats, conducted stirring cam- 
paigns on national issues in 1852. O'Connor, the famous Whig 
orator of Muscatine, appeared here; he spoke two and one-half 
hours and niade a strong appeal to Irishmen. In August, 1852, 
the vote for secretary of state was 975 for McCleary (Dem.) and 
563 Jenkins (Whig). Lincoln Clark (Dem.) for Congress re- 
ceived 913, and J. P. Cook (Whig) 580. 

"The Democracy have had one of the most brilliant triumphs 
that ever crowned their efforts in this city. Never was a triumph 
more signal and complete. Not a Whig is to be seen this morning. 
The coons have taken to their holes." — (Daily Miners' Express, 
August 3, 1852.) "Never within the history of the two parties in 
Dubuque have the Whigs suffered such a Waterloo defeat." — 
( Same. ) 

General Dodge spoke here in October at a big Democratic meet- 
ing. Speakers and newspapers were very abusive during the fall 
campaign. The Miners' Express was so severe that Mahony, of 
the Herald, ordered the exchange stopped. The result in Novem- 
ber was as follows: Pierce electors (Dem.), 1,150: Scott electors 
(Whig), 617; Hale electors (Free Soil), 6. Taylor and Dodge 
townships returned small majorities for the Whigs ; all others were 
Democratic. The aggregate vote in the county in August, 1852, 
was 1,537, ^nd in November 1,773. The Democrats opposed thd 
Maine liquor law — prohibition. 

In 1853 the Whigs renominated J. P. Farley for mayor, and the 
Democrats nominated B. J. O'Halloran. Even the Democrats said 
there were too many Irish on the Democratic ticket and many of 
them "knifed" their ticket. The result was the sweeping defeat 
of the Democratic ticket. Farley (Whig) received 477, and 
O'Halloran (Dem.) 186; the balance of the ticket was about the 
same. It was said that the defeat of the Democratic ticket was 
the defeat of the Jones clique. During 1852-4 there was a bitter 



334 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

personal war between Mahony. of the Herald, and Merritt, of the 
Express; in Mahony, Merritt met his match. The Herald con- 
ducted a caustic and bitter warfare against General Jones, who had 
dictated Democratic policy here for so many years. 

"If Mahony has an enemy he is always certain to let it be 
known through the columns of his sheet {Herald). The postmaster 
he regards as his enemy and therefore none who know his dis- 
position expect him to treat him with common civility, much less 
common justice." — {Express, August 24, 1853.) 

The August election in 1853 showed a considerable Democratic 
loss all over the county, the Democratic majority being about 305. 

"The leading men of Dubuque were from the southern states, 
where they were educated in the habit of allowing things to ad- 
vance or retrograde as nature or accident directed, but without any 
effort of theirs. If your merchants, your officeholders and other 
prominent men were Yankees, then your town, your harbor and 
business generally would present a different aspect from what it 
does at present." — (Resident of Galena in Express, November 19, 
1853.) "It is as lamentable as it is true that our business men in 
town fail to exert that influence for the extension of their business 
and the improvement of the city that they ought. They talk a great 
deal but do little." — (Express, November 19, 1853.) 

In February, 1854, the Kansas-Nebraska bill in Congress was 
duly considered here. It was now seen that the compromise fight 
of 1850 would have to be waged over again. The Whigs and 
Free Soilers united on Simeon Waters for governor and advocated 
the Maine law. In March a meeting of Germans in Dubuque de- 
nounced the Kansas-Nebraska bill. The Democrats nominated 
for mayor Col. C. H. Booth and the Whigs renominated J. P. 
Farley. Harbor improvement invaded politics; it was understood 
that Farley represented an abandonment of the canal plan and 
the substitution therefor of the filling up plan. The result was 
497 votes for Farley and 290 for Booth. 

On June 17, 1854, the Democracy assembled at the courthouse 
and listened to addresses on the Nebraska bill from D. S. Wilson, 
B. M. Samuels and Colonel McHenry. Wilson was a candidate 
for the state senate. The Miners' Express said his speech "excited 
and received the applause of the association." He declared himself 
in favor of the bill. Mr. Samuels, candidate for the house, also 
declared in favor of the bill, against an amendment to the state 
constitution for the purpose of creating banks within the state and 
opposed the Maine liquor law (prohibition). Colonel McHenry, 
candidate for the house, followed in a similar strain and attacked 
the Whig party in vigorous style, calling them Abolitionists, Know- 
Nothings and Woman's Rights men. The Observer denounced al! 
the speeches because all favored the repeal of the Missouri Com- 
promise, which was affected by the Nebraska bill. 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 335 

As a whole, Dubuque, with its large Catholic population, bitterly 
opposed the Know-Nothings, whose object was to exclude all for- 
eigners from participation in the government of the country. The 
Observer did not hesitate to attack the Catholic church as an or- 
ganization with caustic editorials (see Observer, July 8, 1854). 
The Observer was really a Know-Nothing. It unwisely made it a 
first consideration to assault the Catholic religious organization and 
to publish everything tending to degrade that faith. The paper 
did not long survive. 

In 1854 Stephen Hempstead was Democratic candidate for the 
national house and favored the Nebraska bill and opposed the 
Maine liquor law. He was sure to secure a large German vote, it 
was reasoned. Mr. Thorington, his antagonist, opposed the Ne- 
braska bill and did not use strong drinks. He was a resident of 
Scott county. 

On July 28, 1854, an Anti-Nebraska mass meeting was held at 
the court house with William Stratton as chairman and D. E. 
Kirkup secretary. McNall. Vanduzee and L. H. Langworthy 
were appointed a committee on resolutions, and J. C. Richards, 
R. C. Waples, William Rebman, E. C. David and A. P. Wood a 
committee to organize an Anti-Nebraska Club. Speeches were 
made by Mr. McNall, A. P. Wood, L. H. Langworthy and Mr. 
Nightingale. The resolutions adopted denounced in severe terms 
the Nebraska bill. 

On August 4, 1854, James W. Grimes, Whig candidate for 
governor of Iowa, delivered a strong address on the political issues 
of the day to a large Dubuque audience. The Observer said : "It 
was not only logical and argumentative ; it was more — it was pow- 
erful, eloquent and convincing. * * * f^jg peroration was 
equal to any oratory of the kind we ever listened to in or out of 
the state of Iowa." He was answered immediately by Ben M. 
Samuels, who in turn was answered by Mr. Nightingale for Mr. 
Grimes, who had become indisposed. Both well sustained their 
party principles. 

Another strong Anti-Nebraska meeting was held at the court- 
house on August 4, 1854. The meeting was addressed by Chap- 
line, Rebman, Barney, Moreland ajid Nightingale, Wliigs and 
Democrats. The meeting adjourned to meet again; various com- 
mittees were appointed. At the next meeting the speakers were 
William M.^ McNall. Wiltse, Chapline, Childs, Rebman and others. 
Mr. Wiltse's speech was particularly noted for its logic, candor 
and force. 

At the August election, 1854, Dubuque county went Democratic 
by about 450, Bates. Democratic candidate for governor, receiving 
a majority of 432 over Grimes, Whig. The Whigs easilv carried 
the state. 

Upon receipt in May, 1854, of a telegram that the Kansas-Ne- 



336 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

braska bill had passed the Senate, the Democrats fired lOO rounds 
from the cannon and held a jubilee meeting. The Tribune groaned 
over the "ascendency of slavery" and lashed the Iowa senators 
who voted for the bill ; this paper severely opposed the fugitive 
slave law. It published and circulated the following: 

NEBRA.SKA SLAVE MARKET. 

Constantly on Hand Negroes of All Ages; Boys and Girls, Men 

and Women, for Sale at Low Prices. 

Cash Paid for Horses, Cattle and Niggers. 

Douglas for President. 

George W. Jones, Agent for Iowa. 

"Give the South the right to do just as it pleases about slavery 
and make it the duty of the non-slaveholding states to acquiesce 
and no man can prevent the reopening of the African slave trade," 
said the Tribune of September 6, 1854. 

In November, 1854, many citizens went to Galena to hear 
Stephen A. Douglas. In September George W. Jones and Peter 
A. Lorimier had a personal encounter over political differences. 
The "new-fangled" Republican party was divided in October by 
the Democrats. In a lecture John Hodgdon said that the black 
race was not susceptible to education and culture and that efforts 
on behalf of that race were "bogus philanthropy." The vote in 
Dubuque county for governor in 1854 was: Bates (D.), 1,101; 
Grimes (W. ), 669. Grimes was elected governor, to the great 
regret of the Democrats of Dubuque. 

"The term Abolitionist, according to the present Democratic 
definition, appears to mean anybody who dares to open his lips 
against the vile effort to iiaturalize slavery extension. It is very 
important that these leading and easily understood political facts 
should be perseveringly kept before the people; for whenever they 
have fairly understood the present true position of the government 
and the Democratic party on the slavery question, except in a few 
demagog-ridden, ofiice-hunting, whisky-soaking places like Du- 
buque, they have invariably subjected their dough-faced party 
leaders to a most unlooked-for, overwhelming and inglorious de- 
feat. * * * 'Pile fugitive slave act in its present odious form 
makes bloodhounds of us or incarcerates us in a common jail if 
we refuse to be put on the track of the fleeing slave. Our best 
men have been laid aside for any common party tool, until the 
floodgates of slavery have been thrown open in our very teeth, 
until the passage of the Nebraska bill. The fugitive slave law 
must be changed : we have submitted to it until further forbear- 
ance becomes criminal and ceases to be a virtue." {Tribune, Feb- 
ruary 18, 1855.) 



HISTORY Of DUBUQUE COUNTY i^^j 

In tlie spring of 1855 ^^^ political isms united to defeat the 
Democrats here — Whigs, Know- Nothings, Native Americans, Free 
Soilers, Abolitionists, Maine lawists. etc. They called their ticket 
the "Peoples." 

"Never before had Dubuque so much reason to be proud of a 
political victory as that achieved yesterday. All the isms com- 
bined have been overwhelmingly defeated by the Democracy. Know- 
Nothingism was grappled and cast into the dust. Bring out the 
cannon and let the victory be celebrated." (E. and H., April 3, 

1855-) 
John G. Shields (D. ) was elected mayor over Mordecai Mobley 

(R.) by 704 to 434; the balance of the city ticket was elected; 
thus the Democrats were in control here for the first time in sev- 
eral vears. The Know-Nothings had lodges in this county in 1855. 
"Look out for the Phismarinks — the lying Know-Nothings," said 
the Express and Herald. The Democrats carried the county in 
August, 1855, the vote on candidate for county judge being: 
Stephen Hempstead (D. ), 1,196; William Johnson (R.), 509. 

Late in November, 1855, the new Republican paper asked point- 
edly for "the leaders of the Democracy here to define its position 
on any of the great leading questions of the day." This meant 
that what was wanted were the views of the Express and Herald 
in particular on the Kansas-Nebraska question, the new Republican 
party, Know-Nothingism, state sovereignty and the principles to 
be supported by the coming Democratic county and state conven- 
tions. Th.e latter paper postponed answer, but said : "One of the 
principles of the Democracy is that the territory acquired by the 
blood or treasure of the people of the United States belongs to the 
people in common ; and the Democratic party will maintain in- 
violate the rights acquired thereto by every citizen under the Con- 
stitution." (E. and H., December i, 1855.) 

In January, 1856, 250 persons signed a call for a meeting of 
all persons in the city "who repudiating all other party attach- 
ments, names and privileges and standing upon the broad plat- 
form of resistance to slavery aggression, are willing to unite them- 
selves together in defense of the liberties of the country and to 
co-operate as a Republican party." Among these names were 
those of Know-Nothings, Whigs, Americans, Free Soilers, Aboli- 
tionists, former Democrats, etc. The new party was called "Black 
Republican" by the Democrats. But the Republicans denied they 
had embodied all the diversified policies and principles of their 
constituent factions. It was stated that their organization was 
based upon an unalterable determination to curtail the aggressions 
of slavery. Fifty German citizens were among the number, but 
several of them deserted later. The meeting was held at the court- 
house and was largely attended. W. W. Hamilton was chosen 
chairman and C. C. Flint and Dr. Hillgartner secretaries. The 



^,:iS HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

chairman stated that the object was to organize the Republican 
party in Dubuque county. He stated that the party opposed the 
Kansas-Nebraska act. The following citizens were appointed a 
committee on resolutions : C. G. Hawthorne, J. Bittman, L. A. 
Thomas, William Churchill, A. W. Hackley, C. Wullweber and 
F. DeBerard. The following committee was appointed to report 
names for delegates to the state and national conventions : W. M. 
McNall, H. A. Wiltse, Dr. Minges and Mordecai Mobley. While 
the committees were preparing their reports the meeting was ad- 
dressed by Dr. Hillgartner in the German language, a Mr. Jones 
from Maine, H. A. Wiltse, Dr. R. I. Thomas and others. Mr. 
Jones declared that the question of slavery was the most impor- 
tant of the times. Henry A. Wiltse made a very effective speech, 
enlivened with wit and softened with pathos. He declared that 
the government was mainly devoted to the support of slavery and 
that $50,000,000 was drawn from the treasury every year 
for the indirect aid of slavery schemes. The following were 
chosen for delegates to the state convention : G. Hillgartner, J. 
Bitman, C. C. Flint, W. Smith. D. U. Lee, C. Wullweber, T. H. 
Lambert, W. N. Hamilton, J. A. Chapline, L. A. Thomas, W. 
Vandever, T. J. Chew, G. L. Mathews, W. Rebman, Dr. W. John- 
son and C. G. Hawthorne, who was also a delegate to the national 
Republican convention. The resolutions were similar to those 
adopted by all Republican conventions of that date. The follow- 
ing were the Republican county central committee : C. C. Flint, 
.\. W. Hackley, J. Bitman, William Churchill and F. E. Bissell, 
D. A. Mahony, who had left the Express and Herald a few months 
before, owing to differences as to its management and policy, be- 
came again connected with it in June, 1856: his ability was fully 
recognized by the Democracy, which had missed his logic and 
leadership and demanded his return. The Buchanan ratification 
in June, 1836, was one of the most enthusiastic ever held here. 
The Democrats were wide awake on national and local issues. The 
institution of slavery was thoroughly discussed in the newspapers 
in 1856 by D. A. Mahony and Rev. J. C. Holbrook; both were 
logical, outspoken and severe, but courteous. D. N. Cooley be- 
came a Republican at this time. The Sunday law and the Maine 
law were denounced by the liquor interests of Dubuque at this 
date. 

In 1856 the Democrats nominated for mayor David S. Wilson; 
the Republicans nominated Henry S. Littleton ; Wilson received 
1,242 votes and Littleton 532. The whole county and city Demo- 
cratic ticket were elected by about the same majority. Whitewater, 
Taylor and Jefferson townships went Republican. For sheriff, 
Hayden (D. ) received 1,454, and Johnson (R. ) 1,008; for the 
$40,000 loan 1,294, against the loan 558. 

The presidential campaign of 1856 was spirited in the extreme. 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 339 

"Free soil, free speech, free schools and Fremont" was the cry 
of the Republicans. Shiras, Davis, Gardner, Adams, Allison, 
Thomas, Harvey, Stapleton, Hawthorne, Mobley and others were 
among the Republican leaders. In August Snyder (D. ) received 
1,917 votes for Secretary of State, and Sells (R.), 1,146 in Du- 
buque county. There was war between the Express and Herald 
and the Chicago Times; the former supported the Buchanan wing 
of the Democracy and the latter the Douglas wing. National is- 
sues in 1856 were (i) Popular sovereignty; (2) territories to 
legislate for themselves; (3) repeal of the Missouri compromise; 
(4) Kansas-Nebraska act; (5) extension or non-extension of slav- 
ery. The Republican having called from the Express and Herald 
its opinion as to the repeal of the Missouri compromise, was an- 
swered by the latter thus : "We have said time and again that the 
repeal of that compromise was uncalled for, unnecessary and 
mischievous." 

In October, 1856, the Tribune, edited by A. W. Hackley, op- 
posed with all the power of his argument the doctrine of "popu- 
lar sovereignty." The Express and Herald called him "the Sage 
of Bleeding Kansas," and combated his views with equal force and 
persistence. The Democratic victories in several of the eastern 
states was the occasion of great rejoicing and of an immense dem- 
onstration on October 21, 1856. The combined forces of Repub- 
licanism and Know-Nothingism, it was declared, had been signally 
defeated^^ with the outlook that Democracy would sweep Iowa as 
well. The meeting was called by tlie Democratic Club committee 
and the principal speakers were Colonel McHenry and Messrs. 
Griffith and Richards. The Iowa Democratic electors were J. C. 
Hall, James Grant, D. O. Finch and A. H. Palmer. 

At the November election the Democratic electors received in 
Dubuque county 2,427 votes; Republicans, 1,322 votes; Fillmore, 
256 votes. All the townships were Democratic except Taylor, 
which tied with seventy-four votes for each of the Democratic 
and Republican electors, and Dodge, w^hich gave twenty for the 
Republicans and seventeen for the Democrats. The following 
townships polled more votes for the Fillmore candidates than for 
the Republican candidates: Prairie Creek, Center and Iowa. 

"The great heart of the Democracy throbs in exultation over the 
glorious \'ictory they have achieved over the most dangerous po- 
litical organization this country has ever seen. Dangerous — for 
the purpose plainly seen through all their professions was to get 
possession of the national government at whatever cost or sac- 
rifice — dangerous, because they contended for no principle — for 
no measure — for nothing but the spoils and power of office." 
(E. and H., November 26, 1856.) 

"The great question contended for by the Republicans has been 
answered: Popular sovereignty has been endorsed and approved 



340 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

by the people of the great Republic." (E. and H., November 26, 
1856.) 

In December, 1856, a bill was introduced into the state Senate 
giving Negroes, Indians and Mulattoes the right to testify in cases 
where white men were parties. It passed by nineteen to thirteen. 
The Express and Herald of December 24 said: "If the Repub- 
lican members of the general assembly are not proving good their 
title to be called 'black' Republicans, then we are mistaken. The 
ne.xt proposition will be to allow Negroes, Indians and Mulattoes 
to acquire citizenship with all the rights of the whites and the next 
to court white daughters and have white wives." 

At the presidential election in 1856 Dubuque county polled a 
total of 4,005 votes. It was the second county in the state, Lee 
having polled 4,588. Dubuque city polled 2,239 the most of any 
city in Iowa. 

A notable event in 1857 was the attack of the Times on Judge 
Wilson. The latter was compared to Jeffries, the most infamous 
of judges. The attack was purely political and was made upon 
Chief Justice Taney as well. The Democratic county convention 
was held at Centralia, July 11, 1857. John Stanton served as 
chairman. There was a goodly attendance. 

Resolutions were adopted, endorsing the action of the national 
administration regarding Kansas and Utah, denounced the pro- 
posed new state constitution as "not worthy the assent of the in- 
telligent citizens of a free and enlightened commonwealth, propos- 
ing as it does to establish an equality of position between the white 
and the black races, a condition which if once adopted can never 
be annulled, except through bloodshed and revolution; that we 
view with utter abhorrence this scheme so traitorous to our race 
and the sure harbinger of a demoralized amalgamation of the white 
and black races." (£. and H., July 15, 1857.) 

At the August election, 1857, the Democrats carried the county 
by a larger majority than ever before. For county judge Stephen 
Hempstead (D. ) received 2,008 votes, and A. S. Chew (R.), 545; 
the balance of the ticket ran about the same. On the question of 
a new state constitution the vote was — for constitution. 2,023 • 
against constitution. 539. On the question of the new constitu- 
tion with the word "white" stricken out the vote was — yes, 72 ; 
no, 2,090; at this time Dodge was the only Republican township 
in the county. In 1857 there were the Jones and the Wilson fac- 
tions of the local Democracy. One faction bolted and held a con- 
vention at Centralia, charging that the regular convention held at 
Dyersville "was controlled by individual preferment ; that the dele- 
gates from the city exercised a proscriptive spirit and that certain 
townships had not been suitably recognized in the convention." 

In 1857 the vote for governor in this county was as follows: 
Ben M. Samuels (D.), 2,482; Ralph P. Lowe (R.), 999. For 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 34^ 

state senator, David S. Wilson (D.), 2,471; D. C. Sawyer (R.), 
1. 001. For representatives, D. A. Mahony, Lincoln Clark, Theo- 
dore Crawford and W. S. Johnson (all D.), 2,422 to 2,450; A. S. 
Chew, R. C. Waples, Fred Weigel and J. T. Stoneman (all R.), 
996 to 1,015. 

Late in 1857 the President's message and the great speech of 
Senator Douglas concerning affairs in Kansas, particularly the 
Lecompton constitution, were critically commented upon by the 
press here 

In Januarv, 1858, the majority against a new city charter for 
Dubuque was 426 votes. At this time there was much dissatis- 
faction over the management of city affairs. A change was de- 
manded and the "People's" party was formed, many Democrats 
joining the movement. D. A. Mahony was nominated for mayor 
by the Democrats, but declined on the ground that there were too 
many foreigners on the ticket, and Thomas Rogers was substi- 
tuted. In April, 1858, the vote for mayor and other city officials 
was as follows: Thomas Rogers (D.), 1,053; H. S. Hethering- 
ton (P.). 1,558. Mathews, the Democratic candidate for treas- 
urer, and Koch, the Democratic candidate for auditor, were en- 
dorsed and voted for by the People's party. Kelly (D.) and 
Markle (P.), candidates for recorder, received 1,036 and 1,561, 
respectively. Griffith (D. ) and Harvey (P.), candidates for city 
attorney, received 1,197 and 1,403, respectively. These figures 
will show about the People's majority on the remainder of the 
ticket. The People's party elected their candidates for aldermen 
in the second, fourth and fifth wards. A total of 2,611 votes were 
polled in the city of Dubuque. 

To check this state of affairs the taxpayers, without distinction 
of party, banded together and originated the reformers' move- 
ment. "The people have decided that they want practical business 
men. who are honest and capable, without any reference to their 
political associations, to manage the city business. They have de- 
cided that when men of a certain class squander the taxpayers' 
money, neither they nor their kind shall be re-elected." (Mayor 
Harrington, April, 1858.) 

"Who defeated the Democratic party in Dubuque? An inter- 
esting question touching this matter will be discussed — when we 
get ready." (£. and H., April 8, 1858.) "The election is over 
and although there is in the result much to displease and chagin 
Democrats, we will not add to the bitterness of feeling already 
existing by unfavorable comments. We trust that the measures 
of retrenchment and reform called for so loudly by the popular 
voice will be carried out." (E. and H., April 7, 1858.) 

"Aldermen Hugh Treanor, J. B. Lane and George McHenry, 
three of the most useful, industrious and capable members of the 
city council, have resigned their seats because a corrupt and im- 



342 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

scrupulous majority are determined to utterly disregard the wishes 
and expectations of the people whom they represent." {E. and H., 
July 29, 1858.) In their resignation these men said: "We can 
no longer consent to act in a capacity which makes us to any de- 
gree responsible for the acts of a body which has proved to be 
in the power of one individual — a half-way reformer, who, when 
it may suit his private ends, is not restrained by the magnitude 
or injustice of any scheme of corruption or favoritism and does 
not even profess to be governed by the wishes of his constituents. 
We are fully determined that the charge 'bogus retrenchment' shall 
rest where it belongs." {E. and H., July 29, 1858.) 

So great was the feeling against the city council that a mass 
meeting of indignation was held at the courthouse July 31, 1858. 
Speeches were made by C. C. Hewitt, J. Burt, J. B. Dorr, Dr. 
Thomas, J. J. E. Norman and several others. The committee on 
resolutions was composed of Burt, Hewitt and Bradley. Thomas 
and Norman sustained the course of the council, but the other 
speakers were bitter with facts and figures to prove the untruth- 
fulness of the majority. Among the reforms demanded were the 
following : Present city improvement work should be abandoned ; 
house of refuge should be closed; its keeper should be discharged; 
market master's duties should be assumed by the police ; police 
force sliould be reduced ; a reorganization of the city government 
should be submitted to the people. 

Mitton was the boss of the city council. John B. Richman un- 
der oath stated that on election day, 1858, Robert Mitton took 
him into a beer saloon on Eighth street and privately told him 
that "I do not want the office of alderman for the $52 a year; 
that would not keep me in cigars and flour. It is the side cuts I 
am after." After this he became known as, and so long as he 
remained before the public was called, "Side Cut" or "Side Cut 
Mitton." 

The Democratic citizens of Dubuque held a mass meeting here 
on August 23, 1858, to make arrangements to hear Stephen A. 
Douglas at Galena on the 25th. A committee was appointed to 
make full arrangements. A large delegation attended, accompa- 
nied by the Dubuque artillery, which while there fired twenty shots 
in thirty minutes, "causing the ancient hills to quake." 

It was agreed early in October, 1858, that the Democratic and 
Republican clubs of Dubuque should hold joint debates on the 
issues of the day. and accordingly on October 9 the first was lield 
at the Julien theater. Ben M. Samuels opened and was followed 
by Timothy Davis (R.), J. B. Dorr (D.), D. N. Cooley (R.), 
William Mills (D.), S. P. Adams (R.). Each spoke half an hour 
and a large crowd was present. Ex-Governor Hempstead (D. ) 
and John W. Taylor (R.) presided. 

Late in 1858 the newspapers were filled with accounts of the 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 343 

contest in Illinois, where the Republicans were doing their utmost 
to elect Abraham Lincoln to the United States Senate to succeed 
Stephen A. Douglas, the author of the Nebraska bill. A delegation 
of Democrats from Dubuque attended the celebrations in Chicago 
of the re-election of Douglas to the United States Senate over 
Lincoln ; the prominence and importance of the Douglas-Lincoln 
joint debate in 1858 was fully recognized here. 

The Democratic city convention in March, 1859, passed among 
others the following resolutions : "Resolved, That this convention 
representing a large majority of the people of Dubuque, view with 
alarm and indignation the recklessness and extravagance and the 
total disregard of the interests of the taxpayers and citizens gen- 
erally of this city manifested by the present council. 

"Resolved, That the majority of the council have acted in bad 
faith to their constituents and have violated their obligations as 
sworn officers of the city government. 

"Resolved, That in asstiming the debts of the Central Improve- 
ment Company to the amount of $120,000 and in entering into co- 
partnership with that company, the council have shown a total dis- 
regard of the interests of the city and have prostituted the trust 
reposed in their hands as guardians of the rights and interests of 
the people, to the selfish purposes of private speculation." 

"Bottle Holder at a Cock Fight. — That upright dignitary known as 
Alderman Side Cut (Mitton) is said to have been bottle holder at 
the rooster fight on Julien avenue last Saturday. Well, he isn't 
so much to be blamed — a year among such men as compose the 
common council is sufficient to sink a man to almost any imaginable 
depth of degradation." (E. and H., March 23, 1859.) 

At the mayoralty election in April, 1859, Hodgdon (D.) re- 
ceivesd '1,151 and Hetherington (People's), 1,090 votes. The 
Democrats elected mayor, marshal, auditor, collector and treas- 
urer, city attorney, city judge, assessor and four aldermen. The 
"People" elected recorder, city clerk and two aldermen. "The 
contest for good government which commenced two years ago is 
now ended and henceforth the afifairs of the city are in the hands 
of men who will take care of them. How arduous, thankless and 
at the same time how profitless personally this contest has been, 
let the constant and unlimited abuse which this paper has received 
testify. Motives, designs, character and name have been assailed, 
and yet the object in view has been estimated of too great a mo- 
ment to allow the paper to be turned aside one moment in the 
struggle." (£. and H., April 6, 1859.) 

There was a split in the Democracy in August, 1859, led by 
O'Halloran and others, joined by Republicans. They issued the 
following statement to the public : 

"Heretofore the balance of power has been in the hands of a 
city clique ; on this occasion it is entrusted to those who are sup- 



344 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

posed to be more free from undue influences. Hoping for your 
co-operation and through it at the next election that we will put 
down this system of barter and sale which exists on the part of 
those who have become the self-constituted heads and dictators 
of the Democratic party and leave to the entire party the right of 
selecting persons to such offices as may be in their gift and not 
to any clique or set of men. We have no object in view apart 
from the general good and intimately connected with that is the 
breaking up of a dangerous coalition of officials." 

The Herald said the above statement was impudent and truth- 
less. Prominent in this movement were B. J- O'Halloran, A. Mc- 
Daniel, George O. Karrick, J. O'H. Canti'llon, Dr. A. F. Hell- 
berg, S. M. Langworthy, J. J. E. Norman, William Y. Lovell and 
V. J. David. At this date Heath and David edited the Northwest; 
Samuel McNutt was connected with the Herald. Hempstead, Ma- 
hony, Crawford, Mason and others answered the above charge in 
a long circular. In the end the bolting Democrats united with the 
Republicans and nominated a strong ticket. A campaign of ex- 
treme personality and vilification followed. For governor, Dodge 
(D.) received 3,153 votes in Dubuque county and Kirkwood (R.), 
1,751; for sherifif, Crawford (D.), 1,672; Cummins (R.), 1,821; 
for treasurer and recorder, Mahony (D.), 2,188; Stewart (Indp. ), 
2,695. The Democrats were slaughtered by themselves. Taylor, 
the only township to go Republican, gave Kirkwood a majority 
of thirty-seven ; Dodge township went Democratic by two majority. 

"The election is over and so far as Dubuque county is con- 
cerned, combination money and misrepresentation have clone their 
work. The extent of the damage to the Democratic ticket is not 
yet known, but there can be no doubt that the united strength of 
the bolters and Republicans has been able to defeat one of the pur- 
est and best men in the Democratic ranks. Dennis A. Mahony is 
known to the Democracy of the whole state and to the leading 
Republicans of the state as one of the most talented and at the 
same time honest and upright men in the West. During two ses- 
sions in the general assembly he established a high reputation and 
for twenty years has labored in the Democratic ranks, faithful 
to candidates and principles. He has ever been a consistent Demo- 
crat." {Herald, October 13, 1859.) 

The Herald in November, 1859, announced Douglas as its choice 
for President in i860. The "irrepressible conflict" was much dis- 
cussed in 1859; also the Jobn Brown incident at Harper's Ferry 
and the Dred Scott case. Thomas S. Wilson was candidate for 
supreme judge in 1859. Rev. Mr. Collier, in his Thanksgiving 
.sermon in 1859, denounced slavery as the greatest sin of the age 
and declared that fifty years hence John Brown would be re- 
gared as a martyr to liberty and Judge Taney a disgrace to the 
country. The Herald ridiculed these statements unsparingly. 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 345 

At the Democratic county convention, held in Epworth in Feb- 
ruary, i860, the delegates to the state convention were instructed 
to vote for no man as a delegate to the Charleston convention un- 
less he was friendly to the nomination of Douglas for the presi- 
dency. Ben M. Samuels, of Dubuque, was a delegate to the fa- 
mous Charleston convention ; he addressed that body in a lengthy 
speech and presented the minority report of the committee on 
platform. Again in i860 the Republicans tried the expedient of 
naming a People's ticket for city officers ; they nominated H. L. 
Stout for mayor. The Democrats nominated Mr. Randall, who 
declined, whereupon they nominated E. Spotswood. The Repub- 
licans won the mayor and marshal and the Democrats won the 
city attorney, recorder, treasurer and collector, auditor and as- 
sessor. For mayor. Stout (R. ) received 1,173; Spotswood (D.), 
1,014; majorities were small. 

In May, i860, the Herald sharply denounced the seceders from 
the Charleston convention. Upon his return the Democracy was 
called May 16 to hear Mr. Samuels's version of the rupture at 
Charleston. At this meeting Mr. Samuels did not disappoint the 
citizens, for he gave a graphic and eloquent account of the intrigue 
which disrupted the convention. He ended with a brilliant eulogy 
of Senator Douglas. 

"The Chicago Republican convention has nominated old Abe 
Lincoln, of Illinois, as their candidate for the presidency. This 
is really the most amusing and farcical nomination that the great 
sectional party can possibly have presented. Abe Lincoln for 
President of the Llnited States! Ye gods! a miracle must have been 
performed since Douglas demolished him at Boonsboro in 1858 or 
his face would convict him of petit larceny or any other mean 
thing to which Republican politicians stoop." (D. in Herald, 
May 19, i860.) 

Many of the Republican delegates to the Chicago national Re- 
])ublican convention paid this city a visit on their return and were 
given a public reception by the citizens, irrespective of party. The 
committee of reception were: Mayor Stout, F. V. Goodrich, John 
W. Taylor. D. S. Wilson, William B. Allison, P. H. Conger, H. A. 
Littleton, William Mills, D. A. Mahony, F. Gottschalk, A. Green- 
wald and George McHenry. The visitors were met at Dunleith by a 
subcommittee and were also met at the levee, Dubuque, by the officials 
and the four companies — Governor's Greys. Washington Guards, 
Jackson Guards and Turner Rifles. The entire levee was covered 
with vehicles, pedestrians and equestrians ; many ladies were pres- 
ent. Colonel Wiltse on the part of the city welcomed them to 
Dubuque. They were royally entertained while here. Several of 
the delegates brought with them a rail chair which attracted the 
notice of everybody. The Chicago Light Guard band accompa- 
nied the delegates here. They serenaded Mayor Stout and Will- 



346 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

iam B. Allison. John A. Kasson, of Iowa, wrote most of the 
national Republican platform. 

The press of Dubuque sharply resented the criticism passed on 
this city by the editor of the Chicago Tribune, who was among 
the visitors. He published in his paper a statement to the effect 
that Dubuque was prostrated by the crash of 1857^ had grown 
rapidly before that date; had run up a large debt for improve- 
ments; had left the work uncompleted after the crisis; could not 
or did not now pay the interest on its debt, would in the end no 
doubt repudiate the debt ; would never pay and should now take 
the formal action of repudiation, and ended by adding: "The in- 
fluence of these misfortunes is very strikingly manifest in every 
part of the city. Grass may be said literally to be growing in the 
streets and everything looks neglected and dilapidated." (Herald, 
May 25, i860.) 

Upon the receipt in Dubuque of the news that Douglas had been 
nominated for the presidency by the Baltimore convention, the 
Democracy gave one of the wildest exhibitions of gratification and 
enthusiasm ever witnessed in this city. "The greatest enthusiasm 
prevailed and the city was everywhere ablaze with bonfires and the 
fierce glare of rockets. On the corner of Fifth and Main streets an 
immense crowd gathered and were addressed by Colonel McHenry, 
Samuel McNutt, D. S. Wilson and others. The Herald and National 
Democrat offices and private buildings were magnificently illumi- 
nated. The roar of a hundred guns given by Captain Hayden added 
a powerful voice to the jubilation. Hurrah for the Little Giant, our 
next President." (Herald, June 24, i860.) 

Among the Democrats and doubtful Republicans of Dubuque 
who did not accept the nomination of Douglas and Johnson, but 
instead favored that of Breckenridge and Lane, were Judge Cor- 
kery, Samuel Duncan, J. J. E. Norman, Patrick Quigley, H. H. 
Heath, James Williams, James Lovell and John D. Jennings. They 
and others held a public meeting July 7 and stated why they could 
not and would not support Douglas. All shades of opinion were 
shown at this meeting, which was made up of Douglas Democrats, 
Breckenridge Democrats, ultra-Republicans and others with un- 
certain politics, opinions and principles. 

At the Breckenridge and Lane ratification meeting July 7, i860, 
there were present Judge Charles A. Corkery, P. Quigley, Warner 
Lewis, J. J. E. Norman, S. G. Fenimore, William Myers, J. T. 
Lovell, John Strohl, Hardm Nowlin, John D. Jennings, A. D. 
Anderson, Ralph Sawyer, Samuel Duncan, W. W. Bird, James H. 
Williams, J. H. Emerson, H. H. Heath and others. Speeches 
were delivered by James H. Williams, John T. Lovell, John D. 
Jennings, Patrick Quigley, H. H. Heath and John Strohl. The 
campaign committee consisted of John D. Jennings, Patrick Quigley, 
C. S. D. Jones, J. H. Williams and J. H. Emerson. The resolu- 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 347 

tions announced adherence to the Charleston platform and approved 
the Cincinnati platform of 1856. The Herald denounced this 
meeting and the movement it represented and called those taking 
part therein "secessionists," "dissensionists," "Breckenridge fizzles," 
etc. 

On August 4, i860, Samuels and Vandever, congressional can- 
didates, held a joint discussion of the issues of the day in Dubuque. 
Both made strong, artful and eloquent speeches and vi^ere ap- 
plauded vigorously by their respective adherents. Mr. Vandever 
opened and closed the debate. 

A meeting of all men favorable to the formation of a Bell and 
Everett electoral ticket was called for August 30, i860. Those 
who signed the call were William H. Clark, M. D. Bissell, Thomas 
M. Randolph, Joseph Chapman, G. B. Smith, G. F. Bissell, M. F. 
Patterson, William C. Friend, Thomas M. Monroe, J. M. Harri- 
son, Alexander Young, W. B. Robbins, Thomas Monroe, E. Mc- 
Craney and J. H. Thompson. 

Lincoln Clark and Joseph A. Chapline, Democratic and Re- 
publican candidates for elector, held a joint debate here August 
20, i860. It was claimed by the press that each did the other up. 
Some half dozen hickory poles (Democratic) were raised in Du- 
buque in August, i860. The Wide Awakes made their first ap- 
pearance here forty-five strong on July 28, i860. They marched 
to the park and were addressed by Shiras, Langworthy, Vandever 
and others. Another debate of the political issues was held in 
Dubuque September 10, i860, between Lincoln Clark (D.) and 
FitzHenry Warren (R. ). The latter opened and closed the dis- 
cussion. 

An important event here in September, i860, was the speech 
delivered by Governor W. H. Seward, of New York. His party 
arrived at the Julien House September 21. The Republicans did 
their best to make the occasion notable and brilliant. The governor 
was escorted to the square by the Wide Awakes, led by the Ger- 
mania band. In the carriage with the governor were General 
Nye, Charles F. Adams and Governor Patterson. The governor 
spoke from a temporary stand erected in the square. F. V. Good- 
rich presided. The speech was profound and eloquent, argumenta- 
tive and logical and lasted two hours. He was followed by Charles 
F. Adams, a son of John Ouincy Adams, and he in turn by Gen- 
eral Nye, one of the wittiest, keenest, most eloquent and most pop- 
ular speakers on the stump of tiiat day. The Herald said : "This 
gentleman is too well known to need much notice ; of an imposing 
presence, massive head and easy carriage, he captivates the audi- 
ence before saying a word. He spoke about an hour and alter- 
nated between flights of pathos and rich humor — the latter bring- 
ing down the house every time. He is a very engaging speaker 
and carries the audience right with him." He was followed in a 



348 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

short speech by Governor Patterson. This was the most enthusi- 
astic pubhc meeting of the Republicans of the county during the 
campaign and was attended by from 5,000 to 8,000 persons. 

The Democracy of this section claimed to take a middle course 
between the Abolitionists of the North and the secession fire-eaters 
of the South ; declared that the election of Douglas to the presi- 
dency meant the safety and integrity of the government and that 
the election of either Lincoln or Breckenridge meant disunion and 
war. The Republicans and the Breckenridge men here denied such 
consequences, while admitting and deploring the gravity of the 
situation. 

The announcement that Stephen A. Douglas would spfak in 
Dubuque on October 11, i860, was sufficient to kindle the Democ- 
racy of the county to the highest pitch of enthusiasm. On Octo- 
ber 10, i860, the Democracy began to assemble. Henry Clay Dean 
arrived on the loth. The senator was to arrive by train from 
Anamosa and a reception committee of sixty-two, accompanied by 
the Germania band, left for that place on the afternoon of the lOth 
to meet him. The Herald of the 12th said: "The announcement 
that Douglas would speak at Dubuque a short time since ran 
through the county and its surroundings like a shock of electricity 
— people doubted, wondered, finally rejoiced. Never has a prouder 
ovation been offered — never one more worthily bestowed and in 
no case has it been mere hero worship." On the way to Anamosa 
many humorous incidents occurred. At one station in Dubuque 
county, as the train stopped, one member jumped ofif and called 
to a German standing there, "Hurrah for Douglas!" He promptly 
replied, "You pe dampt mit yer Dooglas! I hurrahs for Lincoln." 
When they reached Anamosa they marched downtown to the plat- 
form in front of the Fisher House, where Douglas was then speak- 
ing and all were overwrought with nervous excitement, enthusi- 
asm and anxiety to see the great man. One more enthusiastic and 
excited than the rest, catching sight of him, yelled out, "There he 
is ; there he is, God d — n him," and ended with a tremendous cheer, 
"Hurrah, hurrah for Douglas!" Immediately upon the arrival of 
the delegation, it became known who they were and Douglas ceased 
speaking long enough to propose "three cheers for Dubuque," 
which were given uproarously. The delegation remained there all 
night and the next morning all embarked on board car for Du- 
buque. With the Dubuque delegation was Hon. T. S. Wilson. At 
every station Douglas showed himself and was enthusiastically 
cheered. At Farley a special train from Independence awaited 
the Douglas train, on board being the Independence Invincibles, a 
fine company of 100 men. 

At Dubuque when Douglas arrived the depot grounds and Jones 
street were black with people. He was hurried past the crowd into 
a carriage and transported quickly to the Julien Hotel, followed 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 349 

by the procession, which continued "up Fourth to Locust and 
around again to Main to escape marching under a Lincohi flag 
suspended across Main street. This was a studied insult which 
we believe no gentleman would be guilty of perpetrating." {Her- 
ald, October 12, i860.) 

"The procession was composed of the various clubs from home 
and abroad, citizens, strangers, etc., and together with those fol- 
lowing on the sidewalks numbered not less than 10,000 people. By 
I 130 p. m. a denser crowd had gathered at the square than ever 
before was known. We believe that from 15,000 to 20,000 people 
would be a fair estimate. Hon. D. S. Wilson welcomed Douglas 
in an eloquent address and was followed by Senator Douglas in 
a long and brilliant speech, which was published in full by the 
press. At night the torchlight procession and a speech by Mr. 
0"Neil closed this memorable day. Henry Clay Dean did not 
speak, owing to lateness of the hour. The torchlight procession 
was the longest ever seen here, consisting of nearly 2,000 persons, 
of whom 900 belonged to Dubuque. In the procession were groups 
of clubs from Table Mound and other townships. A prominent 
feature in the display was a squatter sovereign's wagon, gotten up 
mainly by Thomas Faherty. It was a huge tent mounted upon a 
large express wagon furnished by A. A. Cooper and drawn by 
eight horses. The tent was illuminated beautifully and upon every 
side were appropriate mottoes. The entire procession was one mile 
in length, with the marchers, some two, some four and other six 
numbers abreast. It is impossible to describe the imposing beauty 
and effort of the long procession. The night was clouded, adding 
very much to the effect of the display. Many buildings along the 
route were illuminated, while a dense crowd stood on the side- 
walks or walked along with the procession. They were finally 
disbanded by J. H. O'Neil in an eloquent speech." {Herald, Oc- 
tober 12 and 13, i860.) 

Late in October both parties organized and carried into effect 
the plan of holding political meetings in all portions of Dubuque 
county. Such were held at Key West, Buncombe, Gordon's school- 
Iiouse, Hempstead, Epworth, Worthington, Dyersville, Evergreen, 
Pin Oak, Peter Fries, Renner's schoolhouse, Peosta, Cascade, 
Glasnevin, Centralia, Pott's tavern, Ehler's schoolhouse and else- 
where. 

A strong effort to fuse the Douglas and Breckenridge wings of 
the Democracy in Dubuque county late in October, i860, resulted 
in failure. Resolutions offered before the latter were several times 
defeated. 

The Democrats of Epworth made preparations to erect a large 
hickory pole and prepared the pole for the following morning. 
During the night their rivals hauled it away and the Democrats 
were forced to prepare another and erected it and were addressed 



350 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Dy Governor Hempstead, Colonel Ross, Frank H. Jennings and 
J. G. Armstrong. 

John A. Kasson spoke here on the issue October 2j, i860; he 
addressed the Republicans at the Julien theater. The Republican 
county convention met here October 27, i860, and nominated can- 
didates for delegates to the judicial convention and a candidate 
for district clerk. 

THE OFFICIAL VOTE OF DUBUQUE COUNTY NOVEMBER 6, 1860. 

Democratic electors 3.059 

Republican electors 2,092 

CONGRESS. 

Samuels (D.) 3,211 

Vandlever ( R. ) 445 

SECRETARY OF STATE. 

John M. Corse (D.) 3, "4 

Elijah Sells (R. ) 2,115 

CLERK OF THE DISTRICT COURT. 

J. F. Bates( D.) 2,976 

J. P. Farley (R.) 2,124 

James A. Langton (Indp. ) 137 

The Republicans held a magnificent jubilation on the evening 
of Novemljer 12, i860, to voice their joy at the results of the elec- 
tion. There were many bonfires, torchlight processions of the 
Wide Awakes, broadsides of artillery, etc. 

The Herald of November, i860, .said: 'The Finale. — Well, we 
(the Democracy) are licked and like Lazarus, by dogs, to borrow 
an idea. The .smoke from the battlefield has lifted and we find 
ourselves flat on our backs. Altliough sometimes a degrading one 
the horizontal position has its peculiar enjoyments and advantages. 
With his back to the earth one fronts the stars." 

"We hope our Republican friends will not hereafter claim all the 
decency, morality, etc.. after the fact becomes known that on Mon- 
day night 200 kegs of beer were drunk. The Wide Awakes will 
give a grand ball Friday night. The tickets read that Malon 
Shavours (colored) is one of the managers. Good, if true. It 
also reads 'all Republicans invited without distinction of color.'' 
We suspect that there is a 'nigger in the woodpile.' " (Herald. 
November 14, i860.) 

"Those of our readers who have thought we were hasty in ex- 
pressing our opinion that some of the Southern states would secede 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 351 

will probably have reason to think as we did when they read the 
telegraphic news in the Herald this morning. We merely antici- 
pated the action of the South, from circumstances which could 
scarcely result otherwise than as we predicted. Let those who have 
brought these disasters on the country look to the consequences." 
(Herald, November 14, i860.) 

"The North has made no aggressions on the rights or interests 
of the South." (Times, November 22, i860.) Late in Novem- 
ber, i860, the National Democratic Club of Dubuque assembled 
and passed resolutions rehearsing practically their arguments of 
the last campaign and justifying the South in resenting the inter- 
ference of the North with its institution of slavery. These reso- 
lutions were denounced by a writer in the Herald of November 
28; he said: "The resolutions are simply a justification of the 
South in its violent and revolutionary measures." 

"Two short weeks only have inter\'ened since it became known 
that Abraham Lincoln was elected to the presidency and in these 
two weeks the calamities which have befallen the country have 
no precedent in the election of a chief magistrate. The disasters 
which the country is now experiencing were foreseen and foretold, 
but such was the mad fanaticism of some and the reckless disre- 
gard of consequences of others and the incredulity of many, that 
the warning voice of those who foresaw the evils was disregarded 
and treated with scorn and derision." (Herald, November 22, 
i860.) 

The early secession reports from the South particularly affected 
the Dubuque markets, because of its direct dealing with St. Louis, 
New Orleans and other down-river points. Much of the grain 
and flour had usually been consigned to New Orleans houses, but 
now it was deemed unsafe and all was chaos. They had to seek 
new points and consignees. 

"So much for electing a man — the exponent of personal liberty 
bills, nigger suil^rage and equality, Beecherism, Stoweism, nigger- 
ism and a dozen other isms and tomfooleries upon which the en- 
tire North under the lead of Abolitionized Massachusetts has gone 
mad." (Herald, November 2^, i860.) 

Rev. John C. Llolbrook, in the pulpit here on December 9, i860, 
said : "Rather than deprecating the present commotion. I regard 
it as one of the most hopeful signs of the times. Rather than com- 
promise by any sacrifice of what we have gained I would let the 
Union go. Let the slaveholding states slough off, then we at the 
North will remain a free nation that will not be scoffed at by the 
other powers of the world." This coming from the pulpit caused 
many dissenting comments. Mr. Holbrook said his statements 
had been misrepresented and misunderstood. He denied the con- 
stitutional right of a slaveholder to take his slaves into any por- 
tion of the United States to reside there: but further said that if 



352 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

il was his constitutional right he would assent thereto long enough 
to have that right set aside by the courts. Slavery had no exist- 
ence anywhere by natural law, and could exist nowhere until legis- 
lated there. 

On February 26, 1861, W. B. Allison. E. C. David, Dr. Hen- 
nion, J. W. Taylor, John Bittman and half a dozen other left 
here for Washington to be present at the inauguration of President 
Lincoln. 

"The policy of Mr. Lincoln appears to us to tend toward a per- 
manent disruption of the Union and to thus recognize the theory 
of the 'irrepressible conflict' between the systems of labor and the 
civilizations of the North and South. Those who expected Mr. 
Lincoln and his partisan advisers to coerce and subjugate the re- 
volted South will be doomed to disappointment. He will, on the 
contrary, while making a show of resistance to the course of the 
seceded states, remain passive to transpiring events until the gov- 
ernment there becomes so well established as to command respect." 
{Herald, March 23, 1861.) 

There was much interest, though no excitement, shown in re- 
gard to the municipal election in the spring of 1861. Several tried 
to make the election non-political, but failed. The Democratic 
city convention was harmonious and good men were named for 
the offices. H. S. Hetherington was nominated for mayor. The 
Republican city con\ention was equally quiet and harmonious. H. 
L. Stout was nominated for mayor. As there had been some dis- 
pute over the point, it was resolved that the ticket should be called 
the Republican ticket. Mr. Rebman moved that it be called the 
Union ticket, but Dr. Thomas thought this would be borrowing 
Democratic thunder — the Democrats had lately talked so much 
about the Union. 

The vote for mayor in April, 1861, was: Hetherington (D. ), 
1,041; Stout (R.), 1,294. Only a short time before Hethering- 
ton had run for mayor on the People's ticket. The newspapers 
did not know whether to praise or abuse him. "There were more 
votes cast with reference to private and personal interests and per- 
sonal regard than is usual in elections in this city. It cannot be 
regarded as a party triumph." (Herald, April 2, 1861.) The 
Times claimed the election as a Republican victory; it was also 
claimed by the Herald as a Democratic victory. 

D. A. Mahony, signing himself chairman pro tem of the Demo- 
cratic state executive committee, called a meeting of the state 
Democracy to consider the questions agitating the Union, and was 
taken to task for so doing by J. B. Dorr, who said he had no 
authority to issue such a call nor to assume the role of chairman 
pro tem of the committee. 

At the Douglas obsequies here in June D. S. Wilson delivered 
the principal oration. It was the second largest audience ever 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 353 

collected in Dubuque, said the Herald, the largest having come in 
October, i860, to hear Senator Douglas speak. Schools closed; 
business was suspended. The man upon whom the citizens of 
Dubuque had crowned so much honor was fittingly remembered 
at his death. 

The state convention of the Democracy called by Mr. Mahony 
was repudiated and another was convened in 1861. The Dubuque 
convention naming delegates to the latter resolved as follows : 
That the present war between the disloyal states and the govern- 
ment sliould not be regarded as sectional, nor anti-slavery, nor 
for subjugation, but solely for the maintenance of the Union, the 
preservation of our Magna Charta and the suppression of the re- 
iiellion ; that at the time when the country is resisting a war of in- 
vasion and destruction indifference is impossible to the patriot and 
neutrality is cowardice if not premeditated disloyalty; that this con- 
\ention view with imqualified condemnation the course of those 
papers at the North which cry peace when there is no peace, ar- 
guing to the best of their ability against the side of the govern- 
ment and in favor of the cause of the Confederate states, deny- 
ing the achievements of the Union army and magnifying those of 
the enemy ; that the call of a state convention of the Democracy 
by Dennis A. Mahony was a wanton usurpation of authority — a 
bold, reckless effort to disorganize the Democracy and force it in 
opposition to the war ; and that this convention is proud of the 
glorious conduct and achievements of our noble Iowa First. These 
resolutions show that at the outset of the war the Democracy of 
Dubuque county, until led away after false gods by Southern 
apostles, was ready to support the administration in its efforts to 
crush the rebellion. That many of the Democrats of this county 
should be led astray by such artful pleaders and logicians as Mr. 
Mahony and the Southern wing of the Democracy here is not to 
be wondered at ; in fact, under the specious sophistry of such men 
the majority of the Democracy soon came to regard President 
Lincoln as a tyrant and usurper and the war one of subjugation, 
outrage and crime. No wonder they opposed the war. 

In the fall of 1861 Col. W. H. Merritt was Democratic candi- 
date for governor. The election of October, 1861, was one of the 
most exciting that had ever been held here. The Union Democrats 
and the Republicans united, but were defeated by a reduced ma- 
jority. The Democratic majority throughout the county was about 
760. The contest between Cummings (R.) and Hewitt (D. ) for 
the shrievalty was fought with a rancor and bitterness rarely wit- 
nessed here. During the battle Mr. Hodnett, who was connected 
with the Herald, attempted to cowhide Jesse Clement, editor of 
the Times, and either succeeded or did not, depending on the parti- 
san view. Hodnett was tried, convicted and sentenced to twentv- 



354 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

five days in jail, but managed to evade service. The following 
appeared in the papers : 

Barnes to Pettit : You pour forth your slimey abuse, etc. I 
brand you, Henry W. Pettit, as a base liar, and you dare not 
resent it. — Barnes. 

Pettit to Barnes : Your statement about me is correct, but I 
object to your spelling slimy with an e. — Pettit. 

"Have We a Government ? — The course of the party in power 
warrants the inquiry. Have we a government? or rather, Have we 
men at the head of tlie government who know how to administer 
it? The experience so far has been that the Lincoln administra- 
tion has been worse for the country than a failure. It has inflicted 
injuries on the United States from which it may never recover. 
The sooner the party in power be got rid of the better." {Herald, 
December i8, 1861.) "Another Military Prisoner. — The telegraph 
informed us last evening of the arrest of Gen. George W. Jones 
and that he has been sent to Fort Lafayette. The arrest was made 
by Prime Minister Seward, under the sanction of His Majesty Abe 
the First. Verily, we live in a free country." {Herald, December 
21, 1861.) 

"By way of preparation for the next spring and fall elections, 
the emissaries of treason are busy at work both in this city and 
county. Throughout the county they are calling people's meet- 
ings and passing tlirough them resolutions manufactured for the 
purpose and alike in substance, if not in words, to be published 
in the Dubuque Herald, declaring that the war was caused by 
Yankee speculators and Abolitionists, denouncing the war tax and 
calling on the people to unite in a crusade against the New England 
manufacturers, the banks, railroad companies and Abolitionists. 
It needs but a glance at their resolves to see that they are distin- 
guished treason." {Times, February 18, 1862.) 

"The so-called Democratic convention which met at the court- 
house on the 24th inst. and was presided over by the editor of the 
Herald, had in its members some well-meaning men; but in the 
main and in the intent of its fuglemen it was nothing but a gath- 
ering of the fag ends of the Breckinridge traitors of this city. It 
was a Jefif Davis-Mahony crowd which did the bidding of its chair- 
man, even to the adoption of certain resolutions, which he said he 
wanted passed to endorse his political course and the course of his 
paper, the Herald." {Times, March 30, 1862.) 

In the spring of 1862 the Republicans, Abolitionists and 
"shoddy" Democrats united and renominated H. L. Stout for 
mayor by acclamation and also a full city ticket. In 1861 they called 
their city ticket "Union"; in 1862 they called it "National Union." 
They resolved that slavery was a great evil and "the sum total of 
all ^•illainies ;" and that concessions to armed rebels, so ardently 
advocated here, would appear to be a weakness and would 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 355 

strengthen the rebelHon. Ben M. Samuels was president of the 
Democratic Club. 

The Democratic convention was stronger and more pronounced 
in its views than the Republican convention. John H. Thedinga 
for mayor and a full ticket were nominated. The Times charged 
that the resolutions written in advance were prepared by Mahony. 
They recited that the assumption of arbitrary power under the 
pretense of a military necessity was an act of despotism and un- 
constitutional and continued : 

"Resolved, That in taking a retrospective view of the past his- 
tory of the country we perceive the rise of a fanatical party which 
has manifested itself in the phases of Abolitionism, Prohibitory 
Lawism and Higher Lawism in opposition to every principle of 
the constitution and to popular rights ; and to the success of which 
that party has acquired in the country and in the control it has 
obtained not only of the Federal government, but in the govern- 
ments of the Northern states, we trace the first cause of the Re- 
bellion which has been so calamitous to the people of these United 
States. 

"Resolved, That as Abolitionism was the cause of the existing 
rebellion we do not perceive any prospect of peace, founded upon 
the security of the people in the protection of the constitution, until 
the Federal, state and municipal governments shall be rescued from 
the control of Abolitionism and till the treason of abolitionism shall 
be treated as a crime by the government and as a dangerous and 
reprehensible evil in the body politic by the people." 

The resolutions at half a dozen meetings were similar and ended 
by declaring that the Democrats were right to oppose such a party ; 
that the appointment of Stanton over Cameron was justified ; that 
arbitrary arrest and the disregard of the habeas corpus should 
cease ; that as war was forced upon the country it should be prose- 
cuted along old constitutional lines ; that the existing financial pol- 
icy should be condemned, and that a recognition of states' rights 
should prevail. The Democrats elected their entire city ticket by 
substantial majorities — 319 in case of the mayor. 

"The Democrats of this city were almost beside themselves last 
night with exultation. It was not merely the rejoicing of the lips, 
but the outburst of the heart. No wonder that they exulted. For 
months past every term of opprobrium was cast upon them, every 
contumelious epitliet which the mean, corrupted heart of Abolition- 
ism, Republicanism and shoddyism could conceive was applied to 
them, till to be a Democrat became almost a martyrdom. Once 
more Democrats can feel that their principles are in the ascendant 
and that the time is not far ofY when they will be able to save the 
Union by restoring to the administration of the government men 
who will conform to and enforce the Constitution as their rule 
of government. Let us have such a celebration of the event as 



356 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

will give the finishing stroke in Dubuque to the enemies of the 
Union and the Constitution." {Herald, April 8, 1862.) 

"It must never be forgotten that the victory of Monday was not 
what our enemies would try to make it appear to the discredit of 
the Democratic party — a success of Secession. No, friends and 
fellow citizens : it was a victory for the Constitution and the Union." 
{Herald, April 9, 1862.) "The man that beat you is one of the 
keenest in Iowa. A Pharisaical, Janus-faced trickster, a dissem- 
bling pretender, a political knave, a juggling hypocrite, a man 
who wishes well to the South and ill to the North ; a shuffling, de- 
ceiving liar; an artful, sly, designing, diplomatic Machiavellian. 
* * * You know who we mean." {Times, April 9, 1862.) 
"The news of the battle in Tennessee caused considerable anxiety 
in this city, as several Iowa regiments were known to be at Pitts- 
burg Landing." {Herald, April 10, 1862.) 

"The Register (Linn County) makes a great mistake in saying 
that the Herald is ably pro-slavery. It is not pro-slavery at all, in 
the true, honest sense of the expression. The Herald is not nor 
never was an advocate of slavery. It finds slavery existed in some 
states, and finds this existence recognized as a legitimate thing in 
the Constitution, which the Herald respects, obeys and is deter- 
mined to maintain." — (Herald, May 10, 1862.) "What's up? 
The Abolition and Republican papers of the state, from the drowsy 
Dubuque Times to the spiteful Gate City at Keokuk, have made a 
simultaneous onslaught on the Dubuque Herald. What do they 
expect to accomplish by this movement?" — {Herald, May 8, 1862.) 

At the Republican convention of the Third congressional district 
( 1862) W. B. Allison was nominated for Congress. "Mr. Allison, 
it is fair to presume, was thought by his political friends to be 
their strongest candidate, although a large minority of them 
thought otherwise, and so do we. From our point of view, Mr. 
Allison is the very man for us to beat the easiest. As a neighbor 
and fellow citizen we respect Mr. Allison, but as a politician we 
look upon him as one of those who liave brought our country to its 
perilous condition." — (Herald. August 8, 1862.) 

In 1862, G. Blocklinger, of Dubuque, was a delegate to the state 
Republican convention. The county Democracy in June endorsed 
the course of Mr. Mahony toward the national administration. 

Early in Julv, 1862, the attempt to mob the Herald office was 
commenced, but was really prevented by the leading men of both 
parties, who advised against such a step ; it was Cummings, the 
sherifif, who prevented it. Marshal Conger assisted. Two citizens, 
Koch and Sittig, were made uncomfortable by the mob. The inten- 
tion of the mob was to destroy the Herald office. 

In 1862 the Democrats nominated D. A. Mahony for Congress. 
He won in the convention by a majority of one and a fraction 
votes. It was generally understood that his nomination was made 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 357 

in order that the public should know that his course was approved 
by the congressional and state Democracy. His letter of accept- 
ance was rejected by the government censor as improper by reason 
of its disloyal sentiments. 

At an immense Democratic meeting here in September, 1862, 
resolutions condemning the emancipation proclamation and de- 
manding that the Union be left as it was were passed unanimously. 
Among the speakers were Ben M. Samuels, Thomas M. Monroe, 
Thomas Rogers, Stilson Hutchins, Daniel Cort, J. H. Emerson 
and others. 

"There never has been a moment since the war became of any 
considerable magnitude that Abraham Lincoln and his associates 
have wavered in their design to free the slaves of the South. They 
have held to this purpose from the very birth and inception of the 
party to which they belong. They have succeeded so far as an open 
avowal of sentiment can be styled success. But we have confidence 
that the people will teach these men that constitutions and laws 
are to be observed by the servants of the public as well as by the 
public itself, and that the effort to subvert them will result in their 
immediate and eternal destruction. They have played with fire — 
let them look well that they are not badly burned."- — {Herald, Sep- 
tember 26, 1862.) 

"The tide is flowing strong against the purposes of the present 
administration. There have been but three meetings held lately 
in Dubuque county of a Democratic character, but such meetings 
were never known before. The enthusiasm of the people knew 
no bounds. Their indignation, long pent up, found utterance. 
Every denunciation of the Abolitionist authorities and their pur- 
poses received a hearty endorsement ; every allusion to the Consti- 
tution and its integrity, resounding applause. It is not well to 
refuse to heed the temper of the people. They made the powers 
that be. and although in their giddy exaltation they forget their 
derivation, the people can and will unmake them as easily." — 
{Herald, October 4, 1862.) 

It was the appearance in the Herald of such articles that caused 
the arrest of Mr. Mahony in August, 1862, as narrated elsewhere, 
and his confinement in the old Capitol prison at Washington, D. C, 
for about three months. Mr. Allison ran against Mr. Mahony 
for Congress in 1862 and won by 1.654 majority; Mahony's 
majority in Dubuque county was 1,424. The total vote of the city 
of Dubuque was 2,228. Jefferson and Taylor townships returned 
Republican majorities. 

"In the town of Epworth, where one year ago Messrs. Samuels, 
Hewitt and Fortune were mobbed by a crowd of cowardly Aboli- 
tionists, Mr. Mahony received seventy-two votes. The Abolition 
majority was decreased from eighty to forty by the untiring energy 



3S8 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

of Messrs. Moore, Hogan and others." — {Herald. October i8, 
1862.) 

"We can point to Dubucjue and her glorious Democracy with a 
just pride. There she stands, fearless and triumphant. Over- 
shadowed by military prestige, her citizens arrested and hurried 
to prison without charge or trial, resisting the appliances of shame- 
less and unscrupulous power, rejecting the bribes of easy official 
virtue, she stands nobly erect, a Democratic county by nearly 
double her last year's majority. The minions of power, the cow- 
ardly, threatening Abolitionists, had best take warning and menace 
her no longer. As nobly as she has done, she has a power in 
reserve which it would not be healthy to arouse." — (Herald, Octo- 
ber 18, 1862.) 

"In this city the Republican party has not yet nominated a city 
ticket, the Union League being deputed to take the matter in hand 
and, like the old midnight Know Nothing Lodge, nominate a ticket 
in the dark. The conspiracy broadens. It involves, if it succeed, 
all we hold dear as Americans."- — (Herald, April 3, 1863.) 

Vote down the Union Leagues ; vote down midnight conspirators ! 
Who wants to vote the nigger emancipation ticket ? Who wants 
Iowa covered with indolent blacks? Answer at the polls. Every 
candidate but one on the Abolitionist ticket is a member of the 
Union League. Vote them down. To elect the Abolitionist ticket 
tomorrow is to drive a nail in the coffin of civil liberty. It is far 
better to crush them at the ballot box than to be obliged to meet 
them with the cartridge box." — (Herald, April 5, 1863.) 

At the Burns festival Mr. Allison delivered an eloquent address 
in which he took occasion to extol President Lincoln. The Herald 
said: "Of course, Mr. Allison at least is a fit eulogist and has 
reason to be grateful to him (Lincoln), if for nothing else than 
the constitutional manner in which he effected the imprisonment 
of an ugly opponent," meaning Mr. Mahony, who had been a can- 
didate for Congress against Mr. Allison. In January, 1863, Mr. 
Mahony was urged here for the nomination by the Democracy for 
governor of Iowa. Henry Clay Dean made a strong anti-war 
speech here in F'ebruary. 

Without much open excitement the citizens of both parties in 
March, 1863, began with suppressed rage and fire to prepare for 
the municipal elections. The Republicans nominated Franklin 
Hinds for mayor and the Democrats renominated J. H. Thedinga. 

"We are again gloriously successful, despite military mobs and 
provost marshals. The most desperate efforts were made by the 
opposition to carry our municipal election on yesterday. The cohorts 
of Abolitionism, drilled and disciplined under the direction of the 
Union League, thoroughly organized and confident of success, 
have been met and defeated by the sterling Democracy of Dubuque, 
by majorities ranging from three hundred down. Dubuque is yet 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 359 

a free city under Democratic rule. Thank heaven that we are not 
yet at the mercy of midnight conspirators. No person outside of 
Dubuque can appreciate the difficulties under which we labored. 
We were opposed by the whole force of the military stationed in 
the city and represented by such men as J. B. Dorr. We were 
obliged to fight the Union League, numbering, it is claimed, over 
a thousand members. On Sunday morning the Times came out 
with a statement to the effect that a provost marshal had been 
appointed for Dubuque and vicinity, and that deputies had been 
selected to attend each poll and take down the name of every 
person for conscription who should cast a vote. In pursuance of 
this threat, Lieutenant David was sent to the Fifth ward, where 
he was permitted to remain all day, practically by his presence 
intimidating the people, the fruit of which is seen in the loss of our 
candidate for alderman in that ward by two majority. In the First 
ward Lieutenant Dufify was foolish enough to try the same game, 
and by a murderous assault on Mr. Henneberry, one of the judges, 
put his life in imminent peril. Yet despite all this, despite threats 
and cajolery, Dubuque repudiates the whole horde and stands erect 
in Democratic integrity. By the loss of John Rugamer, our can- 
didate for alderman in the Fifth ward, by two majority, the city 
council stands, Democrats 4, Republicans 6. While this is to be 
regretted, it amounts to nothing, practically. We have every city 
officer, from highest to lowest." — (Herald, April 7, 1863.) 

"Dubuque takes no step backward. Within two weeks her 
majority has been increased from 90 to 250. She is good for the 
latter at any time, in spite of all the Union Leagues out of jail." — 
(Herald. April 7- 1863.) 

The Democratic county convention in May, 1863, took strong 
grounds against the prosecution of the war. The Republicans were 
equally strong for its prosecution. Among the Democratic speak- 
ers were Mahony, Richards, Hutchins, Jennings, O'Neill, Den- 
linger, Stewart, Emerson, Shields, etc. Among the Republican 
speakers were Lyon, Shiras, Lorimier, Allison, Cooley, Conger. 
Clark, Heath, Bissell, Dorr, David, Adams. Rhomberg and others. 
On the Fourth of July, 1863, the Republicans and Democrats held 
separate celebrations because they could not agree about the reading 
of the Emancipation Proclamation. The great federal victorie.s 
in the field early in July caused great rejoicing here among war 
advocates. General Tuttle, the Democratic candidate for governor, 
came out in favor of the war; the Herald disagreed with him but 
supported him. At a Union mass meeting at Dubuque in August, 
when Senators Harlan and Trumbull and Mr. Washburne, of 
Galena, were here, there were present about eight thousand people. 
Senator Harlan spoke three hours ; delegations were present from 
all the surrounding counties. 

"Mrs. McCall, of Dubuque, Iowa, was in the city yesterday, on 



36o HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

her way from Memphis to her home, on a brief visit of absence 
from duty as a hospital nurse. She has been in the service since 
June, 1 86 1, when the Third Iowa Infantry was organized. Two 
of her sons enHsted in that regiment, and she was resolved to go 
along, and has stuck to it in all the vicissitudes of battles and blood 
and marching and sickness ever since. Some time ago she was 
assigned to duty as hospital nurse at Memphis. She is a hale, 
hearty woman with a most pleasant face, one that would have more 
good effect on a sick soldier than the doctor's potion. She is about 
thirty-five years of age and exhibits the nervous activity and energy 
of a girl of eighteen. The Third Iowa boys call her mother."— 
(St. Louis Republican, about August 26, 1863.) 

The Democratic county convention in September, 1863, after 
passing its resolutions against the continuance of the war, thanked 
Daniel Cort for his resolution as a member of the county board 
to appropriate $300 for the relief of each drafted man. The lan- 
guage of Mr. Cort's resolution and of the resolutions of the Demo- 
cratic committee was "for the relief of drafted men." It was not 
stated that the appropriation was to raise volunteers, clear the 
county c]uota, or even to hire substitutes ; but was for the relief 
of the poor unfortunates who might be drafted. The Herald and 
its adherents generally held that as the conscription act was 
unconstitutional and an outrage, the county board was justified in 
assisting the citizens who were forced to leave their homes by the 
arbitrary power of the government. The Times, having charged 
Mr. Mahony and Fernando Wood with being responsible for the 
New York draft riots, was sued for libel and bound over for $2,000. 

"We therefore earnestly appeal not only to those who are Demo- 
crats on principle already, but to such of our fellow citizens as are 
not under the influence of fanaticism, to organize themselves to- 
gether for the purpose of resisting the attempt which is designed 
to be made to subvert the government and to subject one portion of 
the people of the North to the despotism of the party which is 
aiming to hold and wield power, regardless alike of the Constitu- 
tion, tlie laws, and the rights of their fellow citizens." — (Herald, 
July 4, 1863.) 

Mr. Mahony was candidate for sheriff in 1863. At an immense 
Democratic meeting at Cascade late in September, 1863, speeches 
were made by Richards, Barker, Cort, Mahony, Cantillon and 
Hntchins; there were "seven solid hours of speaking" during both 
afternoon and evening; delegations from all the surrounding 
country were present; fifty teams came from Temple Hill alone. 
A. C. Dodge, James W. Grimes, Rev. Ames, D. N. Cooley, John A. 
Kasson and Shubael Adams spoke in Dubuque during the fall. At 
a big Democratic meeting in Epworth, Mahony, Richards, O'Neill 
and Lepper were the speakers. The Republicans made great efforts 
to defeat Mahony, candidate for sheriff, and to elect Mr. Swivel. 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 361 

Stone (R.) and Tuttle (D. ) were candidates for governor, the 
former receiving 2,114 votes in Dubuque county and the latter 
3,280. Mahoiiy received 3,124, Swivel 2,152 and Fortune (Ind.) 
45 for sheriff. At this time the Republicans favored a registration 
law. The vote of that part of the Twelfth regiment from this 
county was Stone (R.) 210, Tuttle (D. ) 23. The final result, 
including the soldiers' vote, was: Mahony, 3,149; Swivel, 2,596; 
Fortune, 47. In 1862 the Democratic majority was 1,524; in 1863 
it was 1,315. 

When James W. Grimes was re-elected United States senator at 
Des Moines in January, 1864, the Democrats unitedly voted for 
John D. Jennings, of Dubuque. Mr. Cort, of Dubuque, bolted 
the caucus and voted for J. W. Love. The Democratic club at 
Dubuque was a strong political factor in 1863-4. 

On February 10, 1864. the Republicans held their convention in 
Dubuque to choose delegates to the Republican state convention 
to be held at Des Moines, February 22. The following were 
chosen : Piatt Smith, J. K. Graves, H. Markell, E. C. David, D. N. 
Cooley, J. A. Rhomberg, D. E. Lyon, E. R. Shankland, C. Wull- 
weber, M. Blumenauer, O. P. Shiras, P. H. Conger, George L. 
Matthews, H. C. Fellows, Thomas Lawton, Gustave Grahl, J. L. 
McCreery, Henry Heil, William Luther and C. H. Foote. 

Li the spring of 1864 the Democrats nominated John Thompson 
for mayor and the Republicans nominated Mr. Cummings. The 
former received 1,175 ^otes and the latter 1,018. The Democrats 
elected all the city officers. The principal question at issue was the 
payment of the city debt. 

In 1864, the Democracy, here as elsewhere, was split into war 
and peace factions. In the Democratic state convention the Dubuque 
delegates divided, Jennings and McLenan favoring war and Hutch- 
ins, Monroe, Richards and Robb favoring peace. D. A. Mahony 
was a strong peace man. It was claimed that Jennings and Mc- 
Lenan violated their instructions, and a row resulted. On the 
Democratic state ticket Thomas M. Monroe was named for supreme 
judge. 

The call for a peace mass meeting at Dubuque on August 25, 
1864, was signed by D. A. Mahony, John H. O'Neill, Thomas 
Hardie, Reuben S. Long, Thomas M. Monroe, John Deery, John 
Hodnett, Timothy Mason and Nicholas Leffert. An immense 
crowd, probably 1 5,000 people, was present at Jackson Square. 
Henry Clay Dean, John F. Duncombe, D. A. Mahony, John H. 
O'Neill, B. B. Richards, Stilson Hutchins and other brilliant 
orators spoke. The resolutions advocated peace at any price. 
Several distinguished speakers from abroad were present. 

"After more than three long years of subjection to a most intol- 
erable despotism and cruel tyranny; after suffering evils of govern- 
ment administration without precedent in the most execrable rulers 



362 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

of the past and without parallel in our own times ; after submitting 
to usurpation of power in public servants whose authority is cir- 
cumscribed by law such as no monarch claiming to rule by divine 
right was ever bold enough to grasp; and after enduring more than 
ever a people did before in the same length of time in the sacrifice 
of life and waste of money; and acquiescing in blind obedience and 
craven servility to the behests of power arbitrarily and illegally 
exercised, * * * the popular will has now, in the agony, it may be, 
of the nation's death, become sensible at last that the body politic 
is in danger of dissolution and aspires to preserve it from such a 
fate." — (Herald. August 4, 1864.) 

"A very animated discussion took place on Main street last 
evening, each of the disputants vying with each other in the 
violence with which the Abolitionists were assailed. The very 
common and just conclusion was reached that Abe Lincoln is too 
ugly in phiz, too weak in intellect and too tyrannical in the exercise 
of power to be allowed to 'run the machine' another four years."- — - 
(Herald, August 30. 1864.) 

The Republican county convention was conducted by Bissell, 
Wiltse, Shiras, Karrick, Rupert, Hetherington, Matthews, Blumen- 
auer and others. 

The resolutions adopted declared that the success of the Repub- 
licans in November was essential to the preservation of the Union 
and liberty, praised Mr. Allison's course in Congress, and recom- 
mended his renomination and favored a continuance of the war 
along lines already announced and well known. 

The nomination of McClellan for the Presidency suited the 
Dubuque county Democracy ; the renomination of Mr. Lincoln 
suited the Republicans. The campaign was brilliant and vindictive. 
Immense meetings were held and eloquent addresses delivered by 
distinguished orators. Patrick Ouigley was president of the Demo- 
cratic association. At this time it was conceded that B. B. Richards 
was one of the most brilliant stump speakers in the state. He was 
candidate for elector on the Democratic ticket and was also candi- 
date for Congress against Allison. Richards and Allison stumped 
the district together and spoke to immense crowds. 

On October 22, 1864, Kirkwood spoke at the Athen?eum. The 
Herald spoke of him as "the man who wears the dirtiest shirt west 
of the Mississippi river"; also, "Kirkwood the unwashed." On 
October 26, Governor Stone and John H. O'Neill held a joint 
debate at the Athenaeum. There was a large attendance, though 
the rain fell in torrents. Schuyler Colfax spoke here October 29. 
The November (1864) election resulted in this county as follows: 
McClellan electors, 3,319: Lincoln electors, 1,744. For Congress: 
Richards (D.) 3,316, Allison (R. ) 1,753. The balance of the 
county ticket ran about the same. 

"This is a noble record for Dubuque county. It shows that 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 363 

there is at least one bright spot in Iowa that has not been overrnn 
and blotted out by the scum and filth of Abolitionism." — {Herald, 
November 15, 1864.) 

"As a patriot we cannot but deplore the result of the recent 
election, because we believe the re-election of Mr. Lincoln opens the 
road to certain dissolution and untold misery. * * * No reason- 
able man will contend that the country can survive four years more 
of strife. The end, whatever it is, must come during Mr. Lincoln's 
second term of office, and then will come the fearful reckoning. 
* * * 'Phe duty of Democrats is plain. We cannot control or 
direct the policies of the administration, and shall not be respon- 
sible for results. Our mission is simply that of the wrecker— to 
rescue and save from the noble Ship of State whatever remains of 
constitutional liberty." — {Herald, November 13, 1864.) 

"Stock Market. — The market for McClellan stock is dull and 
drooping, with more sellers than buyers at 50 per cent discount. 
Holders are anxious to effect sales and are not particular about 
rates. Copperhead 64-90's have overstocked the market and an- 
other supply will not be needed in four years for national use. 
McClellan badges and medals are given away, holders having no 
further use for them. A whole torchlight procession could be 
bought for a song; small lots are in demand for sale at auction."- — 
{Herald, November 12, 1864.) 

In March, 1865, E. C. David was reappointed postmaster at 
Dubuque. The Times announced the name of William B. Allison 
for United States senator. In April, 1865, t'oth parties nominated 
John Thompson for mayor, because the principal and almost the 
only issue was to put the city debt in tangible shape and pay it. 
He received a total of 1,898 votes. The Democratic majority on 
the balance of the ticket varied from 274 to 578. They swept the 
city and county. Every city officer, fourth-fifths of the covmcil, 
seventeen out of nineteen county supervisors, and every county 
officer were elected by the Democrats. 

Early in April, 1865, the Herald wanted President Lincoln to 
cfifer amnesty to the South, including right to slave property, states' 
rights, no federal interference — in fact, place the South where it 
was before the war. "By doing this, Mr. Lincoln can remove much 
of the stigma that attaches to his name for the tyranny and oppres- 
sion of which he has been guilty." — {Herald, April 6, 1865.) 

"The Republican journals are united in their efforts to secure for 
the liberated negroes the right of suffrage. * * * This plan to 
turn over the best portion of our country to the control of the 
negro will miserably fail." — {Herald, May 19, 1865.) 

David Styles was present at the old settlers' meeting July i, 1865. 
He had opened the second hotel in Chicago, and came to the 
Dubuque mining region about 1830. He had voted for George 
Washington for President. V. Herancourt placed a glass and 



364 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

frame over the photographic picture of 258 portraits of Dubuque 
county early settlers. A number of the early settlers refused to 
take part in the celebration of the Fourth of July if the Emancipa- 
tion Proclamation was to be read immediately after the Declaration 
of Independence. They did not want "politics" introduced into 
the celebration. The result was that people divided on political 
lines and held several celebrations, at one of which, at least, the 
Emancipation Proclamation was read. The Republicans cele- 
brated at the Gardens and the Democrats at Eagle Point and Ham's 
Island. In the Republican procession was a wagon with thirty-four 
young ladies representing the states. The Good Templars went to 
Cassville to celebrate. 

All Dubuque turned out to the Grant reception, Wednesday, 
August 23, 1865. "The display made last Wednesday on the recep- 
tion of General Grant was one of the finest and most creditable 
that ever took place in this city. The crowd has been variously 
estimated at from 10,000 to 25,000 persons. The sidewalks on 
Main street from the First Ward market to Fourteenth street was 
a solid crowd of human beings awaiting the arrival of the hero of 
the day. Every window and doorway on the line of march was 
filled with admirers of the General. For a large assemblage of 
people it was the most orderly we ever saw."— (Herald, August 25, 

The Herald found fault with every act of the administration 
during 1865 after the close of the war. It objected to negro suf- 
frage, punishment of the leaders of the rebellion, reconstruction 
of the southern states, trial of the Lincoln assassins; a large stand- 
ing army; the outrage of military trials; the Chicago sanitary fair, 
and particularly abused Stanton and Butler. 

In 1865, Col. Thomas H. Benton, Jr., was Democratic candidate 
for governor. At the Democratic county convention, held in Dyers- 
ville, August 19, Gen. George W. Jones called the delegates to 
order and J. H. Emerson was chairman. The resolutions affirmed 
Democratic policies. W. B. Allison spoke at the Athenfeum, Octo- 
ber 5. The differences between President Johnson and the radical 
Republicans were dissected and explained. The Herald's abuse of 
Secretary Stanton was notable at this time ; it also lashed Judge 
Burt for saying that the Democrats wanted to keep the negroes 
under because otherwise they would outrival the Democrats and 
secure all the plums. At the October election the vote for governor 
was: Benton (D.) 2,842, Stone (R.) 1,552; for sheriff, Mahony 
(D. ) 2,729, Cummings (R.) 1,639. Mahony lost most of the 
soldier vote. 

In February, 1866, a large meeting of the Dubuque Democrats 
approved the veto by President Johnson of the Freedman's Bureau 
bill. Among the speakers were Stilson Hutchins, Frank Jennings, 
C. J. Rogers and George W. Jones. In March, 1866, a large 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 365 

■"Union" meeting was held and resolutions were passed expressing 
the opinion that Congress had the right to say upon what terms 
the rebellious states should come back into the Union. Among the 
speakers were Judge Burt, O. P. Shiras, General Wiltse, C. VVull- 
weber, C. G. Hawthorne and others. The following citizens signed 
the call for this meeting: F. E. Bissell, O. P. Shiras, George Crane, 
Frank Gilbert, James Burt, H. L. Stout, Richard Waller, Jacob 
Christman, T. C. Roberts, R. Bonson, C. H. Booth, James Thurs- 
ton, Thomas Finn, R. Spaulding, W. Westphal, G. L. Torbert, 
John H. Lull, Edgar Tisdale, John Mihlhop, A. Tredway, William 
Anderson, John W. Smith, D. E. Lyon, George D. Wood, W. J. 
Gilbert, C. G. Hawthorne, C. Leckie, J. W. Cox, A. G. Chapin. 

During 1864 and 1865, as a claim for public approval, the Democ- 
racy of Dubuque showed that Mayor Thompson's administration 
had reduced the city indebtedness $353,000; the old indebtedness 
of $390,000 had been wiped out partly by a new issue of bonds; 
the old Gelpcke debt, which had hung for years over the city like a 
pall, had all been taken up. Li 1865-6, $68,000 of indebtedness 
had been paid ; in the latter was a debt of $5,000 due since the old 
levee was built ; also the debt of Timothy Davis for the old cemetery 
lot, the interest on which had far exceeded the principal. All the 
city scrip had been taken up : at one time it was as low as 35 cents 
on the dollar. All this had been done without borrowing or with- 
out increasing the taxes. But there were no special local issues ; 
the election ran along Democratic and Republican principles and 
policies. A large vote was polled, much larger than had been 
expected. The whole Democratic ticket was elected by majorities 
ranging from 148 to 320, the average being close to 250; total 
vote, 2,502. Mr. Thompson was re-elected mayor. Mr. Kingman 
was the Republican candidate. Thompson received 1,385 and 
Kingman 1,117 votes. The receipts for the fiscal year 1865-6 
were $67,288.44, and the orders redeemed, $66,990.74. 

In 1866 there was open opposition at Epworth against the violent 
partisan speeches of C. C. Hewitt and Frank Jennings ; they were 
prevented from speaking and in a measure assailed. In October, 
1866, L. H. Cady was likewise assailed and prevented from speaking 
there by a crowd. Democrats were furious and later went there 
prepared for trouble and were permitted to speak. Democratic 
speakers were also opposed at Centralia, but were permitted to 
finish. At the October election liquor was allowed at the polls. 

For secretary of state. Van Anda (D.) received 3,117 votes and 
Wright (R.) 2,186. For Congress, Noble (D. ) received 3,131 
and Allison CR. ) 2,097. Taylor and Jefferson townships went 
Republican. In Table Mound township there was but one Repub- 
lican vote out of 115 polled. 

In the spring of 1867 the Democrats nominated W. W. Wood- 
worth for mayor and the Republicans nominated J. K. Graves. 



366 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Charges of corruption in city affairs were made and facts stated. 
Tlie question of compromising, repudiating or paying in full the 
city debt was all important. 

"The Sarah Lee Porter case is a test one that will decide whether 
the city owes $1,000,000 or $200,000. Under the policy adopted 
in 1864, over one-third of the entire city indebtedness has been 
conditionally retired without imposing unusual burdens ; but let this 
Sarah Lee Porter case be determined against the present council 
and there is an end of all compromise, for if Sarah Lee Porter 
recovers one hundred cents on the dollar of her claim, then any 
other creditor may do likewise." — (Alderman Hetherington in 
council, March 29, 1867.) 

This contest was hotly fought ; the Democrats were determined 
to retrieve their loss of October, 1866. The streets were soon 
strewn with circulars, ballots and beer kegs. Teams with banners 
and mottoes were out to hurry indifferent voters to the polls. It 
was one of the most exciting municipal elections ever held in 
Dubuque. Woodworth (D.) received 1,393 votes and Graves (R.) 
1,639. The Democrats elected by small majorities the city ticket 
except mayor and marshal. Many Democratic votes were cast for 
Graves because of the announcement that he was a supporter of 
the policies of President Johnson. 

Allison for the Senate was the Republican program in 1867. 
In July, 1867, Judge Burt sued the Herald (Ham and Carver) for 
$20,000 for libel. The Democrats opposed negro suffrage in Iowa 
and any interference by Congress with the sovereignty of the states. 
The Germans in Dubuque organized in opposition to the prohibitory 
law. Payment of government bonds in greenbacks was advocated 
by the Democracy. Henry O'Connor (R. ) and W. T. Barker (D.) 
held a joint discussion in Dubuque in October; they were candidates 
for attorney-general. 

The election in October, 1867, resulted in Dubuque county as 
follows: For governor. Mason (D.) 3,335, Merrill (R.) 1,915; 
for sheriff, Buckman (D. ) 3,435, Cheeney (R. ) 1,824. Thus the 
Democrats swept the county with majorities ranging from 712 to 
1,611. Taylor and Dodge townships were carried by the Repub- 
licans. This was the fir,st time Julien township was separated from 
the city of Dubuque. The Herald often referred in a jocular way 
to "Dubuque Copperheads." 

In 1868, Solomon Turck was nominated for mayor by the Demo- 
crats, and William Westphal by the Republicans. The former 
received 1,792 votes and the latter 1,220. The Democrats elected 
their whole city ticket except marshal. The council ordered an 
investigation of tlie administration of Mayor Graves; he was 
charged with having distorted figures, etc. 

In June, 1868, a Grant and Colfax club was organized at 
Dubuque. In the summer, J. K. Graves made desperate efforts to 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 367 

wrest the nomination for Congress from Mr. Allison, but failed in 
convention, 221 to 207 votes. This contest almost divided the 
party. The nomination of Seymour and Blair was ratified by 
Dubuque Democrats. For Congress Allison received in Dubuque 
coimty 2.251 votes. Mills (D. ) 4,328, Thomas (Ind.) no. 

In 1868, John H. O'Neill was a delegate to the Democratic 
national convention. The presidential contest of 1868 was filled 
with bitter personalities and savage partisan attacks. At the 
November election the Grant electors received 2,583 votes and the 
Seymour electors 4,088 votes in Dubuque county. Five constitu- 
tional amendments were voted on : ( i ) Negroes to vote in Iowa ; 
(2) negroes to be enrolled as militia; (3) negroes to be counted 
in the census; (4) negroes to be counted in the apportionment for 
senators and representatives; (5) negroes to occupy any office in 
the state. Dubuque county polled heavy majorities against all five 
amendments — 4,341 to 2,292. There was much excitement and 
bitterness in the vote on these amendments. It was said that a 
negro formerly a slave in Alabama and part white voted the straight 
Democratic ticket at Peosta in November, 1868. 

YEAR DEMOCRAT REPUBLICAN 

1864 3,375 2,223 

1865 2,842 1,554 

1866 3.15 1 2,086 

1867 3,340 1,950 

1868 4,092 2,633 

"Iowa has undoubtedly elected the nigger. It is triumph of 
which to be proud. In Dubuque the nigger runs ahead of Allison. 
In the state the nigger is but little behind the other radical candi- 
dates." — (Herald, November 7, 1868.) 

"The election has renewed power to radicalism. One of the first 
things pledged by the radical party is to pay the bondholders in 
coin. The majority of Congress is sufficient, and Grant is equally 
pledged with Congress. The people have declared by their ballots 
that such payment is what they desire. The outrage is promised 
and endorsed. Let it be consummated speedily." — (Herald, 
November 7, 1868.) 

In the spring of 1869 the Democrats nominated George W. Jones 
for mayor, but he declined and they then named W. J. Knight. 
The Republicans nominated C. J. Cummings, but upon his declina- 
tion they nominated H. S. Hetherington. Still the paramount 
question was the paym.ent of the city indebtedness. In this contest 
the old Allison-Graves feud appeared because the Allison faction 
slashed Morheiser for marshal and the Graves faction knifed 
Hetherington. The result was that the Democrats had the largest 
majority they secured for many years. Knight (D. ) received 



368 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

1,706, and Hetherington (R.) 1,108. The Democratic majorities 
ranged from 546 to 697. This was the first election at which the 
negroes generally were permitted to vote. It was said at the time 
tiiat they nearly all voted the straight Democratic ticket, but some 
allowance should be made for this statement. At the October 
election (1869) Gillaspy (D. ) received for governor 3,367 votes 
and Merrill (R. ) 1,927 in Dubuque county. Taylor and Dodge 
townships and the Third and Fourth wards, Dubuque, went 
Republican. 

In January, 1870, W. B. Allison was a candidate for the United 
States Senate, but was defeated before the legislature. His dele- 
gation returned to Dubuque "sorry and sad." In March. 1870, the 
newspapers of both parties praised the administration of Mayor 
Knight, who had accomplished wonders in untangling the city debt 
and putting it in the way of certain ultimate extinction. Alderman 
A. F. Jaeger was likewise praised. The Democrats renominated 
Knight for mayor and the Republicans named Mr. Kingman, who 
was in reality the nominee of the Graves faction, which bitterly 
assailed the alleged Allison ring. Kingman a few years before had 
been terribly defeated by John Thompson in the mayoralty race. 
Knight (D. ) received 1,994 votes and Kingman (R. ) 742. Gener- 
ally, the whole Democratic ticket was successful. This surprising 
victory was an acknowledgment and endorsement of the Knight 
administration, many Republicans voting with the Democrats. 

Among the Republican speakers to appear here in the fall of 
1870 were Henry O'Connor, W. B. Allison, Chester C. Cole, J. S. 
Clarkson, Charles Aldrich and James Harlan. At the October 
election {1870) Doerr (D.) received 2,535 votes for secretary of 
state and Wright (R. ), 1,439. For a constitutional convention, 225; 
against it, 1,815 J ^o'" 'i" increase'in county supervisors, 771 ; against 
such increase, 2,223. M. B. Mulkern was state senator. 

Both parties in the spring of 1871 held stirring conventions and 
named full municipal tickets. Mayor Knight had made enemies 
by his honest energy and zeal for the city's welfare. Few men in 
the face of such obstacles as then existed could have accomplished 
so much. His legal ability and integrity had greatly advanced the 
city's credit and made all business pursuits prosperous. But a 
change was wanted, evidently. It was shown that his honest policy 
embraced the payment at par of the city debt, regardless of the fact 
that many of the bondholders who resided in Dubuque had pur- 
chased the bonds in the East at about 25 cents on the dollar. 
Apparently the majority of the voters wanted the mayor to force 
the bondholders to take much less than 100 cents on the dollar; thus 
in this election the taxpayers generally voted down the bondholders. 

"We have met the enemy and have come so near to being theirs 
that not much pleasure can be derived from the escape. The whole 
Democratic city ticket is elected with the exception of mayor, 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 369 

where Mr. Knight is defeated by Judge Burt by about T,^y majority. 
The Republicans have also elected a majority of the city council, 
carrying four of the five aldermen, so that the next council will 
stand, with the holdovers, six Republicans to four Democrats." — 
{Herald, April 4, 1871.) 

In 1 87 1 B. B. Richards was nominated for the state senate by 
the Democracy, and M. M. Ham, of the Dubuque Herald, was 
nominated for lieutenant-governor. All Republican movements and 
nominations in the fall of 1871 were made with the view of Mr. 
Allison's candidacy for the United States Senate ; the Graves fac- 
tion had subsided ; Allison men were chosen for everything, for 
popular effect. Torbert, Shiras, Henderson, Beach, Ballou et al. 
of the "Allison ring" ruled the party here. The vote in the county 
in October was: For governor, Knapp (D.) 3,287, Carpenter (R. ) 
1,986; county treasurer, Stewart (D.) 2,617, Jarrett (R.) 2,455; 
for lieutenant-governor. Ham (D. ) 3,311, Bulls (R. ) 1,951. 
Richard's majority over Burden was 652. C. H. Booth was 
elected to the House by 162 majority. 

In January, 1872, Mr. Allison was elected to the United States 
Senate. Upon his return here, all citizens, irrespective of party, 
gave him a notable and cordial public reception. C. Wullweber 
made the welcoming speech; H. L. Stout was chairman. About 
this time, Mr. Mahony, having roused the wrath of M. M. Ham, 
of the Herald, was "roasted" in the following fashion : 

"Mahony believes in blackmailing as a principle. He puts him- 
self up at auction and strikes himself off to anybody who will bid. 
If people decline to buy the goods, not believing him worth the 
buying, then his idea is to 'go for 'em,' lie about them, traduce them, 
vilify them, 'poison the public mind against them, do anything or 
everytliing against them ; it serves them right, for they might have 
complied with his reasonable demands ! This has always been his 
rule of action. Because General Jones did not give him a sur- 
veying contract years ago, he has been abusing him ever since. He 
was for a while partner with Doctor Holt in the newspaper busi- 
ness, and succeeded in ruining him. He was then with Dorr for a 
while, and would have ruined him had not Dorr got rid of him. 
About this time he was around the county treasury and turned up 
a defaulter, and the people of Dubuque county are suffering from 
it in their taxes to this day. In 1862 he besought Governor Kirk- 
wood to allow liim to raise an Irish regiment of which he was to be 
colonel. He was tlien a rampant war man, but when Kirkwood — 
knowing him too well — refused his application, he at once turned 
upon him, abused him, and from being a terrible war man he became 
a terrible peace man. Soon after, the Republicans were foolish 
enough to arrest him. which made a great man of him, greater than 
he ever was before or ever will be again. After his return home 
he liked to have ruined the paper with his dogmatical and dicta- 



370 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

torial manner, until Hutchins, to get rid of him, leased his interest 
in the office and got him out and soon after shoved him upon the 
long-suffering people of Dubuque county as sheriff. In 1866, 
Hutchins and Hodnett started the St. Louis Times, out of which they 
have each made an independent fortune. In their good nature they 
gave Mahony an interest, but inside of a year they had to put him 
out again. He repaid Hutchins by abusing him for years. In 1868 
he was first a rampant anti-bridge man, then as rampant for it. 
A present of $2,000 stock wrought the change. Ask Allison, Stout, 
Graves or Booth. He subscribed for a large amount of stock in 
the first water-works company and then abused John Thompson 
because he would not give him money to pay with. His recent 
spiteful, cowardly and vengeful attacks on L. D. Randall were 
because the latter would not be blackmailed out of $500 ; the same 
regarding his attacks on the county board and W. G. Stewart, in 
the latter case endeavoring to excite religious feuds in our midst: 
on Peter Kiene, Joe Rhomberg, J. K. Graves, the railroad com- 
pany — in fact, on everybody who refuses to have money extorted 
from them to silence him. Such is Dennis Mahony." — (Herald. 
January 26, 1872.) 

In February. 1872, B. B. Richards, Fred O'Donnell and John 
Christoph in the legislature opposed woman suffrage ; General 
Booth there supported the movement. Christoph was chosen at a 
special election to succeed Martin Kaier, deceased. The Democrats 
renominated their citv officers except mayor; they named Solomon 
Turck. The Republicans nominated H. O. Ward. The Herald 
called the latter the "ten-pin ticket" because it was put up to be 
knocked down. Closing the saloons on Sundays and cleaning the 
streets were issues. Turck (D. ) received 1,572 votes and Ward 
(R. ) 1,483. The Republicans and railways fought Turck for 
alleged former grievances. The city debt was being refunded in 
6 per cent twenty-tive-year bonds. 

Grant's renomination for the Presidency suited the stalwart 
Republicans of this county. However, the "reform" mo\-ement of 
the so-called "liberal Republicans" carried away about 200 of the 
leading members of the regular Republican party. The Times 
promptly condemned the defection and urged the party to support 
Grant. 

"In this work before us we should meet liberal Republicans as we 
would fellow citizens in an hour of peril. Our purposes are one, 
and let us not imperil the result by feeding ancient grudges with 
bitter words. Party has been swallowed up by patriotism, and we 
should feel prouder than ever of our grand old party, that it has 
made such a sacrifice for the seeming good of the country. As 
between Grant and the notorious corruption which he feeds, and 
Greeley and the reforms which he embodies, there should be no 
hesitation which to choose." — (Herald, July 11, 1872.) 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 371 

The fall campaign in 1872 was enthusiastic in the extreme on 
the part of the liberal Republicans. All the best local speakers of 
both parties took the stump and analyzed to applauding crowds the 
national issues. All voters were required to register. John H. 
O'Neill, who had gone to reside at St. Louis but had returned, 
came out for Grant and Wilson. 

"When the war was raging and the life of the nation was at 
stake, Mr. O'Neill was an outspoken secessionist and gave utterance 
to sentiments which, were he tried for them before the proper 
tribunal, would convict him of treason." — {Herald, September 17, 
1872.) 

H. B. Foulke, of Dubuque, was elector-at-large on the liberal 
Republican ticket. Dr. E. A. Guilbert, of Dubuque, was liberal 
Republican candidate for secretary of state. M. M. Ham was chair- 
man of the Greeley club. George W. Jones in a long letter deplor- 
ing the course of recent politics, declared he was ready to march 
out of the ranks of Democracy and ready to join the opposition. 
At the November election the liberal Republican electors received 
3,478 votes and the Republican electors 2,437 votes. The balance 
of the ticket except for sheriff was about the same in Dubuque 
county. For sheriff, Liddy (R. ) received 3,092 votes and Jarrett 
(L. R.) 2,823. Greeley's death, late in November, called forth 
suitable obituary notices. 

In 1873 ^^^ Grangers organized and became a powerful force in 
politics. The Herald deplored the "antics" of George W. Jones 
in "marrying himself to the Republican party" at Des Moines earh^ 
in 1873. "Municipal reform" was the slogan of a large faction, 
regardless of party, in April, 1873. It was a sudden movement 
against the alleged high taxation necessary to pay the city debt 
and current expenses. The movement proved the blindness of the 
masses, because the tax was necessary to relieve them from a 
greater burden. The "reformers" organized, joined the Repub- 
licans, nominated H. P. Ward for mayor, and attacked the city 
administration under Mayors Knight and Burt. The Grangers 
organized at an immense meeting in the court room on March 28. 
The Democrats nominated A. H. Peaslee for mayor. The Times 
claimed at this time that the Democrats here were kept in power 
by the Germans, who were kept in line by an occasional "plum." 
The Democrats elected their city ticket, though the majorities were 
small. For mayor, Peaslee (D. ) received 1,470 and Ward (R. ) 
1.403. 

In the fall of 1873. the Democrats, to win the favor of the 
Grangers, called themselves "Anti-Monopolists," and the Repub- 
licans used the term "People's ticket." Both conducted strong 
and aggressive campaigns. For governor. Carpenter (R.) received 
in Dubuque county 2,153 votes and Vale (D.) 3,566 votes. D. N. 
Cooley (R.) unexpectedly received 3,088 votes for senator to 



372 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

2,589 for the old favorite, B. B. Richards. For county auditor, 
McLaughHn (R.) received 3,148 and Hempstead (D. ) 2,496. 
For county treasurer, Williams (R. ) received 3,299 and Ruegamer 
(D. ) 2,402. These results astonished the Democracy. They were 
mainly due to the Granger movement. 

In the spring of 1874 the Democrats renominated A. H. Peaslee 
for mayor and the Repuhlicans named Mr. Chapman. There were 
no new issues. The result was Peaslee (D. ) 2,145 votes and 
Chapman (R. ) 901. For marshall, Reutzinger (R. ) received 1,847 
and Hardy (D. ) 1,183. Four Republican aldermen were elected 
against two Democratic aldermen. 

In October the Republicans made herculean efforts to elect two 
out of three county supervisors in order to have a majority of the 
board, but failed. For Congress, Ainsworth (D.) received 3,295 
votes in Dubuque county and Granger (R. ) 1,838. Ainsworth was 
elected and was thus the first Democratic congressman from this 
district for many years. For secretary of state, Morgan (D. ) 
received 3,258 and Young (R. ) 1,920. Restraining stock — yes, 
1,150; no, 2,499; increasing comity board to five members — yes, 
1,948; no, 3,000. The Democrats, particularly at Dyersville, held 
a very enthusiastic celebration of the election of Mr. Ainsworth. 
His opponent (Granger) was hung in effigy. 

In April, 1875, James Gushing (R. ) was chosen mayor over 
W. G. Stewart (D. ) by 373 majority. D. E. Lyon (R. ) was 
chosen city attorney over T. S. Wilson (D. ) by about seventy-five 
majority. 

"Unusual care should be taken this fall to nominate men that 
are exceptionally good, for during the past three years it has 
become evident that a Democratic nomination by no means insures 
an election. Of the five county officers at the court house, three 
are men who were elected in opposition to the nominees of Demo- 
cratic conventions — Williams, McLaughlin and Lewis. This county 
now has a Republican senator, and though we had the three repre- 
sentatives two years ago, yet they were elected by small majorities 
of a couple of hundred or so. Of the three county supervisors 
the Republicans have one and came near electing another. All this 
is done in the face of the fact that Dubuque county is still as 
strongly Democratic as ever." — {Herald, August 28, 1875.) 

"During ten years the Democrats wiped out an indebtedness of 
$433,000. They kept down taxation so that Dubuque has been 
among the lightest taxed counties of the state. There was no 
defalcation— no misappropriation of funds. County warrants were 
brought up to par. No frauds have been committed. They have 
had no credit mobiliers, no rings, no side-cuts, no salary grabs, no 
back pay, no short terms of office and then retiring tmaccountably 
rich; yet in spite of a Democratic majority of 1,500, the people 
have become tired of them and sought other rulers. Why is it? 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 373 

The Republicans have spent money and corrupted voters. Who has 
forgotten the Graves campaign, the Cooley campaign or the Gushing 
campaign?" — (Herald, August 28, 1875.) 

In the fall of 1875 the Graves faction again became paramount. 
The old Allison men — Shiras, Henderson, Lyon, Rich, Nightingale, 
Ballou, Torbert, Crane and others — were shoved aside, and the 
Graves adherents — Cooley, Rhomberg, Gushing, Coates, Howard, 
Robinson, Walker, Taylor, Lewis, Kingman, Blumenauer, Trick, 
Elmer Williams, Walker and others — assumed control of the Re- 
publican convention. Allison was in the Senate and safely out of 
the way. The vote in October, 1875, was: For governor. Kirk- 
wood (R.) 2,124, Leffler (D.) 4,047. Two Republicans — Graves 
and Johnson — were elected to the legislature. Williams (R. ) for 
county treasurer defeated O'Brien (D. ), 3,579 to 2,591. Internal 
strife split the county Democracy. 

Politics was demoralized in Dubuque county in 1876; people 
were seeking a change. Both Democrats and Republicans nomi- 
nated George B. Burch for mayor ; he was liberal and a good busi- 
ness man. It is a remarkable fact that D. D. W. Carver, A. A. 
Cooper, John Hodgdon, W. H. Peabody, M. M. Ham and W. W. 
Woodward, all sound Democrats, refused to be nominated at this 
time for mayor. The issues were unsatisfactoiy. Burch and the 
Democratic ticket, except auditor, were elected by greatly varying 
majorities. "Unite parties and pay the city debt," is the slogan 
that won. 

The presidential campaign in 1876 was very spirited in this 
county. There was a great cry against waving the "bloody shirt." 
"Tilden and reform" overran the county. Many able speakers 
addressed Dubuque county audiences. Excitement ran high just 
before the election. When it was first announced that Tilden was 
elected. Democrats could not restrain themselves ; then they settled 
down to await the result. The Tilden electors received 4,978 and 
the Hayes electors 2.798 votes. The Democrats swept the county. 

In 1877 the Democrats named James H. Shields for mayor, and 
the Republicans again selected George B. Burch. The board of 
trade attacked the Burch administration for its alleged high ex- 
penses. The Herald, which had supported Burch. did not agree 
with the board of trade, and again supported Burch as against the 
regular Democratic nominee. Shields. With the Herald's aid the 
Republicans won, thus — Burch (R.) 1,683, Shields (D.) 1,579. 
For auditor, Reynolds (D.) received 1,397 and Brandt (R.) 1,954. 
For assessor, Dowling (D. ) received 1,507, Anderson (R. ) 1,643. 
The issues were (i) reduced taxation; (2) reduced general ex- 
penses; (3) reduced street expenses; (4) Seventeenth street 
improvements to be continued; (5) reduced saloon license. 

In October, John P. Irish, candidate for governor, Kirkwood, 
and Stubbs spoke at Dubuque. The Greenbackers were very strong 



374 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

at this date. The Democrats made a clean sweep of the county. 
Irish (D. ) received for governor 3,415 votes, John H. Gear (R. ) 
1,587, and D. P. Stubbs (G. B.) 406. For state senator, Mason M. 
Ham (D.), editor of the Herald, received 3.681 against 597 for his. 
opponent, Moore (R. ). This was the largest Democratic majority 
t\tv polled in the county. 

The silver and greenback questions were pronounced here in 
1877 and 1878. All the parties were active and vigilant. The 
Democrats named W. J. Knight for mayor and the Republicans 
H. L. Stout. Public opinion in Dubuque did not sustain and 
enforce the prohibitory law. Governor Kirkwood had favored local 
option in 1875-6. In 1877-8 the parties were divided on the license 
and prohibitory questions. 

Among the leading Greenbackers in 1878 were A. Y. McDonald, 
S. P. Adams, C. S. Gaylord. Fred O'Donnell was nominated by 
the Democrats for Congress. H. B. Foulke was Democratic can- 
didate for prosecuting attorney of the Ninth judicial district. On 
September 5, James G. Blaine spoke in Dubuque. Present also 
were Clarkson, Runnells and Allison. An immense procession 
paraded Main street under arches. The election resulted — Upde- 
graff (R. ) elected to Congress over O'Donnell (D.) and Spangler 
(G. B.). Foulke was chosen district attorney. In the state. Weaver 
and Gillette (G. B.) were elected to Congress. For secretary of 
state, Farnsworth (D. ) received in Dubuque county 4,169 votes 
and Hull (R. ) 2,085. Taxation for a new court house — for, 487; 
against, 4,687; to restrain stock — yes, 2,038; no, 3,229. 

In March, 1879, the Greenback Club in Dubuque endorsed the 
actions of the Greenbackers in Congress. A. Y. McDonald repre- 
sented Dubuque at the Greenback convention in Chicago in March. 
The Democrats nominated for mayor in 1879 W. J. Knight and 
the Republicans ,'nominated H. S. Hetherington. Mr. Knight 
declined, whereupon John D. Bush was nominated. The entire 
Democratic city ticket, except auditor, was elected. Bush advo- 
cated a sinking fund to meet the city debt. Reduction of expenses 
was the paramount question. A big meeting of the citizens imme- 
diately after the election took steps to reduce expenses. 

In 1879 the leading Greenbackers were A. Y. McDonald, S. P. 
Adams, M. H. Moore, A. C. Peary, Thomas Faherty, Michael 
McCarthy, Thomas Finn, John Carson, Michael Noonan, William 
Ouigley, Joseph Ogle, James Sears, Chris Denlinger, Joseph Gehrig, 
John Muckern, Thomas Cox, Thomas McGinnis, Joel M. Higgins 
and Owen McLaughlin. 

The Greenbackers were strong in the county in 1879; they 
named a ticket for the county offices. The Prohibitionists also 
organized and presented a partial ticket. The result was : For 
governor, Trimble (D. ) 3.950, Gear (R.) 2,498, Campbell (G. B. ) 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 37b 

707; Dungan (Pro.) 17. Generally, the Democrats carried the 
county. 

In April, 1880, the Republicans nominated George B. Burch for 
mayor; the Democrats nominated Arthur McCann. John D. Bush 
ran as an independent Democrat and was elected by 1,550 majority. 
The Republican auditor, Brandt, was re-elected. Many Repub- 
licans and Democrats were turned toward Bush. The issues were 
almost wholly personal. The Herald opposed Bush ; McCann was 
unjustly abused without stint. 

The presidential campaign of 1880 was almost as exciting as 
that of 1876. Garfield, Hancock and Weaver were the party 
standard bearers. The Hancock electors received 4,580 votes ; 
Garfield electors, 3,007 ; Weaver electors, 257. For constitutional 
amendment, 1,202; against it, 2,179; for constitutional convention, 
706; against it, 2,756. In October, John P. Irish made "one of 
the most brilliant speeches ever heard in Dubuque." 

In 1881, John J. Linehan (D.) was, elected mayor of Dubuque 
over John Maclay (R. ) by 1,893 to 1,774 votes. The issue was 
"city extravagance." Guiteau, the assassin of President Garfield, 
was well known here to a few. He had asked Rev. Mr. Burrell for 
the use of the Second Presbyterian church for the presentation of 
his fanatical doctrines, but was evaded and finally refused by Mr. 
Ragan of the Young Men's Christian Association. On several 
Sunday afternoons Guiteau accordingly addressed small and curious 
audiences at Washington Square. Mr. Burrell spoke of him as a 
"peripatetic religious fanatic." There was general sorrow here 
when Garfield died. 

In October the Democrats elected their entire ticket except senator 
and treasurer. For governor, Kinne (D. ) received 3,864, Sher- 
man (R. ) 2.669, Clark (G. B. ) 162. For the senate, J. K. Graves 
defeated M. M. Ham by 4,260 to 2,374. For treasurer, Watters 
(R.) defeated McCullough (D. ) by 3,413 to 3,261. The defeat of 
Ham was the principal event of this election. 

In 1882 the Democrats named for mayor Fred O'Donnell. The 
Republicans nominated no one for mayor. O'Donnell issued a 
lengthy statement of the issues, as follows : ( i ) payment of debt 
and interest; (2) encouragement to manufactures; (3) reduction 
of the floating debt ; (4) reduction of street expenses; (5) a wagon 
bridge over the Mississippi; (6) an inner harbor; (7) good men 
for officers; (8) economy; (9) drainage; (10) city water on the 
bluffs ; (11) a change in ward boundaries. The floating debt was 
.$104,747.28. 

In the fall of 1882 the Democratic victories throughout the 
country roused the party workers here to a high pitch of excite- 
ment. The November election resulted as follows : For secretary 
of State. Walker (D.), 5,589; Hull (R.), 1,967; Gaston (G. B.). 
87; Congressman Durban (D. ), 5,178; D. B. Henderson (R.). 



376 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

of Dubuque, 2,385; Foster (G. B.), 78; shall stock be restrained: 
Yes, 2,356; no, 3,085. 

In 1883 Fred O'Donnell (D. ), for mayor, won over Philip 
Pier (R. ) by 2,375 to 1,372; there were no special issues. Gov- 
ernor Sherman addressed the Harvest Home at Farley in August. 
In November Kinne (D.) received 5,238; Sherman (R.), 1,641; 
Weaver (G. B. ), 66, for governor. The whole Democratic ticket 
was elected by a large majority. 

In the spring of 1884 Dubuque went Democratic by large ma- 
jorities. For mayor O'Donnell's majority was 1,963, the second 
largest; every ward was carried by the Democrats. Prohibition 
and taxation of churches were prominent issues. The majority 
against funding the city debt was 1,582. 

In the fall all parties were active and enthusiastic. Many able 
speakers were listened to by large and eager audiences. Among 
the speakers were John G. Carlisle, D. O. Finch, W. F. Vilas, 
John A. Logan, D. B. Henderson, S. J. Kirkwood, W. B. Alli- 
son, Fred O'Donnell. B. B. Richards, A. Y. McDonald, M. H. 
Moore. There was intense excitement at the time of election. 
When the result was known the joy of the Democrats was un- 
bounded and uproarious. The Cleveland electors received in this 
county 6,033 votes; Republican electors, 3,246; St. John (Pro.) 
electors, 6. The balance of the ticket ran about the same. Hen- 
derson (R. ) defeated Linehan (D. ) for Congress by 1.236 ma- 
jority; Dubuque was the only Democratic county of the seven 
counties composing this congressional district. 

"Never in the history of our city was so much enthusiasm mani- 
fested in the result of an election as is in this city at present. 
Early yesterday morning large crowds paraded the streets, shout- 
ing and blowing horns, thereby making the night hideous and 
awakening the serene slumberers with their demoniac yells and 
wild huzzas in favor of their rival candidates." {Herald, November 
6, 1884.) 

"The most fiercely contested presidential election since i860 has 
about closed. Main street between Fifth and Sixth was densely 
blocked at an early hour yesterday morning with despondent Re- 
publicans and hopeful Democrats wondering and hurrahing as 
ihe news shifted to this quarter or that. Betting was big and not 
less than $10,000 changed hands in the streets between the Herald 
md Times offices, to sav nothing of other parts of the city." 
{Herald, November 8, 1884.) 

In March, 1885, the Dubuque colored people met in the African 
Methodist Episcopal church and elected delegates to the colored 
con\"ention in Des Moines. Prohibition was the leading issue in 
March, 1885. The Republicans here generally were divided be- 
tween high license and local option; the Democrats generally fa- 
vored tlie former. The Times upheld the existing prohibitory law 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 2,77 

and the Herald opposed it. The majority of the RepubHcans were 
anti-prohibitionists. The Democrats nominated John Glab (D.) 
for mayor, and the RepubHcans nominated E. W. Duncan (R. ); 
the former received 2,398 votes and the latter 1,460; this result 
was considered a blow at prohibition. For the first time in the 
history of Dubuque a candidate for sheriff was nominated by the 
Democracy for a third term — ^James McCann. 

In the autumn of 1885 the Republicans nominated only part 
of a ticket ; they centered all their strength on J. K. Graves for 
state Senator; he was defeated by VV. J. Knight by 2,394 major- 
ity. Whiting (D. ) for governor received 5,479; Larrabee (R.), 

2,454- 

About this time David B. Henderson was making his mark 
in Congress. He lashed the Democrats, especially the southerners, 
in many sharp wordy duels. In February, 1886, when hit from 
all sides, he hotly said : "I would rather spend an eternity in hell 
with a Confederate than an eternity in heaven with a northern 
copperhead." This declaration was many times afterward flung 
in his teeth. John Glab was renominated for mayor by the Democ- 
racy and was elected ; the Democrats carried the city. A factory 
labor bill was introduced in the legislature by Senator Knight 
in the spring of 1886. The manufacturers of Dubuque, in mass 
meeting assembled, resolved that the bill was not adapted to the 
industries of Iowa ; thirty-one local manufacturing houses signed 
the resolutions against the bill. 

During five days' registration in October, 1886, 4,623 names 
were added to the election rolls. For secretary of state. Sells 
(D.) received 5,578; Jackson (R.), 2,452, and the prohibition 
candidate, 20. For courthouse bonds, 1,744; against courthouse 
bonds, 4,621. To restrain stock — yes, 2,595; "O- 3'547- 

The Democrats and Republicans nominated full tickets in the 
spring of 1887. This was done in spite of the numerous evils 
complained of and regardless of the strong attempt to unite both 
parties to defeat the labor movement. An equalization of ward 
population was effected by taking from the fifth and adding to the 
first, second and third ; this angered the fifth ward and they held 
a big indignation meeting and declared the change an unfair gerry- 
mander. The necessity for a union of Democrats and Republicans 
was declared to be "to crush out the impending evil of prohibi- 
tion that just now threatens great danger to this city." The Labor 
party fully organized in the spring of 1887 and named a ticket 
with C. A. Voelker for mayor at the head. They held numerous 
meetings, listened to strong speakers from abroad and ably con- 
tested with the old parties for supremacy. It was thus a three- 
cornered fight, with both of the old parties badly scared. Capital- 
ists feared anarchy in case the Labor ticket succeeded. The con- 
test was sharp and decisive. For mayor Voelker (L. ) received 



378 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

1,984 votes; Preston (D.), 1,241; Gilliam (R.), 1,091: generally 
the Labor party elected its city ticket — recorder, auditor, treas- 
urer, assessor and attorney. They had control of the city coun- 
cil. They held a big demonstration to signalize their victory. 
There had registered 4,666 voters. 

"It is putting it mildly to say that every one yesterday was 
drawing his breath and wondering what did it. It was a result 
that had not been anticipated and it was therefore a surprise. It 
is the wave that has been sweeping through the land for a year 
or two past. Labor is in a state of unrest; it has not had its 
rights as capital has had and is now asserting itself. It swept 
Dubuque on Monday and it made a clean sweep of it, too, and 
no mistake. The labor reformers and especially the Knights of 
Labor must now assume the entire responsibility for the city gov- 
ernment. There was a general feeling of despondency and dis- 
couragement around town yesterday and there is no doubt what- 
ever that many men believe that the name of this triumph will be 
a great injury to Dubuque." {Herald, April 6, 1887.) 

"Nothing has happened in Duhiique for years that has so thor- 
oughly frightened business men as the election of the Knights of 
Labor ticket on Monday last. The business men of Dubuque are 
frightened and they have cause to be. They fear that a blow is 
aimed at the prosperity of the city; that activity in real estate 
will cease ; that investments will be driven away ; that building 
will be retarded ; that taxes will be increased, and that rich men 
will be made to sweat. The Republicans, while as citizens did not 
favor the success of the Labor ticket, yet as partisans are rejoic- 
ing that it succeeded, because the Democratic ticket was therefore 
defeated." {Herald, April 8, 1887.) 

Mayor Voelker said in his inaugural : "We wish it understood 
that we contemplate no startling changes or innovations. We have 
no new or untried theories which we desire to practice. But we 
do declare that honesty and integrity shall be the basis of our 
actions. Socialism and communism we despise and abhor. It is 
our intention to manage city affairs as economically and honestly 
as any citizen would his private business. We have no war to 
wage with capital. We aim and hope to better the conditions and 
prospects of the laboring masses." The vote in the city in 1886 
was 4,231 ; in 1887 it was 4,316. It was figured that the Demo- 
crats lost to the Labor ticket 1,444 votes and the Republicans 457. 
After the election the general sentiment was, give them a fair 
trial and hold them responsible for results. 

In the fall of 1887 there were three tickets in the field — Demo- 
cratic, Republican and Labor. Both of the former feared the 
latter and partly at least united for its defeat. The Labor party's 
plan to equalize ta.xation threw 'consternation into the ranks of the 
x:ountry's wealthy men, but in reality added over $3,000,000 to 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 



the assessment, mostly from taxdodgers. The old parties persist- 
ently misunderstood, perhaps intentionally, the real objects of the 
Labor party ; they declared the design was to tax capital out of 
existence. The election resulted as follows : Dubuque county — 
for governor, Anderson (D.), 4,521; Larrabee (R.), 1,894; Cain 
(Lab.), 1,456; in the city of Dubuque — Anderson (D.), 2,014; 
Larrabee (R.), 1,085; Cain (Lab.). 1.147. There were polled 
4,246 votes in the city and 7,871 in the county; the entire Demo- 
cratic ticket was elected. 

"Great credit must be given to the Republicans for this glorious 
result in Dubuque county. Throughout the city they voted gen- 
erally for the Democratic county ticket, as they considered it es- 
sential to the continued prosperity of the city that the Labor party 
should be beaten ; and as the Democratic ticket offered the only 
means to do this they voted for it. The Republicans of Dubuque 
have done nobly ; and in rejoicing over the result the Democrats 
want to accord them full credit and honor. They did splendidly." 
{Herald, November 9, 1887.) 

In the spring of 1888 the three parties were divided and va- 
riously reunited. All who feared the Labor party fused, called 
themselves the "Citizens' Union ticket" and nominated George B. 
Burch (R.) for mayor, but otherwise named Democrats, except 
for auditor. The other tickets were called "Straight Democratic" 
and "Union Labor," the former being headed by John Glab (D. ) 
and the latter by Mr. Voelker (Lab.). It was noted that the Citi- 
zens' ticket was supported by more straight Democrats than the 
straight Democratic ticket. The Union Labor ticket was sup- 
ported by Union laborers. Republicans and Democrats. Both sides 
worked desperately. The Straight faction finally united with the 
Citizens' faction. The result was as follows; Burch. 2,316; 
Voelker, 1,980. The Citizens' ticket, except assessor, was elected. 
With the example of anarchy in Chicago before them, both old 
parties were afraid the same conditions might arise here. The 
victors celebrated their success. 

Their defeat in the spring of 1888 was a blow from which the 
Labor party never fully recovered. They named a ticket in the 
succeeding fall, but their vote was light. The two old parties 
named full county tickets and fought hard for their national tick- 
ets. The Prohibitionists also named a full ticket. The registra- 
tion in the county for several vears was as follows: 1882, 5,441 ; 
1883, 6,912; 1884, 9,237; 1885, 7,720; 1886. 8.481; 1887, 7,806. 
The registration in the city of Dubuque was: 1886, 4,621 ; 1887, 
4,556; 1888, 5,274. The result was as follows: Democratic elect- 
ors, 5,952; Republican electors, 3,055; United Labor electors, 328: 
Prohibition electors, 53. The Democrats elected their county ticket 
by large pluralities. For Congress Richards received in the county 
5,387 votes and Henderson 4,039. 



38o HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

In 1889 R. W. Stewart was nominated for mayor by the Demo- 
crats. The RepiibHcans, calHng themselves "Independent," nomi- 
nated C. D. Hayden. The Labor party selected four Democrats 
and six Republicans for its ticket. Before election the Republicans 
and Laborites united on the Republican candidates, some conces- 
sions being extended to the latter. The result was: Stewart (D. ), 
2,471; Hayden (R.), 2,112; the Democratic majority ranged 
from 146 to 359. The proposition to sell the city real estate re- 
sulted as follows: Yes, 1,019; no, 1,172. Outgoing Mayor Burch 
recommended that power to supervise all city departments should 
be given to the mayor. A division in the Democracy early in 
this campaign was called "Jacksonians." It was stated at this 
time that Governor Larrabee threatened to place here a state con- 
stabulary to enforce the prohibitory law. 

"The Republicans should be given severe rebuke for nominat- 
ing a Prohibitionist for mayor of this city. It gives a bad cast 
to their whole ticket. Dubuque wants nothing of a party which 
nominates a Prohibitionist. The Republicans have shown a very 
small regard for the sentiments of the people of the city against 
the fanatic prohibition law which has so hampered the business 
of the citv and the industries of the state." {Herald, March 27, 
1889.) 

Horace Boies, of Waterloo, nominated for governor, was popu- 
lar here from the start. Hutchison, Republican candidate, was 
not so well liked even bv the Republicans. The campaign was 
enthusiastic and resulted in this county as follows: Boies (D. ), 
6,144; Hutchison (R. ), 1,820: Downing (Lab.), 62; Smith 
(Pro.), 4. The Democrats swept the county. On the question. 
Shall the number of county supervisors be increased? the result 
was: Yes. 3,085: no, 2.899. Shall stock be restrained: Yes, 
3,380; no, 2,532. The Democrats nominated J. H. Shields for 
senator, and the Republicans nominated the old Democratic war- 
horse, George W. Jones. Shields received 6,030 votes and Jones 
1.906. The issues of this campaign were: (i) Prohibition; (2) 
State control of railroads ; (3) Australian ballot ; (4) tariff. The 
election of Boies gave Iowa to the Democrats for the first time in 
over thirty years. The Democrats of Dubuque county rejoiced 
as never before, and sent a large delegation to Waterloo to con- 
gratulate the governor-elect. 

In the spring of 1890 the Republicans at their city convention — 
"Resolved, That it is the sense of the Republicans of the city of 
Dubuque, in convention assembled, that the repeal of the present 
prohibition law and the adoption of a judicious license law is a 
measure demanded by the interests of the state, and would tend 
to advance the cause of temperance and good government." They 
did not put up a city ticket, except for aldennen, but eidorsed that 
of the Democrats. Robert W. Stewart was thus elected mayor. 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 381 

In April, 1890, the legislature, by a vote of 81 to 49, voted to con- 
tinue the existing prohibitory law two years longer. A large dele- 
gation from Dubuque attended the inauguration of Governor 
Boies. The latter and Judge Couch (D. ) addressed audiences in 
this county in the fall of 1890. The latter ran against Henderson 
(R. ) for congress, but was defeated in the district by 196 major- 
ity. Bribery and election frauds were charged in November. 
Dubuque county gave Couch 3,599 majority. For secretary of 
state. Chamberlain (D. ) received 6,666, and McFarland (R. ) 
2,830; for constitutional convention, 1,135; against it, 3,156. 
Five county supervisors were chosen. They were Joseph Schemmel, 
Thomas Dunn, M. F. McNamara, D. C. Stewart and Joseph 
Schueller. The total vote polled was 9,525. 

In 1 89 1 the Democrats nominated for mayor R. W. Stewart 
and the Republicans nominated Mr. Crawford. Each party named 
a full ticket. The result was: Stewart (D. ), 2,783; Crawford, 
(R. ), 1,867. The Democrats won the balance of the offices. The 
Republicans favored prohibition. In June, 189 1, Mayor Stewart 
resigned, and was succeeded by C. J. W. Saunders. It was at this 
time that General Jones insisted that Dubuque should have the 
next national Democratic convention. A. Y. McDonald died in 
July, 1 89 1. He had been a prominent manufacturer and Green- 
backer; served in the First Regiment and in the Twenty-first. 

On October 30, 1891, Governor Boies spoke here in the opera 
house; 1,500 heard him. On the platform sat George W. Jones 
and Thomas S. Wilson, old wheel-horses of Democracy ; Fred 
O'Donnell presided ; J. H. Shields also spoke. The campaign was 
hotly fought throughout this county. Governor Boies also ad- 
dressed a large audience at Dyersville. Boies (D. ) received 6,820 
votes and Wheeler (R. ) 2,307, for governor. The Democratic 
county ticket was elected by a large majority. 

In the spring of 1892 there was proposed for Dubuque a one- 
mill tax to retire the floating debt of $120,000. This tax had been 
levied in 1891 to raise a fund for the engine house. By retiring 
the floating debt and thus preserving the city's credit, the bonded 
debt, as it began to fall due in 1896, could be refunded with 
bonds bearing a lower rate of interest. The Democrats nominated 
C. J. W. Saunders for mayor, and the Republicans, Hugh Cor- 
rance. The Democratic majority for mayor was 1,989. The 
Republican ticket was really a fusion or combination of all polit- 
ical elements opposed to the city administration. There had been 
made during the past year, at enormous expense, but at the request 
of the citizens generally, vast improvements in streets and sewers ; 
but credit was good, as the city paid 100 cents on the dollar. There 
were differences over the management of the floating and bonded 
debt ; they were fought out in this campaign. 

In September the five wards of Dubuque were divided into 



382 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUXTY 

twelve election precincts. In the fall campaign, 1892, the Demo- 
crats of this county urged the nomination of Governor Boies for 
the presidency. "On to Chicago!" was the cry from all parts of 
Iowa ; but Cleveland was renominated. The Australian ballot 
w^as used for the first time here and was popular at once. James 
H. Shields was named for congress by the Democrats. Both par- 
ties named full county tickets. Boies, Shields, Allison, Hender- 
son, Colonel Lyon and other prominent speakers entertained their 
respective followers. The vote in Dubuque county, for congress- 
man, was: Shields (D.), 6.821; Henderson (R.), 3,587; Jes- 
sup (Pro.), 51. A similar vote was polled for the balance of the 
ticket. The presidential vote was as follows : Cleveland electors. 
6,832; Harrison electors. 3,526; Weaver electors (Populist), 
112; Bidwell (Pro. ),45. Three Democratic county supervisors — 
Cunningham, McNamara and Stewart — were elected by large 
majorities. There was great rejoicing among the Democrats over 
the success of their national ticket. 

In the spring of 1893 there was a widespread cry for reform 
throughout the city of Dubuque; this led to the formation of a 
reform ticket, the design being to carry both city and county. The 
Citizens' or Reform ticket was headed by A. W. Daugherty for 
mayor, and the Republicans endorsed the ticket. The Democrats 
ncminated T. T. Duffy for mayor. The Citizens' or Reform ticket 
generally was successful, Daugherty's majority being 401. The 
Democrats elected the city attorney, J. E. Knight, and two alder- 
men, but the balance of the Reform ticket was successful. This 
result was a complete surprise to the Democrats — was wholly unan- 
ticipated. "We have met the enemy and we are theirs," and 
"Was it a landslide, a cyclone, or a cataclysm; what was it?" 
asked or declared the Herald. The People demanded reform, but 
what: did they want? 

In the autumn of 1893 there were three tickets in the field in this 
county — Democrats, Republicans and Citizens — the latter composed 
of certain Republicans, "Jacksonian" Democrats and dissatisfied 
Democrats. The Citizens favored rotation in office, opposed third 
terms, denounced the management of county finances, and de- 
manded, of course, strict honesty of public servants; they thus 
slapped Henderson, candidate for Congress. There were four state 
tickets — Democratic, Republican, Prohibitionist and People's. The 
Democrats generally won in this county in November. 1893, by from 
300 to 1,500 majority, although there were great Republican gains 
here and all over the country. For governor, Boies (D. ) received 
in this county 6,174 votes; Jackson (R.), 2,522: Mitchell (Proh.), 
86; Joseph (Peop. or Populist), 274; for senator, Baldwin (R. ), 
4,409; Shields (D.), 4,393: sheriff, Phillips (D.), 4.915; Hayden 
(R.), 3.771; treasurer, Traut (D.), 4,501; Vogel (R.), 4,240; 
county superintendent, Horchem (R. ), 4,349; Regan (D. ), 4,318 



& 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 383; 

In August, 1893, the Republican county convention recommended 
Col. W. H. Torbert for the Republican nomination for governor. 

In the mayoralty election of 1894 the following were the leading" 
issues: (i) decrease of city debt; (2) reduce expenditures and 
increase revenues by increasing the saloon licenses, etc. ; (3) vigor- 
ous use of the mayor's veto power when necessary; (4) equaliza- 
tion of assessments. The non-partisans made a strong showing, 
nominated A. W. Daugherty for mayor, and contested every issue 
hotly. The Democrats nominated Peter dinger. The Republicans 
endorsed the non-partisan ticket. The mulct law was much dis- 
cussed, though all parties and factions here at this election leaned 
gently and lovingly toward the liquor interests. A tax of $600 per 
year was laid on all saloons by the mulct law, and was a lien on the 
saloon property and premises. It was here and elsewhere made a 
political issue. The cry of the partisans was, "Too much extrava- 
gance; retrench and pay the city debt." The result of the election 
was: For mayor, Olinger (D. ), 2,883; Daugherty (R. and 
Non-P. ), 2,442. The whole Democratic ticket was victorious. 

In the fall of 1894 the Democrats elected their county ticket. 
O'Donnell and Husted (Ds. ) were elected judges over Lyon and 
Webster (Reps.) lay large majorities. The balance of the Demo- 
cratic ticket had majorities over 716. For Congress, Bashor (D. ) 
received in this county 5,640 to 3,556 for Henderson (R. ). There 
were but two county tickets — Democrat and Republican. 

In the spring of 1895 the Democrats renominated Mr. Olinger 
for mayor, and the Republicans and Citizens named Mr. Crawford. 
One of the issues was that of the economy and management neces- 
sary to meet the refunding of a large portion of the old bonded debt 
— over $200,000 to become due in 1895-96. The Democrats were 
mainly successful at the polls; for mayor, Olinger (D. ) received 
3.593 votes and Crawford (R. and Cit. ), 1,823; recorder, Cooney 
(R. and C.) won by 258 majority; for treasurer, Gniffke (R. 
and C. ) won by 614 majority; for city attorney. Knight (D. ) won 
by 718 majority. The Republicans and Citizens elected two alder- 
men and the Democrats three. 

In the fall of 1895 the Democrats, as usual, carried the county by 
large majorities. On the state ticket there were polled in this 
county: Babb (D.), 5,202; Drake (R.), 2,815; Crane (Pop.), 185; 
Bacon ( Proh. ) , 58. 

In January, 1896, the grand jury indicted the mayor and eight 
aldermen on the charge of unlawfully voting and taking larger sala- 
ries. This charge cut an important figure in the spring elections, 
tliough the Democrats renominated Mr. Olinger for mayor. The 
Citizens nominated T. T. Dui¥y, and the Republicans endorsed the 
latter. This was a bitter fight, with charges, recriminations and 
personahties of the severest stripe. The "salary grab" was the bone 
of contention. The prejudice against the mayor and council on 



384 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

this, wine rooms, extravagance, and other questions, caused the 
defeat generally of the Democrats. For mayor, Duflfy (R. and C.) 
received 3,900 votes; dinger (D. ), 2,299; for assessor, Duncan 
(R. and Cit.), 3,505; Ruegamer (D.), 2,536; the Citizens elected 
two aldermen and the Democrats three. 

In May, 1896, the Democratic state convention was held in Du- 
buque. There was a large attendance and much enthusiasm. All 
wanted Allison nominated for President on the Republican ticket. 

The campaign of the fall of 1896 was one of the most brilliant 
ever witnessed here. The Democrats were split on the silver ques- 
tion and the Republicans were not much better off. "Coin Harvey" 
expounded his sophistries and philosophies in October, and gained 
many followers ; all admired the ingenuity of his theories. Ad- 
dresses were made in this county by Boies, Bryan, Tillman, Nugent, 
Allison. The Democrats of this county did not commit themselves 
on the silver question at their convention. At the close of the cam- 
paign it was said by the Herald that the presidential election of 1840 
held here was interesting, that of i860 exciting, that of 1864 absorb- 
ing, that of 1876 doubtful and nerve-wrecking, and that of 1896 
"the most remarkable campaign in the history of the county and 
country." There registered in Dubuque 7,734 voters, against 6,782 
in 1892. Marvelous to relate, McKinley for President carried 
Dubuque city, but lost the county by a small majority. Every 
Republican candidate in Julien township was elected by majorities 
ranging from 67 to 539. On the national ticket, the following vote 
was polled in the county: Bryan (D. ), 6,492; McKinley (R. ), 
5,203; Bryan (People's), 78; Palmer (Nat. Dem.), 153; Lever- 
ing (Pro), 19; Bentley (National), 3; Mattchett (Soc. Lab.), II. 
There were but two county tickets — Democratic and Republican. 
Henderson (R. ) for Congress beat in this district Staehle (D. ) by 
nearly 11,000 majority. In Dubuque, Henderson received 5,491 
and Staehle, 6,482. For county attorney, Michel (R. ) received 
6,027 3nd Jess (D. ), 6,012. McKinley carried Dubuque city by 105 
majority. Three Democratic county supervisors were elected. The 
hard-money Democrats assisted in this result here. The Republicans 
celebrated their victory with a torchlight procession, speeches, etc. 

In the spring of 1897 the Democrats nominated John M. Kenety 
for mayor and the Citizens and Republicans renominated Mr. Duffy. 
Economy, reduction of the debt and its refunding, vice and wine- 
rooms, etc., were among the issues. The result was as follows: 
For mayor, Duffy (C. and R. ), 3,267; Kenety (D. ) 3,084; re- 
corder, Langstaff (R. and C), 3,212; Fitzpatrick (D. ), 3,047: 
treasurer, Gniffke (R. and C. ), 3,223; Kaufman (D. ), 2,939; city 
attorney, Duffy (D.), 3,479; Webster (R. and C), 2,751; the 
Democrats elected all alclermen except one. 

In November, 1897, the Democrats swept the county, electing all 
except the sheriff. Party spirit ran high, good government was 




^S/t^iH^u c£c^cJz/K 



M-C. 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 385 

demanded, and personalities were at times bitter and unjust. For 
sheriff, Duggan (D. ) received in the county 4,869 votes, and Hau- 
denschield (R. ). 5.006. For governor, White (D. ) received 5,815; 
Shaw (R.), 3,928; Floyd (Peop.),29; Cliggitt (Nat. Dem.), 108; 
Leland (Prohib. ), 40; Kremer (Soc. Lab.), 27. 

In the spring of 1898 the Democrats nominated, for mayor. Mat- 
thew Stafford ; all opposed to the former Democratic administra- 
tion united on a "Citizens' ticket," with C. H. Berg for mayor; the 
latter had served creditably as alderman, and even the Herald spoke 
well of him. 

In 1898, under the new law, instead of there being elected two 
aldermen from each ward, there were to be one from each ward 
and two at large from the whole city, elected by all the voters, just 
as the mayor was elected. The mayor was to be elected for two 
years. This change had led politicians to study the situation closely. 
The leading issue was to reduce expenditures and the city debt, bond 
and floating. Mr. Berg was elected by 3,397 votes to 2,843 ^^^ ^^f. 
Stafiford. Elected also on the Citizens' ticket were auditor, assessor 
and two aldermen ; the Democrats carried the balance ; it seemed 
that the people wanted a change. The Citizens held every city office 
e.xcept marshal and engineer. This was the greatest change in the 
political complexion of the city for thirty years. Of the seven 
aldermen, five were Citizens. What made the Democrats sore was 
the fact that other elections generally were Democratic. 

The principal issues in November, 1908, were honest, lawful and 
economical management of county affairs. The silver question. 16 
to I, was warmly discussed and cussed. Democrats, Populists and 
Silver Republicans united on a state ticket, with 16 to i as the 
corner-stone. The Democrats made a clean sweep of this county 
by large majorities. Matthews and O'Donnell, for judges, received 
6,040 and 6,014, respectively, to 3,534 and 3,359 for Lyon and Utt, 
respectively. Henderson (R. ), for Congress, polled 3,966 to 5,671 
for Howell (D. ) and 22 for Dean (Indep. ). In December, 1898, 
Eugene V. Debs lectured at Dubuque, on "Labor and Liberty." 

On October 16, 1899, President McKinley visited Dubuque; 
great preparations for his reception were made ; Allison, Hancock, 
Merry and others were at the head of the movement ; the schools 
were dismissed in order that the children might see the illustrious 
visitor, but a rainstorm marred their pleasure ; many distinguished 
men were present. 

In November, 1899, the whole Democratic county ticket was 
elected by majorities ranging from 264 to 1,794. For governor, 
White (D.) received S.800 and Shaw (R.), 3,785; state senator, 
Nolan (D.), 5,354: Hancock (R.), 4,699; sheriff, Conlin (D.), 
5,173; Haudenshield (R. ), 4,909. 

In the spring of 1900, C. H. Berg was renominated for mayor by 
the Citizens, and C. J. W. Saunders was nominated by the Demo- 



386 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

crats. The principal promise of the latter was "to dissolve speedily 
the compact that now exists between the city on the one side and the 
haunts of crime and shame on the other." Mr. Berg, who had 
become very popular, was given an immense majority — 4,828 to 
3,022 for Mr. Saunders. The Citizens elected mayor, recorder, 
treasurer, auditor, assessor, one alderman-at-large and three 
aldermen in wards i, 3 and 5; the Democrats secured the balance. 
The majorities varied greatly, showing the rupture of parties. By 
hard committee and council work, the Berg administration, as a 
whole, showed superiority over any previous city management. 

In November, 1900, the county registration was 7,790; in 1896 
it was 7,734. The vote on the national ticket was: McKinley (R. ), 
4,752; Bryan (D.), 6,655; Woolley (Pro.), 56; Barker (Peop.), 
i; Malloney ( Soc. Lab.), 17; Leonard (United Christian), 8; 
Debs (Soc. bem. ), 75. For secretary of state. Crane (D. ) received 
6,812: Martin (R.), 4,814. The whole Democratic county ticket 
was elected by about the same majorities. On the proposition to 
revise the constitution, the result was : Yes, 4,009; no, 3.205 ; bien- 
nial elections: yes, 3,839; no, 2,777. Henderson (R.), for Con- 
gress, received the largest majority ever shown in this district — 
1 1,491 ; he became Speaker of the House. 

In the spring of 1902 the Democrats did not name a candidate for 
mayor; they otherwise nominated a full ticket, but left the voters 
to make their own choice for mayor from C. H. Berg (Citizens), 
John Babcock (Law and Order) and A. B. Wynier (Socialist); 
the vote was: Berg, 4,160; BalDcock, 1,040; Wymer, 550. The 
Law and Order ticket favored Sunday closing, abolishment of wine- 
rooms, slot machines, gambling and the social evil. 

Governor Boies spoke in Dyersville and Worthington in Octo- 
ber, 1902. 

In November, for Congress, Birdsall (R.) received 3,636, and 
Boies (D.), 5,717. Matthews and O'Donnell were re-elected judges 
over Powers and Michel, though the Socialist candidates for judges 
received 666 and 687 votes in this county. The Democrats — Mul- 
grew, clerk ; Weimer, auditor ; McGovern, recorder ; Fitzpatrick, 
attorney, and Andre, Pillard and Cooney, supervisors, were elected. 
The large Socialist vote, 646 to 732 on the whole county ticket, was 
the sensation of this election here. This was a bitter contest and was 
not the first one where passion and personal gain appeared to rule. 
Each side claimed and plausibly showed that the other party was 
always extravagant and usually corrupt when in power. An untruth- 
ful attack, artfully, vehemently and unctuously conducted against 
opposing party candidates, was supposed to reveal superior watch- 
fulness, integrity and righteousness on the part of an arrogant and 
.self-boasting press. Often the campaigns of falsehood and slander 
intentionally employed by the newspapers, were far worse than the 
malfeasances thev denounced or concealed. Slander was an every- 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 387 

day newspaper event ; misrepresentation was the concealed bludgeon 
used thug-like by the press to advance individual interests, sustain 
diminisliing newspaper circulation, or promote partisan success. In- 
variably figures were made notorious liars by the skill of penny-a-line 
reporters, venal press owners desiring public confidence and patron- 
age, and oily editors without conscience, honor or hope of heaven. 
This state of things had gone on so long in Dubuque county 
that people no longer trusted newspaper tales of corruption and 
incompetence. 

In November, 1903, the Democrats elected every county officer 
e.xcept treasurer; the vote for the latter was: Kretschmer (R. ), 
5,041; Gehrig (D.), 4,641; Buckingham (Soc), 445. For gov- 
ernor, Sullivan (D.) received 5,074; Cummins (R. ), 3,810; Work 
(Soc. ), 558. The Times charged corruption, extravagance and 
plundering to the Democratic county administration ; but the ticket 
of the latter was elected "just the same." 

In the spring of 1904 the Socialists nominated a full city ticket, 
with Ernest Holtz for mayor, with the announced object "the over- 
throw of the capitalistic wage system and the substitution therefor 
of the co-operative commonwealth," etc. The Citizens' party renom- 
inated Mr. Berg for his fourth term. He said that during the pre- 
vious four years his aim had been "to meet the varied needs of our 
people, to avoid clashing with them, and to unite all elements of 
the community in one harmonious whole." Economy and a wise 
expenditure of money had ruled, he said. The Democrats charged 
immorality, conducted an alleged righteous campaign, and were led 
by John J. Sheridan. "Decency" was their slogan. The result was: 
Berg (Cit.), 3,637; Sheridan (D.), 2,443; Holtz (Soc), 272. 
This result showed that the citizens were satisfied with the Berg 
administration, and that the Socialist movement was on the decline. 

In November, 1904, an unheard-of thing occurred : The Repub- 
licans swept Dubuque county for the first time in history, electing 
every candidate except recorder. In a large measure this result was 
due to Roosevelt's popularity, the county ticket being carried to suc- 
cess by the national ticket. Corruption and illegal fees were charged 
to the Democrats in countv affairs. The result was : Roosevelt 
(R.), 5,485; Parker (D.), 4,913; Swallow (Pro.), 52; Debs 
(Soc), 847; Watson (Peop.), 56. The Socialist vote showed a 
great increase instead of a decrease. For Congress, Birdsall (R. ) 
received 5,214, and Mallon (D.), 4,829; for county clerk. Sulli- 
van (R.), 5,570; Mulgrew (D.), 5,110; for county auditor, Hau- 
denshield (R.), 5,897; Weimer (D.), 4,878; county recorder, 
Fober (R.), 5,151; McGovern (D.), 5,393; county attorney, 
Barnes (R.), 5,792; Fitzpatrick (D.), 4,854; county supervisors, 
McOuillen (D.), 5,135 ; Ferring (D.), 5,932 ; Hogan (D.), 5,133; 
Byrne (R.), 5,539; Laude (R.), 5,697. 

The waterworks scandal came out about this time and has been 



388 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

out much of the time since. It was held before the people almost 
constantly during 1905 and 1906, and had a great deal to do in 
determining election results in the spring of 1906. The Democrats 
were determined to defeat the Berg administration, and nominated 
Henry A. Schunk for mayor, who announced his platform was: 
(i) Honesty in office; (2) a business administration; (3) pub- 
licity of city affairs; (4) waterworks on a business basis; (5) a 
plumbing inspector; (6) elimination of graft in the city hall; (7) 
a Greater Dubuque. The Herald openly charged the grossest cor- 
ruption on the Berg administration and on the council. The Demo- 
crats argued (i) No long tenure of office; (2) improvement in 
waterworks management; (3) graft by the council and the mayor 
to be stopped. Seven officeholders had held office under the city 
for a total of sixty years ; the mayor himself had held his office for 
eight years ; there should be a change, it was urged. The result 
was as follows: Berg (Cit. ). 2,219; Schunk (D. ), 3,363; Holtz 
(Soc. ), 309; Needham (Indp. ), 892. Linehan (D. ), recorder; 
Lyons (D.), auditor : Brinkman (D.), treasurer ; Kintzinger (D.), 
attorney, were duly elected. Mr. Berg said on retiring: "We have 
the honor of turning over to our successors the government of this 
beautiful city, with its finances in excellent condition and its reputa- 
tion for moral conditions equaled by only three other cities in this 
broad land." 

John D. Denison, of Dubuque, was nominated for lieutenant- 
governor by the Democrats in August, 1906. 

The gubernatorial campaign of November, 1906, was lively and 
interesting and the county campaign personal and abusive. The 
result was: For governor. Cummins (R.), 4,274; Porter (D. ), 
5,716; Shank (Soc), 350; Coffin (Pro.), 52; Norman (Peop.), 
3; Hisey (Secular Government), 6. During the campaign Cum- 
mins. Porter and Birdsall spoke at Dubuque. For Congress, Bird- 
sail (R. ) received in this county 3,924, and Murtagh (D. ), 5,043; 
for the state senate, Crawford (R.), 4,468: Frudden (D.), 4,982; 
McAleece (Soc), 342; for auditor. Haudenshield (R. ), 4,905; 
Scharle (D. ), 4,968; Miller (Soc), 299; for treasurer, Ferring 
(R. ), 4,724; Palen (D. ). 5,108; Mason (Soc). 297; for clerk, 
Sullivan (R. ). 5.320; Callahan (D.), 4,398; Holmberg (Soc), 
322; for sheriff, Laude (R.), 3.827; Dunn (D.), 6,158; Cos- 
grove (Soc), 309: for recorder, Fober (R.), 3,748; Swift (D. ), 
5,755; Brandt (Soc). 328; for attorney, Barnes (R. ). 3.880; 
Nelson (D.). 5.828; Euser (Soc). 303. Matthews and Bonson, 
Democrats, were elected over Husted and Michel, Republicans, for 
judges. Democratic coroner and county superintendent were chosen. 
Reinecke ( R. ) was elected county supervisor. 

In the spring of 1908 the following was the vote for mayor: 
Schunk (D.), 3,390: Ott (Cit. Non-Part.), 3,223 ; Cameron (Soc), 
329; Needham (Indp.), 15. The real issue was the waterworks — 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 389 

should its management be reformed or should the old system be 
continued ? Originally, the Citizens' Non-Partisan League had 
been created to purify civic affairs; but now it was alleged by the 
Democrats, the Citizens' methods were worse than the evils com- 
plained of — they themselves needed purifying because they were no 
longer the advocates of civic righteousness but of civic corruption. 
The election of Mr. Schunk was believed by many to mean the eradi- 
cation of vice and dishonesty. This year the first general primary 
election was held in this county. 

In August, 1908. Senator William B. Allison died here at the 
age of seventy-nine years, after a long and brilliant career as a 
citizen and statesman. The whole country united in fitting tributes 
to his high character and useful and influential public services. 
Many prominent men attended his obsequies, among whom were 
Vice-President Fairbanks, Governor Cummins and Senator Dolliver. 

In the fall of 1908 the issues discussed were trusts, high tariff 
and existing high prices. The local Democrats took the position 
that all these evils were the result of Republican mismanagement, 
while the Republicans declared existing conditions were due to 
shortage of supply, local influences, etc. Mr. Work, the Socialist, 
was here in October. The Times-J ournal criticized severely the 
Democratic management of county affairs — particularly that of the 
county debt, which had increased. It had advanced to about $185,- 
000 in spite of the fact that the mulct receipts during the last seven 
years had amounted to $355,496.32. The Telegraph-Herald stated 
that the bulk of the debt arose from bridge expenses resulting from 
floods, and had been necessary. This was a stirring campaign, 
replete with personalities more or less libelous in their character. 
On the national ticket, Taft (R. ) received 4,708; Bryan (D. ), 
6,645; Chafin (Pro.), 53; Debs (Soc.),427; Watson (Peop. ), i; 
Hisgen (Independence), 21. There were but three county tickets — 
Democratic, Republican and Socialist. The registry in Dubuque 
city was 8,212. The vote for governor was as follows: Carroll 
(^■)^ 3779; White (D.), 6,857; Brown (Pro.), 49; McCrillis 
(Soc), 361; Cowler (Peop.), 4; Weller (Ind.), 11. The result 
was as follows on the county ticket: Auditor — Scharle (D.), 6,320; 
Haudenshield (R.), 4,643; Brandt (S. ),335; treasurer — Ferring 
(R.), 4,606; Palen (D.), 6,370; McAleece (S.), 335; clerk- 
Sullivan (R.), 4,765; Harrington (D.), 6,054; Lux (S.), 344; 
sheriff— Dunn (D.), 8,049: Wright (S.), 436; scattering, 4; 
recorder— Klegmond (R.), 3,755; Swift (D.), 6,783; Coyle (S.), 
356; attorney — Barnes (R.), 3.701: Nelson (D.), 6,929; Enser 
(S.),36o. 

At the mayoralty election in 1910, Schunk (D.) received 2,886 
votes: Haas (Cit.' Non-Part.), 3,304; Buchet (Soc), 252. Mr. 
Schunk was renominated on his good record during four years; no 
serious charge against his administration was made. Mr. Schunk 



390 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

sought re-election on the following policy: (i) Conservation of 
waterworks; (2) continuation of waterworks law suits; (3) oppo- 
sition to special privileges ; (4) greater efforts for Greater Du- 
buque; (5) active pursuit of tax dodgers; (6) business adminis- 
tration; (7) decrease of the tax levy; (8) a city parking system. 
But the Citizens' Non-Partisan voters wanted office, power and 
other choice things, conducted a campaign on more or less fictitious 
issues and triumphantly elected their ticket except auditor. The 
following city officers were elected: Daniel J. Haas (C. N. P.), 
mayor; Otto P. Geiger (C. N. P.), recorder; George D. Wybrant 
(C. N. P.), treasurer: M. E. Lyons (D. ), auditor; George T. 
Lyon (C. N. P.), attorney; W. A. Schaffhauser (C. N. P.), as- 
sessor; C. H. Baumgartner (C. N. P.), engineer. Of the seven 
aldermen elected two were Citizens and five Democrats. 

In November, 1910, there were no special local issues of impor- 
tance; the division of the Republicans in state and nation into 
stand-patters and progressives extended to this county, and here as 
elsewhere gave victory to the Democrats. The following were 
elected: Robert Bonson (D.) and J. W. Krutzinger (D. ), judges; 
Nicholas Schrup (D. ), senator; M. F. McCullough (D.) and 
Simon Miller (D.), representatives: Theo. Scharle (D. ), auditor; 
Joseph A. Palen (D. ), treasurer: C. D. Harrington (D. ), clerk; 
J. J. Dunn (D.), sheriff; Samuel Swift (D.), recorder; P. J. Nel- 
son (D., no opposition), attorney; Harry B. Smith (D., no opposi- 
tion), superintendent; Paul Ilg (D. ), surveyor; John C. Voelker 
(D. ), coroner; Joseph Connolly, John R. Kingsley, T. H. McQuil- 
len, Frank Bahl, M. W. Daly and John Vorwald, all Democrats, 
county supervisors. For governor. Porter (D. ) received 6,616; 
Carroll (R. ), 2,240, and Work (Soc.) and MacEachron (Pro.) 
received a few votes each. 




ST. JOSEPHS SANITARIUM. DUBUQUE 



COUNTY AFFAIRS. 

ALONG the Mississippi river came the white men who first saw 
what is now Iowa and first camped upon its soil. In 1673 
Joliet, who was sent west to find a way to the "South Sea," 
as the Pacific Ocean was then called, came down the Wiscon- 
sin and Mississippi rivers, accompanied by Father Marquette. They 
saw and perhaps set foot upon what is now Dubuque county. In 
1680 Father Hennepin and seven others of the LaSalle party sent to 
the Illinois country, came up the Mississippi and saw and no doubt 
camped upon the present Dubuque county. In 1702, Lesueur and a 
large party of adventurers and hunters from the French settlement 
at the mouth of the Mississippi came up past the present Dubuque 
county, exploring the shores thoroughly as they passed along, kill- 
ing bufl^alo, elk and wild fowl for their subsistence and very likely 
thus hunting in what is now Dubuque county. They went on up to 
Minnesota and passed the winter at Blue Earth, where they con- 
structed a fort, killed large numbers of buffalo and dug for con- 
veyance to Europe a considerable quantity of the blue earth, imag- 
ining it to contain valuable mineral, perhaps copper. On their re- 
turn in the spring they again passed by and probably camped 
upon this county. Soon afterwards Nicholas Perrot, Nicollet and 
other Frenchmen were in the vicinity of Prairie du Chien, Lake 
Pepin and as far up as St. Anthony's Falls. A fort was built near 
Lake Pepin by Perrot and garrisoned. As early as 1766 English 
traders visited all this region and established many trading posts 
among the Indians ; they were extending the trade and territory of 
the Hudson Bay Company. Marquette called the Mississippi "Con- 
ception" ; Hennepin called it "St. Louis", and LaSalle called it 
"Colbert". 

"The lead mines on the west side of the Mississippi had first been 
worked by one Longe, then by his successor, a trader with the 
Indians, Mr. Cardinal, and finally by one Dubuque. This was re- 
lated in 1835 by a Canadian of eighty years of age who for more 
than twenty years had been the servant of Dubuque." — (Fr. S. 
Mazzuchelli in "Historical and Edifying Memoirs of a Mis- 
sionary.") 

Previous to 1803, what is now Dubuque county was a part of 
Louisiana, which belonged to Spain before 1763, when it was 
ceded conditionally to France as the result of the seven years' war. 
At the request of Napoleon, in 1800, it was "retroceded" to France, 
but in 1803 was ceded by the latter to the United States. In 1804 

391 



392 HISTORY OP DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Congress made tlie present Dubuque county a part of the District 
of Louisiana. The next year it became part of the Territory of 
Louisiana and in 1812 a part of the Territory of Missouri. It re- 
mained a part of Missouri until the latter became a state in 1821. 
In 1834 it was attached to Michigan Territory and in 1836 became 
a part of Wisconsin Territory. In 1838 it became a part of Iowa 
Territory and finally, in 1846, a part of the State of Iowa. The 
act creating Wisconsin Territory became effective July 4, 1836, 
and the act creating Iowa Territory became effective July 4, 1838. 

Previous to October i, 1834, all of what is now Iowa was with- 
out political organization. On that date (October i, 1834), all was 
attached to Michigan Territory, and the following are some of the 
provisions of that act : 

"That all that district of country which was attached to the Ter- 
ritory of Michigan by the Act of Congress, entitled 'An Act to at- 
tach the territory of the United States west of the Mississippi river 
and north of the State of Missouri to the Territory of Michigan,' 
approved June 28, 1834, and to which the Indian title has been ex- 
tinguished, which is situated on the north of a line to be drawn due 
west from the lower end of Rock Island to Missouri river, shall 
constitute a county and be called Dubuque ; the said county shall 
constitute a township which shall be callecl Julien ; the seat of justice 
shall be established at the village of Dubuque until the same shall be 
changed by the judges of the county court of said county." 

South of Dubuque to the Missouri line was Demoine county, 
which was constituted the township of Flint Hill. An election of 
township officers in Julien township was ordered held the first 
Monday of November, 1834, and all elections in the county of Du- 
buque were directed to be held at Lorimier's store in the village of 
Dubuque ; at Gebhon's store in the village of Peru ; at the dwelling 
of Hosea T. Camp near the head of Catfish creek and at Lore's 
dwelling on the Muskoketa. 

This act was to be in force and take effect on and after October 
I, 1834, and the township officers elected were to hold office until 
the first Monday in April, 1835. The act was approved September 
6, 1834. By the act of December 9, 1834, the oaths of office ad- 
ministered to the clerk of Dubuque county and the oaths that had 
been administered by him to the officers of the county for the pur- 
pose of organizing the same were declared legal and valid. The 
courts of Dubuque county were ordered held in April and Septem- 
ber of each year and all laws in force in Iowa county, Wisconsin 
Territory, were declared applicable to Dubuque county. All legal 
processes could run from Iowa county into Dubuque county. In 
January, 1835, Ezekiel Lockwood, who had been appointed pro- 
bate judge, held court. No court of general jurisdiction was held 
until 1837. No county commissioners met until 1836. 

Tlie first meeting of the county supervisors was held May 13, 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 393 

1836. Present, Francis Gehon, William Smith and John Paul. 
Warner Lewis was appointed clerk. The treasurer was ordered 
charged with the amount of the territorial taxes for 1835, to the 
amount of $280; he was likewise charged with the county tax of 
$1,952.78, and with $176 of territorial tax on persons who had 
commenced business after the first quarter of 1835; grocers and 
victualling houses were taxed $10 per year. The treasurer was 
also charged with the territorial tax. Among those charged with 
merchants' and grocers' licenses were Patrick Ouigley, Kelly & 
Worthington, Fassett & Sherman, Morrison & Prentice, O'Ferrall 
& Cox, Alexander Levi. Pease & Cain, E. Lockwood, Mr. See- 
thal, George Straper, J. D. Bush, Jones & Scott, F. Everett, H. 
Simplot, William Burk, A. Pasguen, C. Stowell, M. Norton, A. 
Coriell, John Levi, Sleator & Smoker, E. Mattox, S. Cottenback, 
L. Reander, Charles Markle, A. Weatherford, A. Power, Mr. 
Pease, P. O'Marra, Francis Gairin, R. C. Bourne, Francis Gehon, 
Cyrus Harper, Baptiste Lapage, Emerson & Cryder, Badger & Car- 
dinal, Blythe & Thompson and Mr. Gotrell. 

William Myers, overseer of the poor, was paid $29.13 for taking 
care of Josiah Mix. a lunatic. Henry Futzer was paid $6.70 for 
the same service. Alexander Butterworth and Samuel L. Clifton 
were ordered paid $577.25 for the jail building. Plans for the" 
court house were ordered published in the Visitor in June, 1836. 
It was to be a hev.ed log house, seven inches thick, 20x26 feet in 
size, the first story nine feet high and the second story five feet 
high to the commencement of the roof, all to be covered with 
shingles. The upper story was to be divided into three rooms, all 
with suitable windows, doors and staircases. C. H. Gratiot was 
county treasurer. 

In June, John A. Wright became assessor and collector, vice H. 
H. Pease, resigned. At the August meeting the order for building 
a court house was rescinded. The assessor reported the county as- 
sessable property at $202,365. The rate of tax was three-fourths 
of one per cent, and the whole county tax $1,517.73. To this was 
added $868.56 delinquent tax, making the total revenue $2,386.29. 
William W. Chapman, attorney, was employed to sue Alexander 
Butterworth and Samuel L. Clifton on their jail contract; he was 
allowed a fee of $100. 

Under the act of December 9. 1836, George W. Cummins, 
sheriff, took the census of Dubuque county and was paid therefor 
$450; the work included advertising elections and making returns. 

In September, 1836, the population of Dubuque county (then 
comprising all north of the latitude of Rock Island and west of the 
Mississippi) was 4,272, and of Demoine county, 6,295; total, 10,- 
567. The survey of the Blackhawk purchase was begim about the 
middle of November. 1836, and demands that a land office should 



394 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

be established in Dubuque were at once made. "Why not?" asked 
the Visitor. 

In 1836 Warner Lewis was a justice of the peace in this county. 
The first legislature of Wisconsin Territory convened at Belmont 
(then and now in Wisconsin) in October, 1836. In June, 1836, 
260 head of cattle were driven here from Missouri ; they were 
stock cattle, were sold to the pioneers for miles around, com- 
manded good prices, and were a godsend to the community. It 
was not stated who brought them here. (See Visitor, June, 1836). 
The act of December 7, 1836, ordered laid out a road from Du- 
buque to Wapello and divided Demoine county into Lee, Vari 
Buren, Des Moines, Henry, Louisa, Muscatine and Cook. 

In 1837 the county board were William Smith, James Fanning, 
and Brigliton Bushee. George W. Cummins was sheriff. Many 
small bills were paid. A territorial road from Famiington to 
Prairie du Chien was surveyed at this time. George L. Nightin- 
gale was county clerk. In 1837 the county tax was $2,538. Jury 
rooms were rented of George W. Cummins. 

In the spring of 1837, the surveyors were busy along the Catfish 
and the Little Maquoketa. The spring was very backward, but by 
August all crops looked well. The preemption law was on every- 
body's tongue. Already, early in 1837, far out to the westward, 
public meetings were held to consider the subdivision of Dubuque 
into other counties. Such meetings were held on the upper waters 
of the Turkey and Yellow rivers. At one meeting W. W. Coriell 
was chairman and Eliphalet Price, secretary, according to the 
Visitor. 

The act of December 21, 1837, divided Dubuque county into 
Dubuque, Clayton, Jackson, Benton, Linn, Jones, Clinton, Johnson, 
Scott, Delaware, Buchanan, Cedar, Fayette and others. Under 
this act Dubuque county was given the following boundaries : 

"Beginning at a point in the main channel of the Mississippi 
river where the fifth principal meridian intersects the same ; thence 
south along the said river to the line dividing townships 90 and 91 
north ; thence west with the said line to the line dividing ranges 2 
and 3 west ; thence south along said range line to the line dividing 
townships 86 and 87 ; thence east along said line to the line dividing 
ranges 2 and 3, east of the said meridian; thence north along said 
range line to the line dividing townships 87 and 88 north ; thence 
east along said line to the middle of the main channel of the 
Mississippi river; thence north with the main channel of said river 
to the place of beginning." Buchanan and Delaware were tempo- 
rarily attached to Dubuque county. 

"The sheriff of Dubuque county is hereby authorized and shall 
proceed to collect the taxes now due and assessed in the original 
county of Dubuque in the same manner as if the county had not 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 395 

been divided — anything in any other law to the contrary notwith- 
standing." 

The following election precincts were established in Dubuque 
county by proclamation of Sheriff George W. Cummins in Febru- 
ary, 1838: In Dubuque, at the store of W. W. Coriell ; Peru, at 
the house of John Paul ; Big Maquoketa, at the house of Jacob 
Little Maquoketa river, at the house of John R. Ewing; Catfish, at 
the house of John Paul; Big Maquoketa, at the house of Jacob 
Hamilton; Upper Catfish, at the house of John Regan. 

The post routes established by Congress in the spring of 1838 
were as follows : From Dubuque to the county seat of Delaware 
county ; from Dubuque to West Liberty via Rochester ; from Du- 
buque to Richfield, Point Pleasant and Davenport. An existing 
route was from Galena and Sinsinnawa to Dubuque three times a 
week in stages. 

George L. Nightingale, clerk of the county commissioners, called 
for proposals to be received at the Shakespeare coffee rooms "for 
the boarding and lodging of Alice Annis, a pauper of Dubuque 
county, one year." 

Under the law the census of Iowa Territory was taken in June, 
1838, and Duliuque county was shown to have 2,381 people and 
the whole territory, 22,859; sixteen counties were reported on. 

It was rumored in August, 1838, that two of the county com- 
missioners were aliens and therefore ineligible to office. Mr. Fan- 
ning proved his citizenship, having made his original declaration in 
Steubenville, Ohio, in 1832. 

"The present jail is almost entirely useless and but a mockery of 
what it should be ; it schools villains in the art of making escapes 
and makes them more hardened, impudent and ready to commit 
crime." — (Iowa Ncz(.'s, August, 1838.) 

In 1838 the county board were James Fanning, P. A. Lorimier 
and Andrew Bankson. George L. Nightingale was clerk. The 
following were judges of election in 1838: Dubuque precinct, 
George W. Harris, William Allen and John MacKenzie; Peru pre- 
cinct, Myram Patterson, Chester Sage and John W. Penn; Du- 
rango precinct, Presley Samuels, Joshua Flinn and Andrew Gil- 
lespie; Paul's precinct, Elias McMarks, Jacob Myers and John 
Paul ; Regan's precinct, B. B. Lawless, Robert Fenin and Irwin 
Boone ; Whitewater precinct, Nathan M. Hutton, John Laflesh and 
Michael Leek. All persons making improvements on the public 
square where the court house and jail then stood were ordered 
away by the board. Alice Anderson was cared for by the coimty 
in 1838. Myram Patterson was granted ferry license over the 
Little Maquoketa at Peru. The sum of $42.50 was paid to eleven 
men for services in guarding the prisoners. Singleton and Ducoste, 
who were charged with the murder of an Indian squaw. Joseph 
L. Hempstead was coroner. 



396 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

The total expenses of the county for 1838 were $2,214.10, and 
the total receipts were $2,097.82 ; balance against the county, 
$116.28. The receipts were from the following sources: Terri- 
torial tax, 1838, $827.25; county tax for 1838, $1,270.57. Among 
the expense items were the following : Erwin Reeves, district at- 
torney, $80; G. W. Cummins, sherifif, rent for jury room, $10; 
John Regan, John Wharton and Alfred McDaniels, road commis- 
sioners, $45 ; Scott & Taylor, a stove for the jail, $35 ; Alice Ander- 
son, pauper, her support, $20; Benjamin Gardopie, pursuit of 
Singleton, charged with murder, $12 ; James Fanning, rent for 
court room, $50; T. S. Wilson, district attorney for one year, $150; 
J. V. Berry, district attorney, $150; T. R. Lurton, M. D.. medical 
aid to prisoner, $5 ; Cummins, board of prisoners in jail, $45 ; F. K. 
O'Ferrall, rent for jury room, $5; election expenses, 1838, $205.50; 
grand and petit jurors and witnesses, $360.58. — (Iowa Nen's, Feb- 
ruary 16, 1839.) 

The following were the rates of ferryage for Timothy Fanning's 
ferry in April, 1839: Footman, 25 cents; man and horse, 50 cents; 
wagon drawn by two horses or oxen, $1.50: one horse wagon and 
driver, $1.25. A ferry license was granted to Peyton Vaughan at 
Peru and Cedar Point. 

Peter A. Lorimier was authorized to borrow for the county from 
$1,000 to $2,000 to be expended on public buildings for the county. 
An election precinct was established at the house of Joseph Hewitt 
on the "Fall Fork" of the Big Maquoketa in August, 1839, and Pat- 
rick Finn, James H. Kirkpatrick and Willis Thompson were 
appointed judges. An election precinct was established at the house 
of Jacob Dreibelbis, south of the Catfish, in 1838, and Jacob Drei- 
belbis, James McKean and James Scott were appointed judges. The 
counties separated from Dubuque were now organized, set up and 
settled with. It was regarded as unfair that Dubuque county voters 
should poll votes in the Scott county seat contest between Rocking- 
ham and Davenport. 

Iowa Territory was formed by the Act approved June 12, 1838. 
In the fall following John R. Ewing, George W. Ames and Will- 
iam Smith became county commissioners. They were the first 
under the new Iowa Territorial Act. They appointed George L. 
Nightingale clerk. J. Van Antwerp Berry was district attorney in 
the fall of 1838. Joseph T. Fales was judge of probate. It was 
at this date that the board adopted temporarily a county seal made 
by pressing one cent or one dime on wax. Upon petition a county 
road was ordered surveyed from Dubuque to the furnace on Little 
Maquoketa ; thence up the middle fork to Andrew Gillespie's ; thence 
to Robert Scarce's farm ; thence to John Floyd's, at the extreme 
west end of the county. Alice Annis was still cared for by the 
county. 

Chauncey Swan, of Dubuque county, was appointed one of the 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 397 

three commissioners chosen to locate the seat of government and 
superintend the erection of the public buildings at the capital of 
Iowa Territory. 

A bill in Congress in 1839 granted to Dubuque county a quarter 
section of land to be disposed of to raise means to erect necessary 
public buildings. 

In December, 1839, Congress established post roads from Du- 
buque on the territorial road to Keosauqua and to Palmyra, Mis- 
rouri ; $20,000 had already been appropriated for its construction 
by 1839. At this time, also, a road from Milwaukee to Dubuque 
was projected, to pass through Madison; for it $15,000 was ap- 
propriated. 

George L. Nightingale was appointed auctioneer of this county 
by the governor. 

An act of March 9, 1839, which divided Dubuque county into 
many others provided that they should "liquidate and pay so 
much of the debt now due and unpaid by the present county of 
Dubuque as may be their legal and equitable proportion of the same, 
according to the assessment values of the taxable property which 
shall be made therein." It was further ordered "that the sheriff 
of Dubuque county is hereby authorized and shall proceed to col- 
lect the taxes now due and assessed in the original county of Du- 
buque, in the same manner as if the county had not been divided — 
anything in any other law to the contrary notwithstanding." All 
suits which had been commenced were required to be prosecuted to 
judgment as if no such division had been made. 

Each of the following fractional townships was declared by the 
registrar and receiver at Dubuque entitled to a quarter section of 
land for school purposes: Township 91 north, range i east; town- 
ship 88 north, range 4 east, both in Dubuque county and now parts 
of Jefferson and Mosalem townships, respectively. 

In March, 1839, William Smith was appointed to superintend 
the procuring of materials for a new court house. Samuel Walker 
drew the plans. Permission to vend merchandise in all parts of 
the county was granted in 1838-9 to numerous persons. A road 
was ordered surveyed from Dubuque to Center Grove, to William 
Snodgrass, to McDowell's, to Henry Gardens', on section 7, town- 
ship 89 north, range 2 west ; eighteen persons signed this petition. 
A road from Parsons' ferry to Sage's mill was also surveyed. In 
1839 there were in the county seven election precincts, as follows: 
Dubuque, Peru, Scarce's (formerly Durango), Paul, Hewitt, White 
Water and Ryan's. No special boundaries were fixed for these 
precincts and hence it was possible, and no doubt was practiced, to 
vote at more than one precinct. 

The county commissioners' report for the year 1839 showed total 
expenditures to be $10,996.94. The receipts were the same, less 
$1,000. Among the receipts was $120 from William Hale for 



398 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

eight months' hire of convicts. Among the items of expense were 
$8 to Samuel Walker for a draught of the court house ; $22 to 
Mrs. Dudley for boarding pauper ; $9 to Edward O'Hair for room 
rent ; $7 to T. Mason for room rent for jury ; $5 to Samuel L. 
Clifton for chains for prisoners: $7.50 to Young & Schullenberger 
for ironing prisoners; $38 to Henry Potser for boarding prisoners; 
$12 to James V. Campton for ironing prisoners; sums to Patrick 
Finn for boarding paupers; $175 to Rogus & Anson for work done 
on the new court house, etc. The total receipts in the county 
treasury for 1839 were $4,128.87, total expenses $4,089.52, balance 
on hand $39.35. Rogers & Anson completed their contract on the 
new court house and were paid $1,047.32^. Mr. Ogilby, the ar- 
chitect, was paid $150. 

The county, in 1838-9, was laid out into road districts and super- 
visors for each were appointed. The Schwarts precinct was estab- 
lished in May, 1839, the polling place being the house of Mr. 
Schwarts. Liquor license in the county was fixed at $100 per an- 
num. John V. Berry was district attorney in 1839. James L. 
Langworthy furnished brick for the court house in 1839. Burton's 
precinct was established in July ; the house of Mr. Burton was the 
polling place. Timothy Mason became clerk of the board in August, 
1839. In August the board borrowed $1,000 of Horace Smead 
and gave him a bond for that sum. Huldah Deane was supported 
by the county. 

In December, 1839. the board ordered the following sums to be 
apportioned to the several counties cut ofif from Dubuque ; Cedar 
$133. Scott & Clinton ^yiy.^T,. Jackson county $826.66, Clayton 
$1 12.66. The debt of Dubuque county at the time of the separation 
of these counties was $2,850; the separation occurred in 1837-8. 
The above apportionment was in proportion to the assessment. 
Dubuque's share of this debt was $1,050.33. Rogers & Anson 
were allowed, from time to time, considerable sums for building 
the court house. 

After paying all outstanding orders the board had available a bal- 
ance of $6,548.90; but of this sum it was estimated that $2,500 
would never be obtained, as the delinquents had left the county. 
The county tax list for 1839 was $3,152.82. Patrick Ouigley was 
county treasurer. Mr. Ogilby was architect of the court house. 
Thomas McCraney furnished lumber for the new court house. M. 
W. Powers furnished lime. In Februar}-, 1840, George W. Ames 
was sent to the other counties to secure a settlement of the sums due 
Dubuque county. An insane person, not a resident of this county, 
was ordered taken to his home in Galena at the expense of this 
county. Young & Newman furnished iron work for the court 
house. The road from Davenport to Dubuque was laid out in 
1839-40. In 1839 the Burton precinct was changed to Durango 
precinct. The net amount of the county assessment in 1839 was 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 399 

$2,604.49. John Sullivan was one of the workmen on the court 
house in 1840. 

A joint resolution of the Iowa Territorial legislature in January, 
1840, recommended the establishment of a postoffice at the falls of 
tlie Maquoketa in Dubuque county and the appointment of Arthur 
Thomas as postmaster. The military road was laid out in 1839 and 
already in 1840 was extensively traveled. Albert G. Ellis was sur- 
veyor-general of Wisconsin and Iowa territories in 1839-40. 
George W. Jones succeeded A. G. Ellis as surveyor general of Wis- 
consin and Iowa territories in February, 1840. 

On September 7, 1840, the election precincts of the county were 
named and defined as follows : Ferguson, townships 87 and 88, 
range 2 east and fractional township 88, range 3 east ; Dubuque, 
township 89, range 2 east ; Peru, fractional township 90, range 2 
east ; Durango, township 90, range i east, and fractional township 
91. range i east; Paul, township 89, range i east; Regan's, town- 
,ship 88, range i east and township 87, range i east ; Whitewater, 
township 87, range i west, township 87, range 2 west, township 
88, range i west and township 88, range 2 west ; Hewitt, town- 
ship 89, ranges i and 2 west and township 90, ranges i and 2 west. 
These precincts were to be altered when a majority of the inhab- 
itants should petition to that effect. In 1840 the trustees of the 
Presbyterian church were paid for the use of their meeting house 
for the spring term of the District court. In September, 1840, W. 
J. A. Bradford was appointed agent to settle with the counties re- 
cently separated from Dubuque. Samuel Walker furnished shingles 
for the court house. John R. Harvey painted the building. Joseph 
Ogilby furnished lumber. R. D. Watson, of St. Louis, furnished 
glass. Emerson & Crider furnished nails. E. M. Birsell furnished 
shingles. The fall term (1840) of the District court was held 
in the Presbyterian church. Campton, Dunbar and Kurtsch were 
confined in jail for several months in the fall of 1840. W. J. A. 
Bradford, prosecuting attorney, was allowed a yearly salary of 
$250 in 1840. A bounty of 50 cents was offered for wolf scalps at 
this time. 

The act of December 30, 1840, formed Dubuque county into 
three commissioners' districts : ( i ) Regan's, Dreibelbis' and 
Whitewater; (2) Dubuque precinct; (3) Peru, Durango, Paul's 
and Hewitt's. 

For the year 1840, paupers cost the county %T,T,y.yi\\ assessing 
the county, $60; laying out roads, $65.60; District court, $3,583.47; 
on the court house, $3,862.69; total county expense, $10,804.62. 
Grocery license brought $1,483.30; merchant license, $545; court 
fines, $110; on hand at the beginning of the year, $6,548.90; bal- 
ance against the county at the close of the year, $722.93. The 
county expenses in 1840 exceeded those of 1839 by about $1,700. 
There were still several outstanding claims against the county. 



400 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

In April, 1841, the whole county was laid out into road districts 
and supervisors were appointed ; in all, there were ten such dis- 
tricts. Townships were not yet formed. At this time a road from 
Dubuque to W. H. Morning's on the Little Maquoketa, thence to 
the junction of the north and middle forks, thence to John Floyd's, 
thence to the north line of the county was laid out. In 1841 Ead's 
precinct, in Delaware county, was attached for election purposes 
to this county. The precincts in 1841 were Ferguson, Regan, 
Whitewater, Hewitt's, Durango, Peru, Dubuque, Eads, Schwarts 
and Morland. In 1841, George W. Cummins was county assessor. 
The note of the county for $2,160, due in ten years, was given 
James L. Langworthy in 1841, in final settlement for his court house 
contract. "Ordered that John Sullivan be charged with this amount, 
$10.50, in his account with the county for 3,000 brick bats." Sulli- 
van laid 244,518 bricks in the court house, was paid part by install- 
ment and was given three notes of the county for $1,000 in final 
settlement in June, 1841. W. J. A. Bradford was still county at- 
torney in June, 1841. W. W. Coriell, of Dubuque, printed the 
Iowa House journals in 1841 and was paid $900 for the job. 

In 1841, Jacob Dreibelbis became a county commissioner in 
place of Mr. Ames. In July a road was ordered laid out along 
the ridge from the head of Dirty Hollow to Lorimier's furnace. 
While Patterson was confined, $82.50 was paid for guarding the 
jail. Washington Hyde and others were prisoners in November 
and December, 1841, and were boarded and guarded at big ex- 
pense — $402.50. A reward of $2 was offered for wolf scalps in 
January, 1842. At this time William Smith was appointed superin- 
tendent of the jail, to be built at once ; contracts were called for. 
The preemption law was approved by Congress September 4, 1841, 
and at once quieted the settlers. The court house was built by the 
county board. They contracted for so much lumber, shingles, lime, 
stone, paint, glass, bricks, tinware, iron work, etc., with different 
concerns, but entered into definite contracts for certain work only. 

It was charged by the Miners' Express, late in 1842, that General 
Wilson, the surveyor-general, had not resided at Dubuque since 
June, 1842, and was neglecting his duty. When, in the spring of 
1839, the office was moved from Cincinnati to Dubuque, the Iowa 
News sharply lashed Albert G. Ellis for visiting Dubuque but 
once in three months, and demanded that the incumbent of the office 
should reside there and attend to his duties. Now, when Wilson 
did no better, he was likewise criticised. 

On the question of holding a territorial convention to take steps 
for admission into the Union, Dubuque county, in August, 1842, 
polled 1 1 5 votes for the convention and 477 votes against it. 

In 1842, John Frink was mail carrier from Dubuque to Prairie 
La Porte at $249; Nelson Plummer, from Dubuque to Davenport 
(river route), at $900: Gilbreth & Campbell, from Dubuque to Iowa 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 401 

City, at $480; Otto Hinton, Dubuque to Davenport (two-horse 
coach twice a week), at $1,000. An act of February, 1842, pro- 
vided that poorhouses could be buiU by counties. In the fall of 
1S42 the county board were William Smith, Jacob Dreibelbis and 
F. Byerly : Nightingale was still clerk. New road districts were 
formed throughout the county in April, 1842 — thirteen in all. In 
1842 the board borrowed in small sums, from more than sixty per- 
sons, $1,175 oJi which it agreed to pay interest. In June, 1842, 
William Carter furnished timber for the new county jail being 
erected. It would seem that the jail was built by private sub- 
scription. (See second June term of the board, 1842). Amos 
Matthews plastered the new court house, finishing in 1842. Two 
floors in the court house were paved with brick by Rogers & An- 
son. Small sums were borrowed to be used in building the jail. 
A tax of $1 on each $100 was ordered levied in 1842; also a poll 
tax of $1. Samuel L. Clifton furnished rock for the new jail in 
1842. Large numbers of Irish were coming to this county at this 
time. There were the O'Haires, the O'Sheas, the O'Donnells and 
O'Haras: the O'Sullivans, O'Bleas, O'Flynns and O'Maras; the 
O'Briens. O'Rourkes, O'Glasses and O'Darrells; the O'Reagans, 
O'Kellys, O'Tooles and O'Farralls. 

The territorial legislature of 1841-2 passed an act giving the 
county board authority to divide the county into townships as soon 
as they were of the opinion that a majority of the people desired it. 
Accordingly, on February 7, 1843, ten townships were created, as 
follows : Julien, Jefferson, Concord, Liberty, Iowa, Center, Cas- 
cade, Clinton, Washington and Mosalem. Julien township was 
bounded east by the Mississippi, Dubuque and the prolonged line 
between ranges i and 2 east ; north by prolonged line between sec- 
tions 18 and 7, township 89 north; west by the prolonged line be- 
tween sections 14 and 15, township 89 north, range i east; south 
by the prolonged line between sections 23 and 26, township 88 
north, range i east. It embraced parts of the present Julien, Du- 
buque, Center, Vernon, Table Mound and Mosalem townships. 
Jefferson was bounded east by the Mississippi ; north by the Missis- 
sippi ; west by the prolonged line between sections 10 and 11, town- 
ship 89 north, range i east ; south by the prolonged line between 
sections 1 1 and 14, township 89 north, range i east. It included 
all of the present Peru township and parts of the present Jefferson, 
Center and Dubuque townships. Concord township was bounded 
east by the prolonged line between sections 10 and 11, township 89 
north, range i east ; south by the prolonged line between sections 
10 and 15, township 89 north, range i east; west by the prolonged 
line between sections 8 and 9, township 89 north, range i west ; 
north by the county line and the river and the fifth meridian. This 
embraced parts of the present townships of Jefferson, Concord, 
Iowa and Center. Liberty was bounded north and west by the 



402 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

county line, soiitli by tlie prolonged line between sections 8 and 9, 
township 89 north, range i west, and east by Concord township. 
Iowa township was bounded north by Liberty, west by the county 
line, south by the prolonged line between sections 20 and 29, town- 
ship 88 north, range i west, and east by the prolonged line between 
sections 20 and 21, township 88 north, range i west. Center 
township was bounded east by Julien, north by Jefferson, west by 
Iowa, and south by the prolonged line between sections 21 and 28, 
township 88 north, range i west. Cascade township was bounded 
north by Iowa, west by the county line, south by the county line 
and east by the prolonged line between sections 28 and 29, township 
88 north, range i west. Clinton township was bounded north by 
Center, west by Iowa, south by the county line and east by the pro- 
longed line between sections 26 and 27, township 88 north, range 
I east. Washington township was bounded north by Julien, west 
by Clinton, south by the county line and east by the prolonged line 
dividing ranges i and 2 east. Mosalem township was bounded east 
by the Mississippi, south by the county line, west by the line between 
ranges i and 2 east, and north by Julien or Dubuque city. 

The county clerk notified the citizens of each of the above town- 
ships to assemble and organize. 

During 1843, the county jail was built. It was constructed by 
the county board, the materials being secured under special con- 
tracts. 

Solomon Asby was authorized in April, 1843, to keep a ferry 
across the Mississippi opposite Potosi, Wisconsin Territory. In 
1843 the board viewed and built many roads in all parts of the 
county. The jail was finished in 1843. The sum of $5 was 
charged for use of the court room for all shows for profit. Hiram 
W^elds was authorized to keep a ferry over the Mississippi two 
miles above Parson's ferr}', Dubuque county, in 1844. Jonathan 
Higgins became county commissioner in 1843; Smith and Byerly 
were the others. 

In 1843, Dr. John O'Brien was paid for holding an inquest on 
the body of Haw-Kaw-Kaw, a Winnebago Indian. This year 
George W. Cummins took to the penitentiary the Indian, Waw- 
kon-shon-ne-kaw, who had been convicted here for murder, on a 
change of venue. Ore of lead on i6th sections was worked on 
shares under the supervision of the county board. 

In February, 1843, a road was ordered surveyed from Cascade to 
Olmstead's Mill, in Delaware county. The act of February 17, 
1843, definitely fixed the boundaries of the counties which had 
been severed from Dubuque county. A proclamation of President 
Van Buren, May 4, 1840, ordered a land sale in the western and 
southern parts of the county ; this sale was postponed. In February, 
1843, President Tyler ordered a sale of lands in this county. 

The returns of the secretary of state showed a population of 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 403 

4,059 for Dubuque county in June, 1844. About this time sub- 
stantial county bridges were constructed over the Catfish, Little 
Maquoketa and other streams. John Barney, agent of the United 
States, was at work on the Dubuque harbor. By proclamation of 
October 8, 1844, President Tyler ordered township 87, range i 
west, (Cascade) thrown into market January 13, 1845; the sale 
was to be kept open for two weeks. 

In 1844, the county commissioners of Dubuque county, Iowa 
Territory, memorialized Congress to grant to the city certain lands, 
as follows: "Two lots and a half of ground in the town of Du- 
buque, on the northwest corner of Seventeenth and Locust streets, 
upon which the public square was at one time laid off and a tempor- 
ary jail erected thereon; that said parcel or parcels of land were 
in the year 1835 donated to the county of Dubuque by Peter A. 
Lorimier, Esq., the original claimant under the settlers' regulations; 
but that the said public square has since been removed and more 
permanent public buildings erected elsewhere in said town. The 
petitioners now ask that as the county of Dubuque is the equitable 
claimant of said lots, and is the owner of the beforementioned 
temporary buildings erected thereon, a law may be passed giving 
our county a title to the same and authorizing the commissioners, 
as the constituted authority of the county, to make sale thereof." 
The senate committee found "that Congress, by its acts of July 2, 
1836, and the supplement thereto, passed March 3, 1837, have di- 
rected that the quantity of 640 acres of land, embracing the town of 
Dubuque, be laid off into lots, streets, avenues, etc. ; that the lots 
be classed and preemption rights granted to all such persons as had, 
by building or enclosure, improved said lots prior to July 2, 1836, 
and the residue exposed to public sale. The entire proceeds arising 
from the sale of these lots, as well from preemptions as at public 
sale, after deducting some incidental expenses, would be paid over 
to the trustees or other authorities of said town, to be expended by 
them in the improvement of streets, wharves, etc." The com- 
mittee reported in favor of a bill. — (See House Reports, No. 351, 
28th Aug., 1st session. Vol. I.) 

On January i, 1845, the balance against the county was $10,- 
410.73. The balance against the county on January i, 1844, was 
$9,134.68, of which $5,273.66 was in notes given for court house 
purposes. 

On January i, 1845, there were outstanding $6,354.58 in county 
bonds. "The secretary of the treasury has been addressed by the 
commissioners requesting that the funds heretofore advanced by the 
county for the pay of jurors, witnesses, fuel, stationery, etc., for the 
District court during a period of five years, be refunded; it amounts 
to near $3,000, and during the past year the department has decided 
that the pay of jurors, etc., as above are proper charges upon the 



404 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

United States." — (Statement of county commissioners, February 
26, 1845.) 

In the spring of 1845, the following mail routes were established: 
Dubuque to Bloomington via Garryowan, Lodge's Ford, and 
Thomas Mills; Dubuque to Ft. Atkinson via Fad's settlement and 
Moreland's colony ; Dubuque to Iowa City via Cascade and Marion 
in two-horse coaches ; Dubuque to the county seats of Delaware 
and Buchanan counties. 

The county commissioners, in 1846, were William Smith, Jon- 
athan Higgins and Michael W. Power. James R. Thompson was 
sheriff. In January, 1846, the board were asked to assist the city 
of Dubuque to build a hospital, but deferred action until they could 
learn whether the county sick persons would be admitted and upon 
what terms. 

In 1846 the Fairfield Land District contained 10,396,160 acres 
and the Dubuque Land District 13,200,000 acres. An additional 
land district was created with office at Des Moines. — (House Re- 
ports, No. 677, 29th Cong. 1st session. Vol. III.) 

For the fiscal year commencing February 22, 1847, and ending 
February 23, 1848, there was against the county at the beginning, 
$9,370.24; paupers cost $2,276.50; boarding the Indian, Kanoga, 
$137.25; court fees. $1,199.08; wolf scalps. $23; boarding and 
keeping prisoners, $179.87; laying out roads, $116.98; total ex- 
penses, $8,040.75 which, added to the county debt, made a total of 
$17,419.99. The county debt increased during the year $2,603.31. 
The big expenses had been support of the poor and fitting up the 
court house. The poorhouse about to be built would reduce, it was 
estimated, the annual pauper expense. "The county commissioners 
assure their fellow citizens that not one dollar is allowed by them 
but what is unavoidably necessary and that they have left and will 
leave no means untried to extricate the county from debt. It is be- 
lieved that our financial affairs (taking into consideration the fact 
that our court house is built, and fitted up in a manner superior to 
any in the state) are in a better condition than those of any other 
county therein. Our county is rapidly filling up with an industrious 
population which necessarily will increase the amount of taxable 
property, increasing correspondingly the revenue, for many years to 
come; little or no taxes have heretofore been derived from the as- 
sessment of lands, in consequence of the great portion of the same 
remaining unentered previous to March, 1847, owing to the claim 
of the Dubuque heirs ; this difficulty is now removed, the land in 
the county being at this time nearly, if not quite all, entered and 
subject to taxation." — (Michael W. Power, John G. Shields and 
Lyman Dillon, commissioners, February, 1848.) 

In 1848, Mordecai Mobley was school fund commissioner. There 
were 11,060 acres in Dubuque county for public schools. 

In July, 1848, John G. Shields, who was appointed agent of the 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 405 

board to buy a poorhouse and lands for a farm, reported that he 
had bought such a farm of Joseph Evans and had paid him $417; 
had paid $175 for a land warrant, and the total cost was $594.50. 
The board called for proposals to build a poorhouse — a hewed log 
building of two rooms, fourteen feet square in the clear, with a 
large hall between them. Robert Flanagan leased the county farm 
in August, 1848. John Carson was the agent of the board to rent 
the farm. 

On February 7, 1849, several petitions, numerously signed, re- 
quested the board to alter the boundaries of the townships and to 
set off each surveyed township of thirty-six sections as near as prac- 
ticable, with a separate township, whereupon the board, after due 
consideration, ordered the following townships to be created, the 
order to take effect April i, 1849: Peru, townships 90 and 91, 
range 2 east ; Julien, township 89 north, ranges 2 and 3 east ; Mos- 
alem, fractional township 88 north, ranges 3 and 4 east ; Washing- 
ton, township 87 north, range 2 east ; Table Mound, township 88 
north, range 2 east ; Jefferson, township 90 and fractional township 
91 north, range i east; Center, township 89 north, range i east; 
Mount Pisgah, township 88 north, range i east; Prairie Creek, 
township 87 north, range i east ; Whitewater, township 87 north, 
range i west ; Taylor, township 88 north, ranges i and 2 west ; 
Iowa, township 89 north, ranges i and 2 west ; Concord, township 
90 north, range i west ; Liberty, township 90 north, range 2 west ; 
Cascade, township 87 north, range 2 west. New Wine and Dodge 
were not yet provided for. In the above named townships elections 
were ordered held for the necessary township officers. 

Michael W. Power, John G. Shields and Lyman Dillon were 
county commissioners in 1847-8. The state census of 1847 gave 
Dubuque county a population of 7,440. In 1847 the proclamation 
of President Polk threw much land west of Dubuque into market. 
the sales to take place at the land office in Dubuque. 

The county assessment for 1847 amounted to $972,010, and for 

1848, $1,368,401. 

In 1847 the county tax list was $5,437.44; in 1848, $7,712.16; in 

1849, $8,260.10. Of these three amounts, by February 19, 1850, 
there was delinquent $5,836.56. The county assessment in 1847 
was $972,010; in 1848, $1,368,401 ; number of polls in 1847, Ij^Si ; 
1848, 1,758. 

Early in 1849 proposals for a poorhouse were called for and the 
following bids were received : Robert Flanagan, $650 ; Frederick 
Walters, $584 ; Ralph Reynolds, $488 ; the bid of Walters was ac- 
cepted ; he received $50 additional for extra work. Timothy Mason, 
William Gilliam and Edward Langworthy were the first directors 
of the poorhouse, appointed April, 1849. John H. Thedinga be- 
came county commissioner in 1849. 

In 1849 the name of Pisgah township was changed to Vernon. 



4o6 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

On January ii, 1850, Iowa township was divided and New Wine 
was formed out of the western half; elections were ordered held 
in New Wine at the house of Henry Schemmel. Taylor township 
was also divided and Dodge created out of the western half; elec- 
tions were ordered at the house of Peter Melinguer. 

In March, 1849, the county commissioners, in their report, re- 
gretted that during 1848 they had been unable to reduce the county 
debt. The poor expense was large, but now would no doubt be 
less, as they had bought a poor farm on the northwest quarter of 
section 28, township 88 north, range 3 east, and the west half of 
the southwest quarter of section 21, same township and range, mak- 
ing in all 240 acres, with timber and water and enough fencing to 
enclose twenty to forty acres. The poorhouse was a double log 
cabin, each half fourteen feet square, with a hall eighteen feet wide 
between them ; there was a cellar under one of the sections. Fred- 
erick Walters erected the building. The county formerly had 
many transients, but now the settlements were permanent, because 
in 1847 the mineral lands had been offered to the highest bidder 
and substantial settlers had come. The mineral lands could now be 
assessed by lot nimibers. There was yet due the county from Cedar, 
Jackson and Clayton counties $1,072.32 as their proportion when 
stricken off of Dubuque. Suit had been instituted against these 
counties. In addition, Clayton county owed Dubuque county 
$1,589.45 for expenses incurred in trying the Indians charged with 
murder and brought here on a change of venue. Clayton county 
had refused for several years to pay these obligations. The county 
debt in 1849 was $12,647.35. This was regarded as a large sum at 
that time ; five years later it would scarcely have been noticed. 
Among the items of county expense in 1847-8 were: Poor, $2,- 
276.50; District court, $1,199.08; wolf scalps, $2^; boarding the 
Indian, Ka-nah-gah, $137.25; court house repairs, $937.30; roads, 
$116.98; interest on county orders, $339.35. The wheat harvest 
of 1849 was the largest and best the county had ever enjoyed up 
to that date. Mexican war and other land warrants were on sale 
here, many of them $150 for 160 acres. The California gold ex- 
citement took away 150 settlers of the county in 1848-9. The 
county spent much to crush cholera in 1849. 

In 1850, the olificial census gave Dubuque county 9,185 popula- 
tion. The commissioners built a fence around the court house. 
Farming, instead of mining, began to engross attention about 1848- 
50. The county assessment in 1850 was $1,608,735; i" 1^49 i* 
was $1,464,781. In 1850 there were four pianos in the county. 
Many new roads and post routes were established. The land sales 
in Dubuque county were: 1848, 68,856 acres; 1849, 58,374 acres; 
1850, 33,172 acres: 1851, 35,361 acres. 

In August, 185 1, according to law, the county commissioners, 
Lyman Dillon, J. H. Thedinga and Michael W. Power, turned 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 407 

over all their duties to William Y. Lovell, judge of the county- 
court. The change was welcomed, because many believed the 
board had unnecessarily run the county into debt and were incom- 
petent, though both charges were unfounded and unjust. The 
board had been forced by the taxpayers to run the county on too 
small a revenue. The county debt on the face was $18,207.82, but 
there was $12,570.73 due the county. 

In April, 1852, the people voted down the proposition to borrow 
$7,000 with which to erect a county jail ; a two mill tax was pro- 
posed. The settlement of the Dubuque claim in January, 1854, by 
the United States Supreme Court made every resident glad; all 
county lots were put on the market at once. 

The urgent necessity for a new county jail was felt by 1852, 
Judge Lovell endeavored to induce the Dubuque council to assist 
the county to erect such a building, but did not succeed; the total 
cost was estimated at $20,000. By August i, 1852, Dubuque 
county had a population of 12,508 and fifty-six colored persons. In 
the fall of 1852 the Dubuque County Horticultural and Agricul- 
tural Society was organized and a fair was held late in 1853. W. 
Y. Lovell was president, H. S. Hetherington secretary, John Car- 
son treasurer, and a vice president was appointed in every township. 
An exhibit was made at the court house in July, 1853 — informal 
but creditable. On September 8 and 9, 1853, the first real fair was 
held in the grove on Couler avenue near Major Langworthy's. 
There was quite a large exhibit and much interest was shown. 
Each of the two days 1,500 persons attended. Judge Dyer spoke 
the first day and Mr. Vandever the second. Jacob Smith took the 
first premium on spring wheat — 42I/2 bushels per acre. Six fine 
Durham bulls were exhibited. Hogs of the Byfield and Irish Gra- 
zier breeds were shown. The cows and sheep were medium. 
Mules, oxen and fat cattle were good. There was a fine display 
of Shanghai poultry. The exhibit of apples, pears, grapes and plums 
was excellent. But the fair of 1854 was a failure. 

One of the first official acts of Judge Lovell was to ascertain the 
amount of the old debt and settle the same. Up to March 23, 
1853, he found the debt to be $23,456.07. To meet this he caused 
to be issued $15,000 in ten year ten per cent bonds, which were 
sold in New York at par. Further investigation showed the county 
debt to be $28,094.08, much of which was interest that had ac- 
cumulated at a high rate for a dozen years or thereabouts. Of this 
sum $13,094.08 was refunded and the balance was paid from the 
proceeds of the $15,000 bond sale. To meet all this a four mill 
tax was levied. In November, 1853, the county assessment was an- 
nounced as $4,148,387; there were 2,462 polls. The land ofiiice at 
Dubuque was doing literally a "land office business," employing 
from ten to twenty clerks. From May i, 1853, to November 15, 
1853, $850,000 from the sale of lands was sent to the government 



4o8 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

depository in St. Louis; Patrick Ouigley took $308,000 on the 
steamer Lamartine at one time. 

In September, 1855, a county fair was held at CentraHa. but was 
not very successful. W. W. Hamilton was president. The state 
census of 1856 gave the county a population of 25,871 ; there were 
thirty-six paupers. The total assessment in 1856 was $14,190,445, 
a wonderful increase. At this time there were strong demands for 
a new jail, poorhouse and hospital — for county as well as city use. 
Stephen Hempstead was elected county judge in 1855. The ques- 
tion of raising means to make these improvements was submitted 
to the people and carried and bonds were accordingly sold. There 
were over 200 persons in the county assessed at over $10,000 each; 
the Langworthy brothers were assessed at over $500,000. In the 
spring of 1856 the children of school age in the county were 7,760, 
and the state apportionment was $4,746.55. The Lambert farm 
near Caledonia sold for $45 an acre — a notable occurrence. 

The county assessment in 1855 was $8,203,665. The tax was: 
County, $34,331 ; state, $10,250; school, $4,099; road, $7,698, and 
enough more to make the total $56,384.32. This showed an 
enormous advance over the figures of only three and five years be- 
fore. County school affairs began to take shape and expand about 
this time. 

There was general complaint by the citizens in November, 1855, 
that the roads of the county were in wretched condition and 
the road law inefficient and unheeded. Township supervisors were 
urged to improve matters. 

"Considerable activitv was created in the grain market yesterday 
among wheat speculators. The prices rose from $1.05 to $1.15 
and $1.20 per bushel." — (£. & H., December 13, 1855.) 

The county jail, built in 1857-8, was the best at that time in the 
northwest. It was located at Eighth and Clay streets in the rear 
of the court house. The stone was obtained from the bluffs op- 
posite Dubuque. It was begun about February i, 1857. David 
Armstrong was contractor. The total cost of jail and grounds was 
about $45,000. The sheriff's dwelling formed the front and the 
prison proper, about 60x35 feet, was in the rear. It was four stories 
with tiers of cells rising above each other — thirty-two cells in all. 

RECEIPTS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JULY I, 1858. 

Balance in treasury June 30, 1857 $ 38,313.00 

Amount of county levy, 1857 77,756.26 

County bonds sold, less expenses 30,185.49 

Sale of county poor farm 3,000.00 

Fees from clerk's office 3,602.00 

Fees from recorder's office 2,678.90 

Total .$155,535-65 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 409 

EXPENSES. 

Amount of county warrants receipted $ 63,321.67 

Jail 28,826.55 

Poor house 10,863.85 

Total $103,012.07 

Among the items of county warrants were the following: Sal- 
aries, $6,245.30; District court, $8,961.85; poor, $6,784.45; jail, 
$3,255.14; interest, $6,452.34; poorhouse building, fences and im- 
provements, $14,777.82 ; jail building, $26,673.25. David Arm- 
strong was the contractor for the county jail at $36,011. The land 
at the county poor house consisted of twenty-two acres. The old 
poor house was located eight miles from Dubuque. The new one 
was near the city. A portion of the county bonds for the building 
of the jail and poor house were negotiated at par, but after the finan- 
cial crisis of 1857, $9,000 of the issue was sold for 70 cents on the 
dollar, the best that could be done. 

Early in 1859, Michael O'Brien, county treasurer, was shown to 
be a defaulter to a large amount — $108,894 on the face of the 
records, and %T)y,2yy by his own admissions ; he had been treasurer 
for seven years. He resigned, soon died, but his heirs made good 
the loss. W. W. Beebe owned the "Dubuque Nurseries ;" he lec- 
tured over the west on "fruit trees" and other similar subjects. In 
1859 the county assessment had fallen to $9,419,298. Eflforts made 
in 1858 and 1859 to revive the county fair failed, owing mostly 
to the hard times. 

The amount of land in the Dubuque Land District yet unsold, 
liaving been reduced below 100,000 acres, the land office was re- 
moved from Dubuque to Des Moines in June, 1859. 

A large meeting of the farmers and others, friends of agricul- 
ture, was held in Dubuque February 23, i860, for the purpose of 
forming an agricultural society. The meeting was called to order 
by W. W. Hamilton and a discussion as to whether the old society 
should be reorganized or a new one formed was held. It was 
finally resolved to form a new association. A committee was ap- 
pointed to draft a constitution and by-laws. Remarks were made 
by Hamilton, Heath, Chamberlain, Lovell and others. The consti- 
tution proposed was adopted. The following officers were elected : 
John King, president; Mark Miller, secretary; W. C. Chamber- 
lain, treasurer. Every township in the county was represented on 
the directory. 

The county fair at Tivoli Gardens, Dubuque, was a creditable ex- 
hibit. Great efforts for its success were made, the leaders in the 
movement being Doolittle, Chamberlain, Van Pelt, Heyer, Mattox, 
Lucius Langworthy, Mark Miller, Judge King, Solon Langworthy 



410 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

and others. It opened September i8; many sheds, pens, etc., were 
erected. 

In 1861, the fair was likewise creditable and a success; the re- 
ceipts were $1,922.96 and the disbursements $1,962.96. The so- 
ciety had $602.66 in resources and $150.90 in liabilities. 

There were about 1,000 entries from all parts of the county. 
Omnibuses ran from down town to the grounds. All branches of 
production were represented. High grade cattle and horses were 
shown. The grape display was specially fine. Already this county 
was famed for its grapes and its grape wine. In all features the 
fair was a credit to the county. The attendance was large. So 
well pleased were the fanners and fruit growers of the county with 
the fair that they immediately organized a Farmers' club to meet 
once a month or oftener. The call for this club was signed by about 
fifty of the best citizens of the county — townsmen and countrymen. 
This county was well represented at the state fair, held this fall at 
Iowa City. 

The organization of the County Farmers' club was completed 
October 6, i860, and the following officers were elected: H. S. 
Hetherington, president ; J. C. E. Heyer, recording secretary ; C. C. 
Oilman, treasurer. Among the questions discussed were, "Can 
apples be raised successfully in Iowa?" "Is Hungarian grass 
worthy of cultivation?" 

In 1864 the plan to secure the state fair for two years was 
adopted, succeeded, and as a result the Society leased 12^ acres 
for five years, from January i, 1864, at $50 per annum, for the 
first three years and $100 per annum for the last two years. The 
yard was enclosed with a good fence; had 194 covered stalls; thirty- 
five roofed hog pens, twenty-eight sheep pens, one fine art hall, 
120x30 feet, two buildings 100x24 feet, one ladies' salon, 40x20 
feet, and other buildings. The trotting track was one-third of a 
mile. The only indebtedness was $226 to H. L. Stout for lumber. 

The fair of i860 was an experiment and was a success, but that 
of 1861 was still vastly better in all particulars. It was almost 
equal to several state fairs. It was shown that over fifty varieties 
■of apples could be grown in this county. Plums, pears and grapes, 
especially the latter, were very successful here. The trial of horses 
to show their style and action was a feature. The receipts of 
the three days were about $1,400, exceeding by over $400 the fair 
of i860. The expenses were about $800. The surplus, with $200 
from the state, was to be used toward subsequent fairs. 

In i860, the Little Maquoketa was bridged at Burton's furnace; 
this had long been needed. The grand jury reported against the 
management of the poorhouse in February, i860. On January i, 
i860, it was shown that the delinquent tax for 1857 and 1858 
amounted to $93.533-63 ; this shows how crushing were the times. 
It was estimated that farm lands throughout the county would not 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 411 

sell for more than $10 an acre on the average. A fanner came to 
Dubuque in September, i860, with a wagon load of Pinkeye po- 
tatoes from a distance of twenty miles and received $3.50 for his 
load and his journey of forty miles. It was estimated that in i860 
10,000 gallons of wild grape wine were made in Dubuque county. 
The population (official) of the county in i860, was 31,348. 

The statute of i860 provided for the election of a board of super- 
visors to take the place of the county court in handling county af- 
fairs. The board of supervisors consisted of nineteen members, as 
follows : Dubuque, J. H. Thedinga, J. H. Stewart and Arthur Mc- 
Cann ; New Wine, John Christoph ; Washington, C. Denlinger ; 
Prairie Creek, Dennis O'Brien; Whitewater, J. B. Kittler; Cas- 
cade, E. Macomber; Table Mound, Dennis Donovan; Vernon, Levi 
Sparks ; Taylor, H. Young ; Dodge, Arthur Cox ; Center, Wesley 
Kyle ; Iowa, Lawrence Duggan ; Peru, F. M. Knoll ; Jefiferson, Louis 
Miller; Concord, J. H. Floyd; Liberty, Peter Nichols; Mosalem, 
Thomas McCallom. J. H. Thedinga was chosen chairman of the 
board. On January 7, 1861, the new board met in Dubuque for the 
first time. An important measure before the county board was the 
construction of a new bridge across the river near Hempstead on the 
military road. A committee reported the poor farm in good condi- 
tion, but had not enough land to give the inmates sufficient work. 
The old county poor farm had been sold for $6,000 to James Burt, 
the highest bidder^$3,ooo cash and $3,000 mortgages, which had 
been foreclosed at $3,226, but execution was not yet issued. This 
land of the present poor farm was bought September 26, i860, for 
$6,791. The cost of building and improvements was $14,777; 
other expenses were $1,576. During i860 there were maintained 
in the poorhouse forty-nine paupers. The amount expended for the 
maintenance of the poor farm for the calendar year, i860, was 
$5,175.97. An addition to the court house had cost $13,272.16. 
The number of persons maintained in the county jail during i860 
was 151; expense of keeping them, $1,682.10. 

The farmers' club held regular sessions during the winter of 
1860-61 ; grape culture, threshing, Hungarian grass, fruit trees, 
preparation of orchards, were several of the many subjects consid- 
ered. Godfrey Blocklinger lectured on grape culture. Judge King 
and the Langworthys took much interest in the society. In Febru- 
ary, 1861, Richard Bonson became president of the County Agri- 
cultural society. Immense quantities of barley were marketed here 
in 1 860- 1. The Farmers' club held a horticultural exhibit in the 
city hall in October, 1861 ; it was a splendid success. William 
Langworthy exhibited 180 varieties of apples. Another exhibited 
eighteen varieties of pears, and C. H. Booth, thirty-three varieties of 
vegetables. Judge King showed seven varieties of grapes. It was 
stated at this time that Mathias Lux, in 1859, had raised 6,000 
pounds of tobacco on an acre and a half of ground near Dubuque. 



412 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

War time prices began to stimulate all business by 1862. The Hes- 
sian fly appeared in this county this year. 

In 1862, the county assessment was down to $5,943,890. The 
county began to pay bounty to the soldiers in 1862 — $10,200, and 
gave the state fair $300. Bridges cost $7,219.85. Bridges at 
Thompson's Mill, English Mill. Whitewater, Flaherty, Maquoketa 
at Colesburg, over Catfish on O'Brien's road, etc., were built or 
commenced. 

The fairs of the early sixties were events of great importance to 
the county. In 1861, the County Agricultural Society leased a few 
acres for annual fairs and tendered the grounds to the state so- 
ciety, which accepted the offer. There were six acres, with many 
excellent buildings, forty pens for sheep and hogs, seventy-five stalls 
for horses and cattle, floral building, mechanical building, art build- 
ing, etc. The county gave $300 and the citizens raised a large sum 
to fit the grounds — $1,800 about. On the first day Hon. G. G. 
Wright addressed the crowd. The fastest horses of the country 
were here. There were over 1,000 entries. There were many 
splendid features and the fair was one of the most successful ever 
held by the state society. 

In January, 1863, the county at one time was assisting about 200 
families — a portion those of soldiers. At this time there were large 
amounts of delinquent taxes from 1857 to 1861, inclusive, and 
strenuous eft'orts to collect as much of them as possible were made. 
The interest alone collected was no insignificant sum. During the 
year 1863 the county assisted 243 families, of which 113 were those 
of soldiers. The whole amount of county warrants outstanding in 
August, 1863, was $10,000: they were taken at par for taxes. This 
year county bonds to the amount of $28,000 were paid to Sampson, 
Winslow and Clark, Dodge & Co. The special income tax in 1863 
amounted to $23,717.33. The Farmers' Club was active and useful. 
The state fair was held here again in 1863. A fine new building 
for displays was erected; it was 120x30x20 feet. Judge Wright 
was the orator at the opening ; $4,000 was paid in premiums ; it 
was not so great a success as in 1862. 

In 1864, Timothy Davis was president of the Farmers' Club. 
Many of the best citizens of Dubuque city were members. In 
March, 1864, the railway bond question was discussed. Three mem- 
bers of the county board — Rugamer, Crawford and Stewart — and 
two outsiders — D. A. Mahony and W. G. Stewart — were appointed 
to settle with the Gelpcke Company, who held the bonds. The 
Gelpcke Company delivered to the county its $200,000 in bonds, 
$48,000 in coupons and interest on the coupons for 2,450 shares in 
the Dubuque & Sioux City Railway, and for $65,000 in five equal 
installments. The county and city of Dubuque paid a large internal 
revenue on liquors and tobacco in 1864 — $150,000, estimated. On 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 413 

August 7. 1864, chinch bugs flew in swarms over Dubuque city and 
county. 

Tlie county fair in 1864 was excellent — almost as fine as the state 
fair. Over thirty fast horses were present. There were many con- 
tests — baseball, ecjuestrianism, plowing, etc. Many county roads 
and bridges were built in 1864-3. 'The census of 1865 gave the 
county a population of 33,078. The Farmers" Club met regularly 
during the cold months. The comity fair of 1865 was a success, 
though not a great one. Paper from the Cascade Mills was exhib- 
ited. In October, 1865, county warrants were worth 90 cents and 
county bonds 65 cents on the dollar. 

The total county indebtedness January i, 1861, was $279,072.17. 
Of this sum $200,000 was for railroad bonds. In 1865-66 the 
county spent on poorhouse $6,621,20; poor relief, $2,551.87; super- 
intendent of poor, $6r6; volunteer relief, $13,621.09. The jail 
cost $1,679.45. The total county indebtedness January i, 1866, 
was $238.065. 16. The county paid in bounty to volunteers, in 1862, 
$11,000, and paid in bounty in 1864, $127,850. 

A trial of reapers and mowers was held on the farm of George 
Brown, Vernon township, in June, 1866. The Excelsior, Manny, 
Eagle, Kirby, Dodge's, Ball's, Yankee, Buckeye and McCormick 
machines were shown. From June 30, 1865, to June 30, 1866, 
Deputy Collector Eighmey collected $1,200,000 for internal revenue 
in this district. The county fair of 1866 was good. The county 
assessment in 1866 was $9,242,756; the total tax was $213,982.63; 
of this sum $71,140.30 was for school purposes. In 1865, $18,- 
573.61 was spent on bridges; in 1866 less than one-third of that 
sum was spent. The county before this date had sent its insane 
patients to the state asylum ; as fast as they were announced cured, 
they were returned to this county. From September i, 185 1, to May 
31, 1867, there were issued in county warrants $656,250.04, of 
which $634,327.40 had been paid, leaving outstanding $21,422.64. 
The highest issue in one year was $71,836.67, in 1865. The paid 
warrants that had accumulated for twenty-seven years were burned 
in 1867. 

The board was petitioned in 1867 to create the city of Dubuque 
as Julien township and all outside the old Julien as Dubuque town- 
ship. The school census of 1868 gave Dubuque county 38,860 
people. In February, 1867, many bridges were damaged by a severe 
storm. In 1868 the county board was increased to twenty-one mem- 
bers, instead of nineteen, as before, owing to the creation of Du- 
buque township. The law of 1868 permitted counties to compound 
and rebond their debts. A new poorhouse, two and one-half miles 
north, became county property in 1868; the house was four stories, 
36x70, and built of stone ; there were thirty-seven inmates, of whom 
twelve were insane. The Farmers' Club was still active and sue- 



414 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

cessful. The county assessment in 1869 was $9,115,656. An 
attempt to put the city hospital on the poorhouse grounds was 
defeated in 1869. The county fair of 1868 was small. 

The proposition of building a new court house was broached in 
1869; the existing one was spoken of as an "old, inconvenient, ill- 
shaped affair." The back part had been built in the thirties, at 
Clay, Seventh and the alley. In 1856 the front part was built, under 
Governor Hempstead, county judge. In 1853 the jail and sheriff's 
house were built on the Eighth street side of the court house lot. 
Now, in 1869, the county had no debt of consequence, and therefore 
should have a court house and jail in keeping with the improved 
order of things, it was argued. 

The population of tlie county by the government census of 1870 
was 38,969. In 1870 the county board allowed $2,725 on the con- 
struction of two bridges within the corporate limits of the city of 
Dubuque; the obligation of the city to do this had been in dispute 
for many years. In 1870 the board sent to the state insane asylum 
fifteen patients ; the newspapers said that "over-excited religious 
fervor" was the cause of most of the cases. By January, 1870, the 
county owed yet of the Gelpcke bonds only $5,275.25, but it yet 
owed of the county bonds $107,000. The total assessment this year 
was $9,880,165, and the county tax ^y2,2j4.j2 ; the bridge tax was 
$29,640.97; total county tax, $224,921.61. The old red brick court 
house on Seventh street was still an interesting landmark, but wholly 
unequal to the demands of a progressive and prosperous county 
like Dubuque. A new building was talked of. In the old house — 
second story— were the court, jury and supervisors' rooms; in the 
first story were the offices of sheriff, treasurer, recorder and col- 
lector. Bridge building at this time was extensive and costly. 

The poor tax in 1871 was $28,831.38. County expenses in 1869 
were $71,708.56; in 1870, $68,022.50; in 1871, $59,418.59. In 
February, 1871, county bridge warrants were worth 90 to 95 cents; 
county bonds. 82 to 84 cents ; county warrants, 94 to 98 cents ; in 
May, 1871, county warrants were at par. At this time there was 
no county debt, except about $102,000 old county debt and about 
$16,000 outstanding warrants. The day (May 19) that county 
warrants were at par, the treasurer expected a run, and was pre- 
pared, but none came ; only $96 was paid that day. Tlie old Kar- 
rick diggings were tapped this year to secure pure water for Du- 
buque. From January i, 1871, to February 15, 1872, old county 
bounty bonds to the amount of $100,447.77 were refunded in new 
twenty-five-year 6 per cent bonds. The relatives of Thomas S. 
Hinds, in 1872, sued the county for $25,000 for the drowning of 
him, his wife and his boy in May. N. W. Boyes became county 
superintendent, vice Mr. Norman, killed. 

The county assessment in 1857 was $18,844,190; in 1859 it was- 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 415 

$6,694,786; in 1862 it was $5,967,815, the lowest; in 1867 it was 
$10,415,960; then dropped and in 1873 was $9,972,104. The 
county tax in 1857 was $136,415 ; in 1859 it was $66,212 ; in 1867, 
$242,864; in 1873, $230,503. In 1873 county warrants and bridge 
warrants were at par and county bonds were 97 to 98 cents. In 

1873 three commissioners took the place of the old board of com- 
missioners : L. Duggan, T. Crawford and W. Coates. The law of 

1874 required assessors to assess at the real cash value ; the assess- 
ment was now about $18,000,000. The Upper Iowa or Northwest- 
ern Fair was held here in 1874 — up the Couler. Track, buildings 
and grounds were put in excellent condition. D. N. Cooley was 
president; on the third day over 15,000 people were present; the 
total receipts were over $20,000; it was a splendid success — just 
what could be done here when the good people tried. 

In 1875 the population of the county was 43,845 by the state cen- 
sus. The fair was again held here and was another exceptional suc- 
cess. President A. S. Welch, of the State Agricultural College, was 
the speaker at the opening. The races drew immense crowds ; Mr. 
Cooley was still president. The Brothers from Melleray exhibited 
high grade Shorthorn cattle; the art hall was beautiful and attract- 
ive in the extreme ; the booths, amphitheater and power hall were 
features. In November, 1875, the poorhouse was destroyed by fire. 
At the time the cold was intense, and no water available. Through 
the efforts of Henr}' Patterson, no lives were lost and much of the 
furniture was saved. The inmates (fifty-one) were cared for tem- 
porarily elsewhere near. 

A new court house was talked of in January. 1876. In March 
the county board bought of W. H. McNear the farm known as the 
old Farley place, at Julien station, for a poorfarm ; the 200 acres 
cost $10,000. Temporary buildings were occupied until a new 
building could be erected. The new building was planned to be 
three stories and basement and in size 35x69 feet; material, stone 
and brick: cost, about $10,500. Congress passed an act in 1876 
giving the county the right to use Washington Square for a court 
house site. On April i, 1876, the county was free of debt. This 
year the county board were ; William Coates, Mark Sullivan and 
Jacob Kessler. Godfrey Blocklinger died this year; he came from 
Switzerland, about 1844-45, '^"d was a prominent and useful citi- 
zen ; he was for many years an active member of the Farmers' 
Club. In 1877 Dennis A. Mahony became county commissioner. 
There was much objection to the large amount of poor relief sup- 
plied by the county. The fair or exposition in 1877 was on a grand 
scale and a fine success ; the total receipts were nearly $28,000 ; 
15,000 people were present the best day. The expenses about cov- 
ered the receipts ; large prizes and premiums were paid ; the appro- 
priation for it was $500. A petition of the citizens for a new court 



4i6 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

house was presented in 1878. The total county expense in 1878 
was $95,204.10; the total county tax was $240,535.80. In 1879 the 
Taxpayers' League was formeci. In January, 1879, there were 
eighty-four inmates at the poorhouse; two were ninety-four years 
old and two others were ninety-two. 

In the assessment case of the county against the bridge company, 
the county lost. The county assessment in 1880 was $10,144,435, 
and the total tax $236,161.25. The fair in the fall of 1879 ^^'^s well 
attended and successful ; it was the sixth straight success ; the 
receipts were $19,084.38, less $77.59 on hand at the beginning. In 
1881 there was paid in bounty on wild animals $957. There were 
sixty inmates at the poorhouse January i, 1881 ; poor expense was 
over $30,000. In 1882 a county loan of $65,000 was taken by the 
German Bank at 102 per cent. In 1882 the bounty on wild animals 
was $1,134, and bridges cost $23,859.25. The total tax in 1884 
was $264,174.66. The county school population in 1884 was 11,152, 
the largest in the state. The total assessment in 1886 was $9,536,- 
934. T. W. Johnson was steward of the poorfarm. The county 
assessment in 1873 was $9,142,625; in 1887 it was $9,353,589. 
Many argued that the present assessment was too low ; the Knights 
of Labor declared that rich tax dodgers were too numerous. The 
total county warrants issued in 1887 was $107,394.53. In 1888 the 
proposition of the county to the city of Dubuque for the latter to 
use the county prisoners on the streeets was accepted ; the county 
board said that prisoners had been so well treated that they did not 
want to be released, and when released committed offenses in order 
to get back again. In 1888 the county debt was $115,000. and in 
1889 it was $90,000; $65,000 was bonded. In 1889 the county tax 
rate was 30 mills on the dollar and about one-half of it was for 
schools ; the assessment was between 30 and 40 per cent of the real 
value. In 1889 $90,000 in county bonds sold for $90,800, to a 
Cleveland company; they were for ten 3'ears. In 1889 the insane 
cost $11,953.80; there was too much insanity, alarmingly said the 
newspapers. 

It was decided early in 1890 to build the proposed new court 
house on the present site and not on Washington Square, as had for 
years been suggested by not a few citizens. This spring (1890) the 
citizens of Dubuque, who on the question of erecting a new court 
house had been denied that privilege and opportunity so long, deter- 
mined to effect that result if it could possibly be accomplished. They 
knew that nearly or quite all the county outside of the city of Du- 
buque would oppose them, and accordingly began a stirring cam- 
paign, almost a crusade, to carry the question at the polls, where it 
was finally submitted. The election was held June 3, and resulted 
as follows : 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 417 

For Against 

Precincts — Bonds. Bonds. 

Cascade 3 222 

Center 28 41 

Concord 49 79 

Dodge 7 162 

Dubuque 44 17 

Dyersville 42 184 

Iowa 4 loi 

Jefferson 19 54 

Julien. First 256 lOi 

Julien, Second 499 1 1 

Julien, Third 638 35 

Julien. Fourth 574 26 

Julien, Fifth (East) 215 41 

JuHen, Fifth (West) 357 39 

Liberty 20 105 

Mosalem 16 13 

New Wine 42 72 

Peru 38 9 

Prairie Creek 27 75 

Table Mound 18 69 

Taylor 28 ' 255 

Vernon 5 95 

Washington 7 95 

Whitewater 5 197 



Totals 2,941 2,098 

Dubuque city was overjoyed at the result, and began immediate 
preparations to build. The total county debt on January i, 1891, 
not counting court house bonds, was $76,426.52. In 1890 the 
county supervisors were Klauer, Cunningham, Dunn, McNamara, 
Stewart, Schemmel and Schueller. For the calendar year 1890 the 
total county expense was $82,764.17; the insane cost, $14,366.65; 
bridges, $20,971.01, and late in the year there was paid on the new 
court house the sum of $4,258.59. Court house bonds to the 
amount of $125,000 were sold at par in April, 1891, to P. J. Lee. 
president of the Citizens' State Bank; they ran for twenty-five 
years and bore 4 per cent interest. Fred Heer & Sons were the 
court house architects. The corner-stone was laid with due cere- 
mony on July II, 1891, a large crowd being present. The Greys 
and Sharpshooters were out. The leading speakers were Judge 
D. J. Lenehan, Hon. Alphons Matthews and Hon. F. B. Daniels. 
Present were the venerable Gen. George W. Jones and Judge 
Thomas S. Wilson. It was a memorable occasion. The cost of the 
building proper was $145,439.22; furnishings and superintending, 



4i8 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

$32,923.78; total, $178,463. It was completed and occupied in 
1893. 

The census of 1890 gave Dubuque county 49,848 population; 
Dubuque city, 30,311 ; Dyersville, 1,272 (975 in 1880) ; Epworth, 
348; Farley, 582; Cascade (all sections), 1,396. The population 
of the county in 1880 was 42,996. In 1891, M. Liddy was steward 
of the poorfarm ; he raised during the year $2,081.82 worth of live 
stock and hay, and sold in hay and grain $3,060 worth. The live 
stock left on the farm was worth $3,683. For the calendar year 
1891 the total county expense was $186,601.93. In 1892 the county 
refused to divide its bridge fund with the city of Dubuque. 

The county board levied one-fourth of a mill on the dollar in 
September, 1893, for the purpose of creating a fund for the relief 
and funeral expenses of honorably discharged and indigent Union 
soldiers, sailors and marines, and the indigent wives, widows and 
minor children of such soldiers, etc., having a legal residence in this 
county. 

In August, 1893, the townships of Washington. Prairie Creek, 
Whitewater, Cascade, Dodge, Vernon and Mosalem complained 
because they had no representative on the county board. 

In 1893 the county assessment was $12,256,175. By 1892-93 
there had been issued of the court house bonds $125,000; the bal- 
ance was in warrants. The county smallpox hospital was located 
near Asbury in 1894; the county and city jointly pvit up the brick 
building and bore the expense. In 1895 Dubuque county had 
twenty-nine butter and cheese factories, with an annual product of 
about $255,000. In the nineties telephone lines began to cross the 
county in various directions. On January i, 1894. the county debt 
was $181,650.55 ; on January i, 1895, it was $163,680.39. 

In 1902 the count}- board was petitioned by 180 members of the 
Grand Army posts of the county to submit to the voters the ques- 
tion, Shall Dubuque county levy a one mill tax with which to build 
a soldiers' and sailors' memorial hall? The county tax in 1902 was 
$357,273.51, and in 1903 was $361,724.78. The total assessment 
in 1903 was $13,163,678. The number of polls in the county was 
12,523 ; of this number, 8,426 were in Dubuque city. 

The poultry show in the city hall at Dubuque in January, 1898, 
was an important affair: the prizes aggregated $100. The total 
county tax in 1897 was $456,373.33. The county assessment was 
$13,783,545. Henry S. Hetherington died in 1898; he came to 
the county in 1845 and was prominent. In December, 1897, there 
were 173 saloons in Dubuque county; a tax of $600 each under the 
mulct law would yield $103,800. one-half to the county and one- 
half to the city or township. In 1898 the corporation tax in Cas- 
cade was 5 mills : D3'ersville, 10 mills: New Vienna, 10 mills; Ep- 
worth, 2 mills, and Farley, 10 mills. In 1898 the county spent 
$56,063.70 for its poor. Dubuque County Farmers' Mutual Insur- 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 419 

ance Association met at Farley in January, 1899; F. N. Simpson 
was president. By 1900 the Iowa Telephone Company operated 
1 14.5 miles in Dubuque county; Standard, 65.99 niiles ; Epworth 
line, 16.98: Bishop line in Dyersville, .57. The third annual exhi- 
bition of the Mississippi Valley Poultry Association was held here 
in January, 1900. The county tax of 1899 was $330,157.39, and the 
total assessment $12,750,301. The Cascade fair ancl the county 
fair were held together in October, 1899. The county board about 
this time was allowed space in the ice harbor for a pesthouse. In 
1900 the county ta.x for all purposes was $332,271.51, and the total 
assessment $13,075,046. The county fair at Cascade in 1900 was 
unusually good ; Cascade deserved and received great praise for its 
efforts. Henry L. Stout died in July, 1900; he was one of the 
first and foremost settlers and lived a life of great usefulness and 
honor. 

The total county tax in 1904 was $385,788.14; the school tax 
alone was $153,697.11. The total real estate and personal property 
in the county was valued at $12,434,349. 

In 1904 Crawford's bill in the legislature provided for four 
county supervisor's districts outside of the city of Dubuque, and for 
one of Julien township, which was coextensive with the city, with 
four supervisors outside of the city and three from the city proper. 

In 1905 Dubuque county had the largest corn crop in its history 
— an average of about fifty-two bushels to the acre; a full average 
crop had always before been placed at forty-six bushels per acre. 

The official papers of the county in 1895 were Times, Herald and 
Telegraph of Dubuque, Pioneer of Cascade, and Commercial and 
News Letter of Dyersville. 

The tax under the mulct law brought the county a large revenue 
in 1896. It was about this time that twenty cows at the county poor- 
farm were condemned under the tests for tuberculosis. 

It was noted about this time that Dubuque county had a total of 
about 300 bridges, many of which were of iron and steel, and in 
the aggregate had cost a large sum. 

In August, 1907. a terrible storm swept over the county, doing 
immense damage, especially to bridges and to the town of Bernard. 
In November, 1907, Dubuque county sold to the State of Iowa five 
islands in the Mississippi, located above Eagle Point. 

COUNTY WARRANTS DRAWN. 

1902 $257,045.11 

1903 230,420.87 

1904 214,319.86 

1905 222,390.30 

1906 221,937.78 

1907 224,208.45 

1908 202,479.88 



420 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

1909 198.29775 

1910 216,636.10 

COUNTY TOTAL OUTSTANDING INDEBTEDNESS, 

January i, 1911. 

Bonded indebtedness $1 1 1,000.00 

County general fund warrants 182,741.00 

County bridge fund warrants 29,384.30 

Auditor holds warrants, 1909-1910 3,107.95 



Total $326,233.25 

All taxes in the county were as follows: For 1907, $416,224.71 ; 
1908, $443,836.13; 1909, $462,016.27; 1910, $468,099.07. 

"The era of prohibition in Iowa was the era of the unrestrained 
liquor traffic in Dubuque, Scott and other river counties in which 
local sentiment was against the prohibition law. In those days we 
had over twice as many saloons in Dubuque as we have today. They 
were open late at night and seven days in the week, and the liquor 
influence in politics was stronger than at present. It does not fol- 
low that conditions would be permanently improved by the repeal of 
the mulct law. The Democrats would have the support of thou- 
sands of Republicans in their demand for the restoration of the 
open saloon. Besides, the sacrifice of the present revenue from the 
liquor traffic in the border towns would probably not stop the sale 
of liquor to any drunkard it was desired to save. Would prohibi- 
tion help the man who could get liquor by crossing the bridge or pat- 
ronizing the bootlegger? We fear not." — {Times- Journal, Janu- 
ary I, 1911.) 



PRACTICE OF MEDICINE, DENTISTRY, ETC. 

DR. JOHN B. STODDARD is credited with being the first 
physician to locate at Dubuque. He must have come quite 
early in the year 1833, because he was present when the 
cholera cases raged in July, August and September of that year. 
He was almost immediately followed by Dr. John Hill, who also 
administered to the cholera patients. About fifty deaths from 
cholera occurred in Dubuque County that year. The next year Dr. 
Frederick Andros arri\ed. Many years afterward he claimed to 
have been the first duly registered and licensed physician here, be- 
cause, according to his statement, the other physicians had not been 
regularly licensed. He further stated that when he arrived there 
were here two doctors, both nanted Stoddard, though not related 
so far as known. As he makes no mention of Dr. Hill, the latter 
had probably left the place. Dr. Andros continued to practice here 
until 1838, when he moved to Clayton County. In the files of the 
Dubuque Visitor, which made its appearance in June, 1836, the ad- 
vertisement or card of Dr. E. Andros appears. Dr. Frederick 
Andros does not state who Dr. E. was. Dr. Stoddard's card also 
appears in the Visitor. His charges were, in town, day time, $1 ; 
night time, $2; ex-officio services, $1 per hour; consultation with 
other doctors, $10. There was an extra charge for mileage for 
country calls. He kept medicines for sale, and was a surgeon as 
well as a physician. 

In June, 1836, Dr. John W. Finley began practicing here medi- 
cine, surgery and midwifery, and became active and prominent at 
once. In October, 1836, Dr. R. O. Shaw, surgeon-dentist, located in 
Dubuque. 

In 1837 Dr. I. O'Ferrall began to practice. He kept vaccine 
on hand. Dr. Plumbe began practicing about the same time. He 
limited his midwifery practice to Dubuque. He was a graduate of 
the medical department of the University of Leyden, Holland. Dr. 
Lurton came in 1838 and devoted his attention to diseases of women 
and children. At this time a Dr. Crane was associated with Dr. 
Finley. The two (Finley & Crane) apparently had a large prac- 
tice in 1838. Dr. Plumbe announced in September, 1838, that he 
had long adopted the European plan of practice with bilious and 
intermittent fever and ague, and would undertake to cure in a few 
hours without the use of calomel. 

421 



422 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

During the decade of tlie forties several physicians located in 
Dubuque. One located at Cascade about 1843. Dr. Charles Hutawa 
was in Dubuque in 1840. 

In three days during November, 1845, t^li^ citizens of Dubuque 
subscribed $1,000 for a city hospital, owing to a smallpox scare, 
but as the disease almost immediately disappeared the project was 
dropped. In 1846 Drs. Charles Koepfle, R. S. Lewis and P. R. 
Campbell were paid fees by the county board for attendance on the 
poor. Dr. John B. Henion, dental surgeon, was here in 1847. 

In 1847 among the doctors here were Joseph Sprague, Asa Horr, 
Boone & Whitman, C. Koepfle, D. B. Lee, C. B. Carpenter, J. 
O'Sullivan and Timothy Mason. Koepfle, O'Sullivan and Mason 
were county physicians. The latter was a druggist. Drs. Horr and 
Sprague practiced together medicine and surgery and made a spe- 
cialty of deformities. Drs. Lee and Carpenter were dentists and 
partners. 

The next year there were here practicing Drs. Harrison Holt, 
Ambrose Crane, J. B. Henion, Joseph Sprague, Asa Horr, C. 
Koepfle, D. B. Lee, I. B. Branch, P. P. Berger and Doctor Dif- 
fenbacker. Lee, Henion and Branch were dentists. In 1848 the 
Iowa State Medical Society was organized at Iowa City. 

Dr. Berger was a graduate of foreign medical schools and spoke 
three languages. 

In 1849 the cholera again appeared. By May 16 there were 
many cases in Galena, but none here yet. In June as high as ten 
deaths a day occurred in Galena. On May 30 there were a few 
cases here, which proved to be the dreaded cholera. By the last of 
June there had been from ten to twenty cases, and by July 7 there 
had been eleven deaths in Dubuque, of which five cases were from 
steamers. Large quantities of lime were sprinkled in the streets 
and alleys. Drs. L. T. Boone and R. S. Lewis practiced here in 
1849. 

In July, 1850, cholera was again threatened and a hospital was 
again talked of. In 1850 Dr. Horr used chloroform in an operation 
of trachaeotomy on a child of Joseph Sebring. 

In 1 85 1 there were here among others Drs. H. T. Whitman, 
George W. Scott, Thomas Scott. Thomas P. Powell and Asa Horr. 
George W. Scott was physician, surgeon and accouciieur. He used 
vegetable remedies and not calomel, opium, antimony, blistering, 
etc. Dr. Horr finally made a specialty of surgery. He used 
chloroform when amputating the leg of Ambrose Meeker, who had 
been injured by a threshing machine. In 185 1 he claimed to have 
already used chloroform here in 300 different cases. Dr. Powell 
had been a member of the Royal Medical Institute of Weland and 
had officiated as accoucheur of the Dublin Lying-in Hospital. He 
made a specialty of diseases of women and children. 

In 1852 the city had a few cases of cholera, perhaps during the 





FIRST ST. BONIFACE CHURCH 



SECOND ST. BONIFACE CHURCH 





ST. BONIFACE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 
NEW VIENNA. IOWA 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 423 

suniiner 100 cases in all. Ten to twenty died. Drs. George W. 
Richards and Robert I. Thomas were county physicians in 1852. 
A building was leased and fitted up for a hospital. 

In November. 1852, a meeting of tiie physicians of Dubuque was 
held at the office of Dr. Edward Kirkup for the purpose of forming 
a county medical society. A committee on constitution and bylaws 
was appointed and the meeting adjourned to a subseciuent date. 
The committee were Asa Horr, G. W. Richards and F. C. Smith. 
At the second meeting in January, 1853, the constitution prepared 
was adopted and the following officers of the society were elected : 
G. W. Richards, president : John F. Ely and Harrison Holt, vice- 
presidents ; Asa Horr, corresponding secretary ; F. Coleman Smith, 
recording secretary ; R. S. Lewis, treasurer ; Richards. Horr and 
Ely, censors. The first members were as follows : D. W. Richards, 
R. E. I,ewis, Asa Horr, Thomas Scott, Robert L Thomas, Harrison 
Holt, F. C. Smith. J. W. Finley, W. R. McMahan, A. E. Smith and 
J. F. Ely. 

At the first annual meeting the members were : Asa Horr, W. 
R. McMahan. Harrison Holt, G. W. Richards, Thomas Scott, F. C. 
Smith. R. S. Lewis, John W. Finley and Robert J. Thomas, of 
Dubuque; A. E. Smith, of Delaware County, and John F. Ely, of 
Linn County. 

The presidents down to 1879 were: G. W. Richards, F. Andros, 
R. S. Lewis, Asa Horr, T. O. Edwards, R. J. Thomas, G. A. 
Staples, C. W. Belden, G. W. Watson, H. Minges, J. C. Lay, 
Benjamin McCluer, W. Watson, N. B. Matthews, William Hofif- 
bauer, M. E. Connolly, John S. Lewis and M. H. Waples. The 
Northwestern Sanitarimn was established in 1876 by Dr. E. A. 
Guilbert, and a little earlier the Dubuque Remedial and Surgical 
Institute was opened on Main street. Dr. Guilbert was a homeo- 
pathist. 

In April, 1853. the Medical Society met and passed resolutions 
regretting the death of Dr. G. W. Richards. R. S. Lewis was presi- 
dent of the society at this date and E. Kirkup secretary. Smallpox 
was here again in 1853. Dr. W. R. McMahan was health officer. 

In the spring of 1854 Drs. W. R. McMahan and N. B. Matthews 
opened a private hospital in a brick house opposite the Court House. 
They were well patronized and cared for smallpox patients. Their 
consulting physicians were Drs. F. W. Finley, L. T. Coleman and 
Smith & Shipman. 

"Health of Dubuque. — The health of the city of Dubuque was 
never better. While neighboring cities have been visited by that 
enemy of our race, the cholera, Dubuque, with the exception of 
two or three strangers who died of it, has thus far escaped un- 
harmed." — Observer, July 22, 1854. 

Dr. Watson was here in 1854; also Dr. E. C. Franklin, a pupil of 



424 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Dr. Valentine Mott. A few cases of cholera appeared here in 
August. 

Among the physicians in Dubuque in November, 1855. were 
Lewis & Watson, Thomas Scott, Edward Dorn, W. W. Woolsey, 
IVIengus & Bengal, and P. L. Hatch, homeopathist. 

The new hospital of the Sisters of Charity was opened in 1855. 
The citizens generally helped defray the expense of erecting the 
building. Drs. E. A. Guilbert and P. L. Hatch opened a homeo- 
pharmacy here in 1856. Drs. E. C. Franklin and W. B. Lillis 
opened the same kind of a pharmacy a little later. 

A medical and surgical clinic was conducted in 1856 at 133 Main 
street, Dubuque, by W. B. Lillis, M. D. In December nineteen 
cases were treated. About this time Dr. Iddings inserted an arti- 
ficial eye in a patient and was complimented highly for his skill. 

Dr. McTaggart, eye and ear specialist, was here in 1857. Other 
members at this time were : Horr, Belden, David, Watson, Pratt, 
Sprague, IMatthews, Edwards, Minges, McCluer, Jennings and 
Thomas. They were all members of the Dubuque Medical Society. 
They conducted a clinic in 1857, in which the following cases were 
treated : Hernia, i ; porrigo favosa, 4 ; suppressio menses, 2 ; 
blennadenitis, 2 ; haemorrhoides, i ; leucorrhea, i ; icteritous jaun- 
dice, 4; psoriasis, i ; ascites, or dropsy, i ; stricture, or urethra, i ; 
dysentery, i ; total, 19. 

The Dubuque County Homeopathic Medical Society was here in 
February, 1858. Among the members were: E. H. Guilbert, Dr. 
Williams, E. C. Franklin, C. A. Jaeger, H. P. Gatchell and John 
Ellis. Belden (G. W. B.) & David (W. G.), W. Lillis, S. H. Guil- 
bert, T. Edwards and others were practicing. Horr & Barker were 
partners. The two Guilberts were partners and probably brothers. 

The annual meeting of the Dubuque Medical Society was held at 
Dr. Staples" office in January, 1859. The following officers were 
elected for 1859: George M. Staples, president; William Watson, 
first vice-president ; Joseph Sprague, second vice-president ; James 
C. Lay, corresponding secretary; P. C. Samson, Jr., recording sec- 
retary; W^illiam Watson, treasurer; R. S. Lewis, chairman; C. W. 
Belden, E. Dorn and N. B. Matthews, censors; R. L Thomas, Ben- 
jamin McCluer and Thomas O. Edwards, delegates to the American 
Medical Association. R. L Thomas had just retired from the 
presidency of the society. 

Dr. Barker was a graduate of Dublin University and the Missouri 
Medical State College. Dr. T. Edwards was a first-class surgeon. 
He had been professor of surgery in the Medical College of Ohio. 

Dr. Charles Jennings formed a partnership with Dr. Asa Horr in 
April, 1859. He was a young man, a graduate of the Lhiiversity of 
Pennsylvania and was well educated in medicine, ambitious and 
able. 

The Dubuque Medical Society held its annual meeting January 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 425, 

3, i860, and elected the following officers for the ensuing year: 
C. W. Belden, president ; Benjamin McCluer, vice-president ; J. C. 
Fay, second vice-president ; F. H. Pratt, corresponding secretary ; 
C. B. Jennings, recording secretary; William Watson, treasurer; 
R. S. Lewis, Ed. Dorn and C. W. Belden, censors. Tom O. 
Edwards, George M. Staples and Joseph Sprague were elected dele- 
gates to the American Medical Association. Drs. Lewis, Sprague, 
Pratt, McCkier, Minges, Staples and Watson were appointed a 
committee to arrange for the meeting of the Iowa State Medical 
Society, which was to assemble here in May, i860. Reports on 
several difficult cases were read, and the address of the retiring- 
president, G. M. Staples, was listened to. 

On March 19, i860, Dr. Underwood, of Dubuque, at the Julien 
House removed a steotomatous tumor from the interior of the ear 
of Miss Mary A. Morrison, of Jones County. It was about two 
inches long and varying in thickness. It was removed in about 
half an hour and was regarded as a very skillful surgical operation. 

The Iowa State Medical Society assembled in Dubuque, May 9, 
i860. Dr. E. S. Barrows, of Davenport, president, called the meet- 
ing to order. It was an interesting mteting throughout. Many 
valuable papers were read and many subjects discussed. Many 
physicians from all parts of the state were present. 

Dr. Asa Horr was operating and consulting surgeon and had a 
large practice in 1861. Drs. Henry Smith and C. J. Ford were 
dentists. Dr. C. B. Jennings was again here practicing in 1862. In 
war time Dr. G. M. Staples was post surgeon. In 1863 Dr. Risch- 
tach served as county physician. W. Matthews, of Peosta, grad- 
uated from the Iowa Medical College at Keokuk about 1864. 

The Iowa State Dental Society met here in July, 1865, and was 
called to order by L. C. Ingersoll, president. About a score of 
representatives were present from all over the state. Illustrative 
clinical work was done. 

Among the dentists present were Drs. Nichols, Gunckle, Chase, 
Myers, Tulloss, Hardeman, Severance, Braugh, Sales, Miss Hobbs, 
Kulp, Taft, of Cincinnati; Dr. Peebles, of St. Louis; Ingersoll and 
Porter, King, Rogers and Clarke, of Dubuque. 

In 1866 the steamer Canada which came here had on board six 
cases of cholera, of which three proved fatal. The Minnesota also 
brought here several cases. By prompt action the city prevented its 
getting a foothold. 

In 1867 the Northern Iowa Dental Association held its annual 
meeting at Dyersville. Dr. A. B. Mason, of Cedar Falls, was presi- 
dent, and Dr. E. L. Clarke, of Dubuque, vice-president. 

One acre of ten belonging to the city on the west one-half of the 
northeast one-half of Section 13, Township 89 north. Range 2 east, 
was set apart for a hospital site in June. 1869. The building was to- 
be erected by the city and the county jointly. 



426 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Dr. Harrison Holt died in 1870. He came to Dubuque in 1847, 
practiced considerable at first and soon afterward became connected 
with the Miners' Express and remained thus associated until 1852, 
when he, D. A. Mahony, W. A. Adams and W. M. White estab- 
lished the Herald. He died at Maquoketa. 

Dr. Casper Koepfle died here in 1870. He settled here in 1844 
and had a fair practice. 

During the seventies the medical societies met quite regularly, 
but no event of striking importance occurred. The hospital was 
completed in 1872 and proved "just what was needed " The 
grounds comprised fifteen acres and the building was located 500 
yards from any residence and contained eleven rooms. 

In 1869 the county board made a conditional appropriation of 
$2,000 for a city hospital, to be paid to the city when it should de- 
liver to the county a warranty deed of the tract of land. This was 
done in 1872, when the hospital was erected. 

The eighteenth annual meeting of the Dubuque Medical Society 
was held in January, 1872, at Dr. McCluer's office. Dr. G. M. 
Staples was the retiring president. The new officers were : Dr. 
William Watson, president ; H. Rischatsch and N. B. Matthews, 
vice-presidents ; W. M. Waples, corresponding secretary ; Dr. Con- 
nolly, recording secretary: Benjamin McCluer, treasurer; J. C. Fay, 
J. W. Finley and W. McKee, censors ; W. Watson, librarian. Dr. 
Fay read a paper on "Vesico Vaginal Fistula;" Dr. Watson one on 
"Reflex Nervous Diseases;" Dr. Rischatsch on "Scarlatina Angi- 
nosia," and Dr. McCluer one on "Reduction of Dislocation of the 
Hip by Manipulation." At this time the society had fourteen mem- 
bers, as follows : John W. Finley, Asa Horr, W. Watson, C. W. 
Belden, N. B. Matthews, G. M. Staples, B. McCluer, J. C. Fav, H. 
F. Rischatsch, W. McKee, M. H. Waples, M. E. Connelly, J. F. 
Lewis and E. A. Crepin. 

When the yellow fever was at Memphis in 1873, Dubuque raised 
nearly $1,500 for relief. In 1873 Dr. James C. Fay became presi- 
dent of the society here. The meetings were usually held at Dr. 
McCluer's office. The meeting of 1873 was interesting and in- 
structive. Many papers on special subjects were read. Professor 
Hay, of Rush Medical College, Chicago, was present and took part 
in the proceedings. 

In 1874 there were many cases of smallpox in the southeastern 
part of the county. The profession united to "wipe it out" and suc- 
ceeded. The members of the society in January, 1874, were as 
follows : John W. Finley, Joseph Sprague, B. McCluer, William 
Watson, George M. Staples, N. B. Matthews, James C. Fay, M. H. 
Waples, C. N. Belden, M. E. Connolly, Asa Horr, H. Rischatsch, 
W. McKee, Karl Mesling, H. Smith, of Epworth, and William 
Bigelow, of Buncombe. 

On June 21, 1874, John W. Finley, Joseph Sprague, Asa Horr, 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 427 

William Watson, C. W. Belden, H. B. Matthews, G. M. Staples, 
James C. Lay, Benjamin McCluer, H. T. Rischtash, Wiley McKee, 
M. H. Waples. M. E. Connolly, Carl Misling, H. W. Smith and 
Silas A. Tremain were incorporated as the Dubuque Medical 
Society. 

Dr. Nicholas B. Matthews died here September 9, 1875. He was 
born in Dublin. Ireland, in 1819, was educated at Maynooth and 
finished his medical education at Glasgow and Edinburgh. He 
located in Dubuque in 1853, but for a short time practiced in Cas- 
cade. He was a superior physician and was prominent in all worthy 
public affairs. 

In June, 1876, the Northeastern Iowa Homeopathic Medical So- 
ciety met here at the Lorimier House. 

On May 25, 188 1, the State Medical Society assembled here. S. 
B. Chase, of Osage, was president; M. H. Waples, of Dubuque, as- 
sistant secretary. Dr. C. W. Belden, of Dubuque, delivered the 
welcoming address. Almost every county of the state was repre- 
sented. The proceedings were very interesting. Dr. McCluer, of 
Dubuque, read a paper on "Injuries to the Orbital Regions ;" Dr. 
Staples, of Dubuque, one on "Chest Drainage and Emphysema." 
The ethics of the profession was discussed. Receptions were given 
by the leading citizens and homes thrown open for the comfort of 
the visiting followers. 

In 1883 several cases of smallpox were soon isolated and pre- 
vented from spreading. The Hahnemann Medical Association of 
Iowa was in session here in June, 1883. Dr. E. A. Guilbert tendered 
the society a reception and banquet. In 1886 the Julien Medical 
Society was organized and monthly meetings were held at the 
houses of the members. Papers on medical subjects were read at 
every meeting. Dr. Bready was president ; Dr. Fowler, secretary ; 
Dr. Bready, custodian. The homeopaths reorganized in July, 1889, 
and met at Dr. Jackson's office. Drs. E. A. Guilbert and McCeney 
were temporarily president and secretary, respectively. Drs. 
William Bray, N. Bray and Jackson prepared a constitution and 
bylaws. 

In 1886 the health department reported on the necessity of doing 
away with the numerous sinkholes about the cit}' and recommended 
the proposed new sewer ; the open sewer system was denounced. 
Dr. Greene was health physician. He was still official physician in 
1888. He reported that for the year 1887 there were 620 deaths, 
of which 355 were males. Twenty-eight had died of scarlet fever; 
56 of diphtheria; 13 of chickenpox ; 14 of typhoid fever; 4 of ery- 
sipelas; 13 of croup, and 492 of measles. In 1889 the officers of 
the Julien Medical Society were : G. M. Staples, president ; Dr. 
Reynor, of Epworth, vice-president. 

In May, 1890, the Iowa State Dental Association met in this 
city. The Dubuque dentists in attendance were : W. P. Dickinson, 



428 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

C. J. Peterson (who was chosen president), E. W. Munn, E. L. 
Clark, J. B. Clark and J. V. Conzett. The Dubuque County Medi- 
cal Society had a fine banquet at the Lorimier House in 1892. Dr. 
Brownson was county physician in 1893. The sixth annual meet- 
ing of the Cedar Valley Medical Society met here in October, 1893. 
All were invited to visit Finley Hospital. Retiring President 
Bigelow read a paper on "Fractures of Elbow Joints." Drs. Heus- 
tis and Kinnier conducted a twenty-minute eye clinic. Dr. N. J. J. 
MuUer, of Dyersville, was elected vice-president. In 1893 T. W. 
Ruete, of Dubuque, was chosen president of the Pharmaceutical 
Association of Iowa. The Wilson Medical Institute was established 
at Dubuque in 1893 for the treatment of the eye, ear, nose, throat, 
lungs, skin, blood, nerves, etc. Dr. J. W. Fowler became health 
officer in 1893. 

The eighth annual report of Dr. Brownson in 1894 showed he had 
treated during the year 833 patients ; he had served acceptably since 
1888. At the June (1894) meeting of the Dubuque Medical So- 
ciety the following doctors were present : Asa Horr, J. S. Lewis, 
J. F. McCarthy, F. W. Wieland, F. H. Holland, Cooper Walsh, J. 
R. Guthrie, J. W. Heustis, M. E. Connolly, J. H. Greene, W. H. 
Kinnier, I. S. Bigelow, J. E. Maguire, Ben Michel, W. P. Slattery, 
C. H. Hamilton and George Minges. 

The Dubuque Medical Society assembled in January, 1897. 
There were present among others : J. W. Heustis, president ; Ben 
Michel, first vice-president ; J. C. Dennison, second vice-president ; 
F. W. Wieland, secretary; Nancy M. Hill, treasurer; Ben Michel, 
librarian; William Watson, M. E. Connolly and J. S. Lewis, 
censors. They discussed a proposed law to stop itinerant practice 
and aimed particularly at the osteopaths. Drs. Bready, Michel and 
Heustis were appointed a committee to confer with the legis- 
lature in favor of the proposed law. 

In 1897 and 1898 Dr. J. E. Maguire served as county physician. 
In April, 1898, the sixth annual session of the Tri-State Medical 
Society met here. Dr. George M. Staples died here in 1899. He 
was educated in Maine, came here in 1856 and served as surgeon of 
the Fourteenth Iowa Regiment. 

In 1900 a new ordinance provided for a board of health, consist- 
ing of five members. They were chosen and at once took effective 
steps to correct many evils. In 1902 an epidemic of typhoid fever 
showed there was much yet to be done to prevent disease. It was 
difficult to learn the source of the fever — city water, or well water, 
or otherwise. This year also smallpox again appeared, but was 
soon banished by the health board. The Dental Club of Iowa began 
to hold sessions about this time. Dr. George A. Minges was presi- 
dent of the Dubuque Medical Society in 1904. In 1905 this society 
was reorganized under the new state constitution. The new officers 
were: George Minges. president; James Alderson, vice-president; 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 429 

M. J. A. Muellen, second vice-president ; Anna Odell, secretary ; 
Lily Kinnier, treasurer; James R. Guthrie, librarian and delegate 
to the State Society ; John Hancock, I. S. Bigelow and A. H. Block- 
linger, trustees; J. R. Guthrie, John S. Lewis and J. H. Greene, 
censors. 

The annual meeting of 1906 was interesting, instructive and 
largely attended. Many important papers were read. A clinic at 
Farley Hospital was an interesting feature. Among those present 
were : H. B. Gratiot, J. R. Guthrie, B. Michel, J. S. Lewis, E. R. 
Lewis, J. C. Hancock, Nancy Hill, George Minges, C. A. Snyder, L 
S. Bigelow, J. H. Greene, C. H. Hamilton, Charles Lenehan, Mary 
Killeen, J. E. Bready, Dr. Myers, J. W. Heustis, W. L. Becker, 
Joseph Rowan, T. H. Hefferman, W. P. Slattery, F. W. Wieland, 
O. E. Haisch, Dr. Schrup, Dr. Pond and Dr. Linehan. Dr. Reynor, 
of Epworth, and C. A. Kearney, of Farley, were present. 

Drs. W. P. Slattery, Mary Killeen and L S. Bigelow were the 
committee on arrangements, and much of the success of the meet- 
ing was due to their efforts. The new officers were : L S. Bigelow, 
president ; Mary Killeen, secretary ; Lily Kinnier, treasurer. 

In 1906 an epidemic of grip afflicted the city. In June, 1907, the 
most notable array of physicians ever assembled in Dubuque met 
and the visitors were welcomed by Dr. William P. Slattery. 
Numerous papers on specialties and successes were read and dis- 
cussed. Finley Hospital was one of the centers of interest. 

At the meeting of June, 1907, there were present : H. B. Gratiot, 
J. W. Heustis, J. I. Lewis, I. S. Bigelow, J. H. Greene, F. W. 
Wieland, Ben Michel, J. R. Guthrie, G. W. Minges, C. H. Ham- 
ilton, Nancy Hill, Dr. Hefferman, Dr. Cowan, J. F. McCarthy, Dr. 
Thompson, J. E. Costello, of Zwingle, and F. Reyner, of Epworth. 

In 1908 the society endorsed the \^isiting Nurses' Association. 
In March of this year it seemed as if half of the people were unwell 
with colds and grip at one time. Dr. Alphons Matthews, an old 
physician of Dubuque, passed away after an active and useful pro- 
fessional career. The Iowa State Association of Nurses held their 
annual meeting here in 1909. In May of this year the Iowa Medi- 
cal Woman's Association held a convention in this city. They made 
a severe attack on osteopathy. Dr. Allen Staples was president of 
the Dubuque Medical Society in 1909. Dr. C. M. Linehan was 
county physician. The resident physicians of Dubuque in 1909 
were, as follows : 

Adams, Omer G. W. Boothby, J. M. 

Alderson, James Bray, Nicholas 

Becker, William L. Bready, John E. 

Bigelow, Isaac S. Brownson, John J. 

Blech, G. O. Brownson, Orestes A. 

Blocklinger, A. H. Engelken, L. H. 



430 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 



Fowler, John W. 
Gratiot, H. B. 
Green, Joel H. 
Gnthrie, James R. 
Haisch, Otto E. 
Hamilton, C. H. 
Hancock, John C. 
Harris, R. R. 
Hetiferman, T. H. 
Heles, John B. 
Heustis, J. W. 
Hilger, Francis J. 
Hill, Nancy M. 
Jackson, E. R. 
Kempf, Otto 
Keogh, J. V. 
Killeen, Mary 
Kinnier, Lily 
Kinnier, William H. 
Langworthy, Henry G. 
Lewis, Eugene R. 
Lewis, John S. 
Linehan, Charles M. 
Linehan, Mathias D. 



Lindsay, Samuel S. 
Loizeaux, Charles E. 
Maguire, John E. 
Melhop, C. W. 
Merdanian, S. K. 
Meyers, Frank W. 
Michel, Bernard 
Minges, George 
Moes, Mathias J. 
Nitzsche, Robert E. 
Oaks, John F. 
Palen, Charles 
Pond, A. M, 
Reinicke, Edward L. 
Rowan, Joseph J. J. 
Schrup, Joseph H. 
Slattery, William P. 
Snyder, Charles A. 
Staples, G. Allen. 
Sumpmann, H. A. 
Walker. John M. 
Walker & Walker 
Wieland, Frank W. 



THE PROTESTANTS. 

THE first Protestant sermon delivered in Dubuque was by Kev. 
A. Kent, a Methodist missionary, in August, 1833. The 
first house for religious worship in Dubuque was a Metho- 
dist chapel, erected in 1834. It was built of hewn logs and 
was 20x26 feet in size and was used as a church, school house and 
a court house for several years. The first preacher stationed here 
was Rev. N. S. Bastion, who was once missionary to Africa. He 
was soon succeeded by Rev. H. W. Reed. This old house, remod- 
eled and relocated, was still in existence just before the Civil War 
and was used as a dwelling. Its successor was the Centenary 
building, commenced in 1839 and named because built 100 years 
after Wesley's chapel. The Catfish and Cedar Grove churches, 
about two miles from town, were offshoots of this congregation. 
The latter was organized in 1852 and the church was dedicated 
the following year. A German Methodist church was organized 
in 1848 and worshiped in a house on Clay street. 

Rev. Barton Randall, a Methodist clergj'man, and Rev. John T. 
Mitchell, superintendent of missions of the Methodist church, vis- 
ited Dubuque in the summer of 1834, held a quarterly meeting and 
administered the sacrament. In the fall of 1834, Rev. Nicholas S. 
Bastion was appointed by the Methodist conference at a meeting 
held at Mt. Carmel, Illinois, as the first regular "missionary to Du- 
buque mission, Dubuque Lead Mines, upper Mississippi river, 
Michigan Territory." Mr. Bastion remained a year at Dubuque, 
preaching on the Sabbath and teaching school during the week in 
the Methodist church building. Mr. Bastion, together with Wood- 
bury Massey, John Johnson, Mrs. Lockwood and others, continued 
the first Sabbath school in Iowa, it having been organized in 1834 
by Rev. Mr. Randall. In the fall of 1835 Mr. Bastion transferred 
his school to a place about ten miles west of Dubuque. He was 
thus the first preacher and the first teacher in Dubuque county out- 
side the limits of Dubuque citv and in all northern Iowa. — (Cor. 
E. &H., August 13, 1858.) 

Dubuque, Iowa, May i, 1835. 
To Major T. C. Legate, 

Agent Upper Mississippi Lead Mines. 
The undersigned, on behalf of the trustees of the Methodist 
Episcopal church of Dubuque, hereby apply for permission to oc- 
cupy the square of ground on which said church is built, said 

431 



432 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

square having been laid off by a committee appointed by a meet- 
ing of the citizens of the place acting under the authority of the 
assistant superintendent of the United States Lead Mines for the 
purposes of church and school houses. 

Woodbury Massey, 
One of the Trustees of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church of Dubuque. 

Authority is hereby given to occupy the land above described and 
for the purposes therein named. Th. C. Legate, 

Galena, May 7, 1835. Major U. S. Army, Supt. Lead Mines. 

'■1834. Subscriptions for chapel for the Methodist Episcopal 
church in the town of Dubuque. Plan of the house, to be built of 
"hewn logs, 20x26 feet in the clear, one story, ten feet high, lower 
and upper floors and shingled roof, walls painted with lime and 
sand, one batten door, four twenty-light and one twelve-light win- 
dows ; cost estimated for completing in good style, $225. The 
above house is built for the Methodist Episcopal church, but when 
not occupied by said church shall be open for divine service by 
other Christian denominations and may be used for a common 
school at the discretion of the trustees. Woodbury Massey, John 
Johnson, William Hillery, Marcus Atchison and Orin Smith are 
the board of trustees who are authorized to receive subscriptions 
and control the interests of the said house for the uses above men- 
tioned." 

"Received of the trustees of the Methodist Episcopal church the 
sum of two hundred and fifty-five dollars in full for building a 
Methodist church in the town of Dubuque, agreeable to contract, 
this third day of September, 1834. 

"P. Smith 
"William Clark." 

It was claimed that by verbal promises of the minister and mem- 
bers at the time the subscription was raised the uses were greatly 
extended, but the documents showed that the church authorities 
surrendered even more than was promised in the subscription state- 
ment. 

"I understand that the building in this place, used by the county 
as a court and by the Methodists as a meeting house, was built 
by contribution and that it was designed by the contributors to be 
free to all sects of Christians without distinction. What are the 
facts in the case?" — (Inquirer in Iowa News, August 6, 1837.) 

Among the subscribers to the Methodist church fund were the 
following : 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 



433 



J. Johnson 
Jacob Sloven 
E. Lockwood 
A. Morgan 
Mr. Glockler 
Mr. Shun 
Charles Miller 
W. Massey 
W. Hillery 
M. L. Atchison 
M. L. Prentice 
John Levi 
Simeon Clark 
Thomas Child 
Mr. Weggil 
William Vaughan 
Caroline Boody 
L. Everett 
John Wharton 



Walton Baker 
Samuel Walsh 
George Peacock 
J. Durall 
David Slater 
John Smoker 
J. B. Webber 
Wm. Mattox 
J. L. Young- 
Mr. Hickey 
Warner Lewis 
H. T. Camp 
J. B. Stoddard 
Paid in dishes 
S. D. Green 
H. Portzer 
W. Lockwood 
P. O'Mara 
L. E. Jackson 



H. Gilbert 

Mrs. Jordan 

G. W. Jordon 

L. Wheeler 

J. Stoddard 

G. S. Booth 

Louis Bleau 

N. Morgan 

J. P. Cobb 

A. Wilson 

Mr. Shadwick 

T. Whitesides 

Baker&Cox (order) 

Mr. Fanning 

Mr. Ragin 

Mr. Weir 

Hardin Nowlin 

Orin Smith 

J. B. Smith 



"While we were engaged in building a log house Mr. Johnson, 
an old man who was much respected by the citizens of Dubuque 
and a Methodist, asked if we would subscribe something towards 
the building of a church which would also be used for a school- 
house. One of the young men said he would give one dollar 
towards building a gambling house, but nothing for a church. Mr. 
Johnson made a little speech as to the importance of such a build- 
ing in the community, whereupon the young man, after a pause, 
said, 'Well, old boss, here's a dollar.' All the others gave from 
fifty cents to a dollar. I paid seventy-five cents — all the money I 
had. This was about the first of August, 1834. The first church 
quarrel that took place in Iowa occurred at Dubuque about Oc- 
tober I, 1834. A Mormon elder arrived in town and it was 
noised around that he would not be permitted to preach in the 
log church. This created some excitement when a crowd of 
young men started with the Mormon to the church. It was dark, 
but a number of persons had already collected around the door, 
which was locked. One man forced his way through the crowd, 
stuck his bowie knife in the door and said, 'I helped to build this 
church and I'll be damned if it shan't be free to all denomina- 
tions." Just then some person came forward and unlocked the 
door, when the room was soon filled with listeners to the Mor- 
mon's discourse." — (Eliphalet Price in Herald, July 13, 1865.) 

"Another minister of the gospel is needed among us— one who 
can reason, preach and sing and enforce the fourth command- 
uient. The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few." — 
{J'isitor, May 11, 1836.) 



434 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

"Mr. Editor: Permit me, through the medium of your paper, 
to advert to the happy effects which have resulted from the passage 
of our town ordinance in relation to the observance of the Sab- 
bath. It cannot fail of proving a source of high congratulation to 
every virtuous and well regulated mind when we contemplate the 
order and decorum which prevails in every part of our com- 
munity on Sunday, the total abstinence from all secular business, 
the silence and retirement that reigns throughout the place, and 
which are so characteristic of the day set apart for devotion and 
religious contemplation. The willingness with which the citizens 
of Dubuque acquiesced in the law passed by the trustees and the 
ready and prompt obedience they yielded to its requirements are 
worthy of all praise and evince their love of order and decency. 
The exertions, too, of the trustees thus to improve the moral as- 
pect of our town is not the least important of the many wholesome 
regulations they have adopted and entitle them to the continued re- 
spect and consideration of their fellow citizens." — (Osman, in Iowa 
Nezvs, September 30, 1837. The writer was supposed to be Dr. 
Timothy Mason.) A Sunday school was organized by the ladies 
of this society in 1836. A singing school was also organized with 
Mr. Fales conductor. 

The Methodists' quarterly meeting was held here in the M. E. 
chapel in January, 1839, and was conducted by Rev. Mr. Weed. 

The Methodists of "Du Buque Station, Iowa Territory," as- 
sembled on December 9, 1839, for the purpose of making prepara- 
tions to celebrate the centenary of Methodism. Rev. Mr. Stewart 
was chosen chairman and James R. Goodrich secretary. A com- 
mittee of three was appointed to prepare for the event — R. Rogers, 
J. P. Farley and J. R. Goodrich. It was resolved that the funds 
raised on that occasion should be used in part toward the erection 
of a "House of worship for the Methodist Episcopal church, to be 
called the 'Wesleyan Centenary Church.' " It was resolved that 
amounts subscribed under $50 be payable in three months, and 
over $50 in three and six months. R. Rogers was made treasurer 
of the funds thus to be raised. 

The cornerstone of the first Presbyterian church in Dubuque 
and in the state of Iowa was laid July 18, 1836, though no church 
society was organized until May 12, 1839. During the winter pre- 
vious to the laying of the corner stone, Rev. Cyrus Watson, a 
Presbyterian, preached in the Methodist church. But probably the 
first Presbyterian services held here were by Rev. Mr. Kent, pastor 
of a Presbyterian church in Galena. The Presbyterian society here 
was organized in the log meeting house, nineteen being the original 
membership. The first pastor was Rev. Z. R. Hawley, who re- 
mained sixteen months and was succeeded by Rev. Mr. Townsend. 
Rev. J. C. Holbrook, the third pastor, began his labors here March 
20, 1842. In December, 1844, the church adopted the Congrega- 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 



435 



tional form of government. The old house was abandoned, owing 
to a suit for debt. The next building was erected in 1846 and was 
greatly enlarged four years later. In 1857-8 a new house was 
erected at Locust and Tenth streets. Mr. E. Lockwood, one of the 
trustees, reported early in September, 1837, that he had paid out 
on the Presbyterian church $2,474.80, had received $1,330, and 
that there was still due him $1,144.80. The church had remained 
in an unfinished condition a long time and now there was some 
complaint. 

Among the subscribers to the Presbyterian church fund were the 
following men: 



E. Lockwood 
W. S. Oilman 
Swan & Webster 
Loring Wheeler 

F. K. O'Ferrall 
M. H. Prentice 
L. J. Daniels 
Governor Dodge 
Augustus Coriell 
R. Rupert 
Davis Gillilan 
John Smoker 

C. H. Gratiot 
Thomas C. Fassitt 
C. H. Langworthy 
David Watson 
James Watson 
Thomas R. Brazier 
W. W. Chapman 
Thomas McCraney 
David Sleator 
Robert C. Bourne 



H. T. Camp 
R. D. Sherman 
Leroy Jackson 
W. N. Baker 

F. Andross 

G. D. Grafiford 
H. Loomis 

G. W. Cummins 
Charles Miller 
Wm. S. Anderson 
John W. Markle 
William Guery 
John O. Graham 
S. Shepherd 
Timothy Mason 
William Allen 
H. N. Sanford 
Daniel C. Boyle 
Benjamin Hughes 
Samuel Hulett 
D. T. Blythe 



A. Levi 

Mr. Snodgrass 
Geo. L. Nightingale 
Thomas Gotten 
Solomon Gotten 
James R. Lett 
Isaac Lyon 
M. Dickinson i 

A. LaGrave 
L. L. Hayden 
A. Cotee 
E. Wooten 
E. Mattox 
H. H. Pease 
William McDaniel 
Benj. T. Massey 
J. E. Miller 
Henry Becket 
Sam'l S. McMaster 
J. M. Harrison 
and others 



On Wednesday, July 18, 1836, the corner stone of the Presby- 
terian church was laid in Dubuque in the presence of Judge Dunn, 
chief justice of Wisconsin Territory. A procession marched to the 
building site where prayer was offered by Mr. Rupert and an ad- 
dress was delivered by Dr. Timothy Mason. In October, 1837, 
the following committee was appointed to solicit subscriptions to 
be used in comlpleting the Presbyterian church : Warner Lewis, 
Thomas S. Wilson and John Plumbe, Jr. 

In April, 1840, a Baptist congregation was organized in Du- 
buque and in the winter of 1841 a small house at Clay and Eighth 
was dedicated. Rev. Burton Carpenter became the first pastor in 
May, 1841. A new lot was bought in 1850 and a new church 



436 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

was commenced in 1853. The basement was dedicated July 30, 
1854, but the whole church was not dedicated until December 21, 
1856. 

An Episcopal church was organized in 1843, but languished 
and did little until 1844. Its house was consecrated April 19, 185 1, 
and was located at Locust and Ninth. In November, 1851, Rev. 
R. D. Brooke took charge of the parish, though for some reason 
services were held in the court house. There were then twenty- 
five communicants. 

A congregation of Christians was organized in Dubuque in 
1844. They secured the house originally built by the old school 
Presbyterians. The first pastor was Rev. J. P. Lancaster. 

The Baptist church at Dubuque was incorporated July 27, 1840. 
Among the first members were Benjamin Rupert, Amos Matthews, 
Jenks Dexter, Joseph T. Fales, Alexander D. Anderson, J. D. 
Grafifort and their families. A Sunday school celebration was 
held July 4, 1840, in "the grove above the cemetery" (Jackson 
park). James Crawford was orator. Rev. Z. K. Hawley ad- 
dressed the children and Rev. J. J. Stewart addressed the parents. 
Rev. Washington Wilcox was a Methodist of this conference in 
1841. On January 15, 1841, the Presbyterian church at Dubuque 
was incorporated by Henry L. Stout, John W. Finley, Isaac E. 
Norris, Lewis L. Wood, James H. Warren and Ezekiel Lockwood. 
In 1844 Rev. H. W. Reed was presiding elder of the Methodists; 
Rev. George B. Bowman, pastor of Dubuque ; Rev. Joel B. Taylor 
and Rev. William W. Knight, pastors of Dubuque circuit and 
Delevan mission. 

On August 30, 1843, the Rock River Conference of the Meth- 
odist church met in Dubuque. 

On September 8, 1844, the Christian church at Dubuque was 
organized by the following individuals : R. O. Anderson, Mor- 
decai Mobley, P. R. Campbell, H. A. Henderson, Caroline Ander- 
son, Martha Campbell, Martha Mobley, Hannah Pierce, Elizabeth 
Graves and Thomas White. Irregular services were at first held; 
in 1845 they met in the stone Presbyterian church. It was not 
until 1877 that they occupied their new churcli at the corner of 
Locust and Ninth. 

The Methodists completed their church at Cascade in 1844, 
but the society was organized three years before. The Congrega- 
tional church at Cascade was built in 1845, ^^'th Rev. E. B. Turner 
in charge. In 1871 the Episcopal church at Cascade was erected. 

The ladies of the Protestant congregations of Dubuque united 
in 1847-8 to devise means to care for the sick and indigent. In 
1847 a fair b}' the ladies of the Episcopal church, held in Emerson 
& Shields' new block, netted them $267 for their proposed church. 

Rev. Mr. Holbrook lectured as well as preached in the Congre- 
gational church during the forties ; one lecture was "Capital Pun- 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 437 

ishnient." He was one of the ablest clergymen here in early 
years. By 1847 the African Baptist Church society had been or- 
ganized and they were trying to raise means to build or secure a 
small building of their own. Rev. G. W. Woodward preached at 
the "stone church" in March, 1848, on which occasion he en- 
deavored to organize a Unitarian church. 

The Dubuque County Bible society was organized in 1848 in 
Dubuque and branches were established at Epworth, Farley, Cas- 
cade, Dyersville and elsewhere at later dates. 

The Methodist church at Dyersville was organized in 1849 ^"d 
Rev. William Trick, Sr., preached the first sermon in the place. 
The first services were held in a house provided by James Dyer, Sr., 
and here also the first Sunday school was held. These services 
were held about a mile east of the present town. In 1854 a small 
church was built at Dewitt and Union streets. Rev. W. H. Reed of 
Dubuque, was presiding elder and came here to the quarterly 
meetings. Rev. S. A. Lee was pastor in 1856. 

The ladies of the Episcopal church gave another fair late in 
1848 ; they met in Peter Kiene's new building near the court 
house ; an admission fee of twenty cents was charged. 

"I wish to notice a habit quite prevalent in this city. It is that 
of going to church for the purpose of taking a comfortable snooze 
during divine service. This miserable and sinful practice is quite 
fashionable and followed extensively by certain ladies and gentle- 
men, especially some who attend the Methodist and Congregational 
churches." — (Christian in Miners' Express, February 23, 1848.) 

At the Methodist Episcopal conference in 1849, ^^'^- G. B. 
Bowman became presiding elder ; Rev. J. Harris and Rev. L. Tay- 
lor, pastors of Dubuque; Rev. S. Farlow, pastor of Dubuque cir- 
cuit ; Rev. J. T. Coleman, pastor at Cascade. Rev. G. Copway, a 
Chippeway chief, preached twice in the Methodist church in Sep- 
tember, 1849. The Congregationalists enlarged their church in 
1849. The Dubuque County Bible society was in existence yet 
and doing good work. 

The old school Presbyterian church was organized in 1850 and 
at first had about a dozen members. They camie mostly from the 
Congregationalists and soon numbered twenty-one. Their church 
was erected in 1850-1 at Main and Twelfth streets. Joshua Phelps, 
D. D., the first pastor was installed in 1853. The second (new 
school) Presbyterian church was organized in 1855 with seven- 
teen members. They first used a hall that was afterward occupied 
by the city council, but in June, 1856. completed their chapel at 
Ninth and Locust streets. Rev. J. H. Trowbridge was the first 
pastor and began his services in June, 1856. A small body of 
German Presbyterians worshiped at Iowa and Seventeenth streets 
under Rev. A. Van Vleit. 

In 1849, tlis Methodist ministers for this county were Revs. 



438 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

A. Young, P. E., J. G. Dimmitt, J. L. Kelley (at Catfish), J. T. 
Coleman (at Cascade). J. H. W. Hawkins, a famous temperance 
advocate from Baltimore, lectured on that subject in the Congre- 
gational church in October. Lincoln Clark was president of the 
county bible society. In November, 1850, the Dubuque County 
Temperance society held a big convention at Dubuque. The Iowa 
annual conference of the Methodist church met here in 1850; the 
assignments were : Dubuque district. Rev. Alcinus Young, P. E. ; 
Dubuque Station, Rev. William Hulbert ; Catfish, Rev. Alpha J. 
Kynett ; Cascade, J. G. Dimmitt and Isaac Newton ; Dubuque cir- 
cuit, Rev. Joel B. Taylor. 

The Sabbath school at Dyersville, on October 8, 185 1, celebrated 
its second anniversary; over 150 persons were present. Rev. 
Joel Taylor preached ; Revs. Isaac Newton and William Frich also 
spoke. There was singing, recitations by the children, and a sup- 
per. In a fair at the city hall, Dubuque, in 185 1, the Methodist 
ladies made $140. In 1850 the Methodists began their new 
church. The Methodist camp ground was near Mr. Funston's. 

In June, 1850, the ladies of the Congregational church gave a 
dinner which netted $80 toward a new residence for Rev. Mr. 
Holbrook. 

The Methodist church at Epworth was organized in 185 1 with 
Thomas G. Briggs and wife, Otis Briggs and wife, Alfred Garner 
and wife, A. H. Van Anda and wife, Joseph Smith and wife and 
others as members. The first services were held that year in a 
schoolhouse on the farm of Otis Briggs with Rev. Joel B. Taylor 
as pastor. Early in 1853 they built a small frame church at Center 
and Main at a cost of about $1,000, which was dedicated by 
Mr. Taylor in December of that year. At this time the member- 
ship was about twenty-five. In 1870-1 their large brick church 
was built and dedicated in November, 187 1, by Elder H. W. Reed; 
the pastors have been Taylor, Kelly, Reed, Haven, Cameron, 
Thompson. Ashbaugh, Miller, Isham, Bronson, Ruler, Laverty, 
Moore, Houghton, Hartsough, Piatt, Ferris, Albrook, Swearingen 
and many others. 

Zion Reformed church, on section 16, Cascade township, first 
held services in May, 1853, with Rev. F. C. Bauman in charge. 
Spring Valley schoolhouse w'as used. Regular services were not 
held until 1863. when Rev. Bauman permanently effected the or- 
ganization with twenty-three members. In September, 1867, the 
cornerstone of the brick church was laid and the building was duly 
dedicated in October, 1868. Rev. J. Riale officiating. Among the 
pastors have been Revs. Bauman, Rettig, Smith, Bouser and others. 

Prairie Presbyterian church stands on Section 11, Washington 
township: it is a frame structure, erected in 1863: among the orig- 
inal members in 1855, when the society was first organized, were 
John and Aliza A. F. Crew, Jessie and May Peirson, Alexander and 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 439 

Margaret Foster, Joseph and Margaret McGregor, Robert and 
Catherine Kennedy, Thoinas and Martha McCurdy, Lucinda Van 
Kirk, Jane A. Mathers. Christian and Ann Denlinger. The early 
pastors were Revs. Allen, Vawter, Harmon, LeClere, Gay, Lyons 
and others. 

In 1853 Professor Mathews gave spiritual rappings here and 
was arrested for showing without a license. He defended himself 
on the ground that he gave a religious performance and stated 
that the fee at the door was the contribution solicited by all re- 
ligious bodies. After a trial he was discharged. Rev. John C. 
Holbrook edited the Congregational Herald in 1853. 

A Methodist organization was established at Centralia about 
1853 and a schoolhouse, moved from Sharp's farm, was the first 
church. Elder Reed and others preached to the members. In 
1872 fire destroyed the building and scattered the members. 

The Collegiate Institute for Young Ladies, established by Miss 
Catherine Beecher, began operations in 1853. The Main Street 
Methodist church was dedicated April 14, 1853 ; Rev. W. F. Cowles 
was in charge. 

The Methodists had an organization at what is now Dyersville 
as early as 1849, when Judge Dyer provided a place for them to 
assemble. In 1853 a frame church was commenced and com- 
pleted in the spring of 1854, and Rev. Wm. Trick became first 
pastor. Their new church was erected in 1856 and cost about 
$12,000, a large sum for that day. 

In August. 1855, the Second Presbyterian church of Dubuque 
was organized with seventeen members and belonged to the new 
school branch of the church. By January i, 1856, they numbered 
about forty members and were preached to regularly in Thedinga's 
hall, over the store of Charles Sufifrins, by Rev. J. Guernsey. Early 
in January, 1856, they purchased a lot at Locust and Ninth streets 
and made preparations to build a church in 1856. 

In 1855 Thanksgiving day services were held by the United 
Baptists, Methodists and Congregationalists at the Main street 
Methodist church. The Presbyterians held services at their own 
church. The Presbyterian church at Epworth was organized in 
1856 with John V. McCune, Jacob B. Waynant, Joseph Scott and 
their wives, R. S. Alexander and relatives and others, numbering 
about twenty-five. They had held services _ in the Methodist 
church. The first services in their own church were held in June, 
1859, in the basement by Rev. S. T. Wells. The church was 
dedicated February 19, i860; among the pastors have been Revs. 
Wells, Carsons, Potter, Bailey and Fisher. 

The Young Men's Christian Association of Dubuque, was or- 
ganized in June, 1856, and held its first regular session July 7. 
It started with about thirty members and in a year had nearly 130. 
It had a reading room and a library was soon started. 



440 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Mission Sunday schools, started by the Methodists and old 
school Presbyterians, were doing well. 

On July 24, 1856, the cornerstone of the new Congregational 
church in Dubuque was laid with great ceremony. On July 7, 
1856, the first regular meeting of the Young Men's Christian As- 
sociation was held in the Congregational church ; William Mills 
was chairman and F. J. Harron secretary. In 1856 Rev. Mr. Hol- 
brook and Dennis A. Mahony, editor of the Express and Herald, 
discussed at length in the newspapers the question of slavery, the 
former denouncing that institution and the latter upholding it. 
By the last of January, 1856, the Congregationalists had raised, 
by subscription, $8,000 of the $25,000 required for their new 
church. Rev. J. H. Trowbridge was pastor of the Second Presby- 
terian church at Locust and Eighth streets in 1856. Bishop Simp- 
son lectured here on "Christian Unity or Oneness," and "The In- 
visible," in August, 1856; packed churches heard him. 

The Congregational church society sold their church and lot on 
Main street to C. H. Booth for $20,000. The church, with 
$10,000 additional subscription, designed to erect a new structure 
at Locust and Tenth streets. Already by March, 1857, the foun- 
dation had been laid. 

In the fifties the German Lutherans had a small congregation 
on Clay street near Twelfth. In all there were fifteen religious 
bodies in Dubuque in the summer of 1857 and all except one had 
regular or stated pastors. 

In the Dubuque district of the Upper Iowa Conference of the 
Methodist Episcopal church in 1857 the following appointments 
were made: H. W. Reed, presiding elder; P. E. Brown, Dubuque; 
E. S. Stout, Dubuque centenary ; T. Thompson, Dubuque cir- 
cuit ; J. W. Batter, Rockdale ; L. S. Ashbaugh, Epworth ; S. A. 
Lee, Dyersville; J. Newton, Colesburg; H. Taylor, Rockville; J. L. 
Kelly, Cascade. 

The Dubuque district preachers' meeting and the district Sunday 
school convention of the Methodist church was held at Dyersville 
in August, 1857. ^ large increase in the membership of the 
schools was announced. The opening sermon was preached by 
Rev. P. E. Brown, and the closing one by Rev. Stout, both of 
Dubuque. The Baptist church at Cascade was built in 1854. The 
Baptist state convention was held here in October, 1857. Rev. 
Elihu Gunn of Keokuk, preached the annual sermon. Rev. John 
Bates of Cascade, was president pro temt. The Central Baptist 
church at Epworth had fourteen members in September, 1857. 
Several of them lived at Centralia. They were supplied by Rev. 
John Avil, who preached alternatively at Epworth and Centralia. 

A union revixal was carried on here in April, 1858, when preach- 
ing was conducted at the Julien theater, preachers of the different 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 441 

denominations alternating. At the same time the CathoHcs held 
daily services at the cathedral. 

"There haAC been remarkable religious revivals in all the 
churches in this city during the past few months and the interest 
in spiritual affairs seems to be still maintained." — -(£. & H., 
April 15, 1858.) 

The annual meeting of the Congregational Association was held 
here in June, 1858. Ministers were here from all parts of the 
west. Many important questions were considered, among which 
were slavery, Iowa college, home missions, Christian union, etc. 
Among those present were Revs. William Anderson, Dr. Badger, 
Mr. Harper, Mr. Jones, J. P. Kimball, Mr. Robbins, Mr. Magoun, 
D. Leonard, Mr. Reed, Guernsey, Emerson, Salter, Canfield, Grin- 
nell, Benton, Butter, Radclifife, Turner and others. 

The German Lutheran church at Dyersville was organized in 
1858 by Rev. M. Van Vliet. In 1872 their stone church was built. 
The Congregational church was established here in 1858 by Rev. 
W. H. Heu de Bourgh, through whose efforts the church was 
built. 

The First Presbyterian church was dedicated June 27, 1858, by 
Rev. J. P. Phelps, pastor at Locust and Eleventh streets. 

Rev. Mr. Avery preached in Dubuque on Universalism in Feb- 
ruary, 1858, at the Congregational church. By January, 1859, 
there were two Methodist churches at Dubuque. Miss Martha 
Hulett, medium of Rockford, Illinois, lectured here on Spiritual- 
ism in April, 1859. 

The Dubuque Sunday School Union held its annual meeting at 
the Baptist church in April. 1859. The churches represented were 
the following: Methodist, Congregational, Baptist, Presbyterian, 
Julien Avenue Mission. Third Ward Mission, Eagle Point Mis- 
sion, Episcopal. The aggregate of children represented was 3,000. 
Richard Edwards was elected president. 

The new Congregational church building was dedicated April 
I, i860, at Tenth and Locust streets. There must have been pres- 
ent between 900 and i ,000 people ; it was the largest Protestant 
gathering ever convened in Dubuque. The sermon was preached 
by Rev. J. C. Holbrook. He was assisted by Rev. J. Guernsey 
and others. 

The first Universalist society, on June 30, i860, gave an ex- 
cursion in two steamboats, which cost for the occasion $200 and 
besides engaged the Germania band. The boats were the Alham- 
bra and Fannie Harris. They were loaded to the guards and ran 
to Cassville, where they were received with cannon shots. Rev. 
J. S. Dennis was the orator. 

The following wete the appointments of the Dubuque district 
of the Methodist conference in i860: P. E. Brown, presiding 
elder; Dubuque Main street, R. L. Collier; Dubuque Centenary 



442 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

and West Dubuque Mission, I. K. Fuller; Rockdale, I. W. Newton; 
Dubuque circuit, E. F. Jeffries ; Epworth, H. W. Reed ; Dyers- 
ville, S. N. Fellows ; Cascade, T. C. Wolf and C. Isam ; Epworth 
Seminary, R. W. Keeler, member of Dubuque quarterly con- 
ference. 

The Dubuque County Bible society held its annual meeting No- 
vember 20, i860. All the Protestant churches closed and as- 
sembled in the Congregational church to hear the services. Rev. 
J. C. Holbrook preached the annual sermon. R. Edwards was 
chosen president of the society for 1861. The report showed that 
large numbers of bibles and tracts had been distributed. 

In November, i860, the ladies of the Presbyterian church held 
a grand fair at Lorimer hall to raise means to pay off the indebted- 
ness on their church. It netted about $200 for the supper and 
musical entertainment. 

Johns Creek Methodist Episcopal church stands on section 2, 
Cascade township. It was erected in i860 and dedicated in June, 
1861 : it is in the Farley circuit. Among the first members were 
Richard Baker and wife, William Morgan and wife, Thomas 
Baker, William Ganfield and wife, and Mrs. H. Rogers. 

The Christian church at Epworth was organized about 1861 by 
John Trowbridge, Francis Rogers and wife, Aaron Wood and 
family, Ephraim Story and wife and about twenty others. A 
church was built, but the society disbanded after six years. In 
1873 it was reorganized, with Rev. Bennett as pastor; other min- 
isters have been Martin, Crocker, Muller, Applegate and others. 

The Presbyterian church at Farley was organized in 1865; pre- 
vious to this date members of that faith had attended at Epworth. 
When organized they secured the stone hall at Wood and Thir- 
teenth streets, where services were held by Rev. William Carson 
of Epworth. In 1868 a better church was secured; Rev. Jewett 
became pastor; later, Bailey, Agnes and Fisher served the con- 
gregation. 

The Baptist church at Epworth was organized in March, 1866, 
with Luther Mason, T. H. Davis and wife, Benjamin Goodrich 
and wife, Leonard Wright and wife, Mrs. Chapman, Mrs. Good- 
rich, Mrs. Pratt, Daniel Durham and wife and others. In 1872 
their church was erected ; among the ministers in charge have 
been Revs. Hill, Johnson, Skemp, LiU, Whiting. Weaver and 
Hall. 

The Methodist church at Farley was incorporated in 1866, but 
the congregation had been organized before as part of the Ep- 
worth charge and occasional services had been held in residences, 
etc. Revs. R. W. Keeler. H. W. Hougliton. Burgess. Dove, 
Thompson, Smedley, Cowgill, Rogers and others have been pastors. 
When fully organized the congregation met in Farley hall, which 
was purchased ; a parsonage was built near. 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 443 

Rev. Dr. C. B. Smith was pastor of the Baptist church, Dubuque, 
in 1 86 1. On May 29, 1861, the eighth annual convention of the 
Protestant Episcopal church of the diocese of Iowa met at St. 
John's church, Dubuque. 

Rev. J. S. Dennis resigned from the pastorship of the Uni- 
versalist society in Dubuque in March, 1863, and engaged in mer- 
cantile pursuits in Chicago. Their church at Tenth and Main 
streets was dedicated in 1862. Rev. D. M. Reed was the new 
pastor. 

All the Protestant churches united in a grand musical conven- 
tion and carnival in January, 1862; it continued a week and was 
the greatest musical event ever here up to that date. The Jewish 
synagog was in existence early in the sixties and stood on Locust 
between Ninth and Tenth ; Rev. A. Alexander was rabbi. Later 
Rev. H. J. Messing was rabbi, and Alexander Levi was president 
of the synagog. Bishop Lee preached in St. John's church in Oc- 
tober, 1863; in February, 1864, a festival given by this church 
netted over $500. The Lee Female Seminary, under Miss Julia 
A. Titus, was in existence in September, 1864. The Universalist 
fair, in i86..|, netted over $1,500. A fancy dress festival at the 
city hall in February, 1865, yielded $1,290 for St. John's Episco- 
pal church. 

The Swedenborgians had a small organization in Dubuque in 
1866. In 1867 the Baptist church at Worthington was erected ; 
Rev. Jam.es Hill was pastor. In June, 1868, three sisters named 
Whiting were married in succession on the same day in the Con- 
gregational church, Dubuque ; Re\-. Lyman Whiting, father of 
the brides, officiated. The Second Presbyterian church was dedi- 
cated in November, 1869: Rev. Dr. Specs preached the sermon. 
The new Episcopal church at Main and Fourteenth was com- 
menced in 1869. The new organ in the Congregational church 
was twenty-two feet wide and thirty-two feet high. In November, 
1869, the new Methodist church was dedicated ; Rev. Dr. Reid 
preached the sermon; improvements to the church had cost $24,113; 
organ, $3,000. The fourteenth annual session of the Upper Iowa 
Conference was held in 1869 in Dubuque. 

The new Presbyterian church at Farley was dedicated in 1871 
by Rev. W. T. Marshall. 

In 1872 the Protestant churches of Dubuque united in a grand 
revival, one of the most successful ever held here. Rev. E. P. 
Hammond, the evangelist, was the leader, but was assisted by the 
Dubuque pastors. Saloons were visited and the whole city was 
stirred to its moral foundations. Revs. Bingham, Raymond, Os- 
trander, Rebman, Alderson, Young, Marshall and others assisted 
the evangelist. Of the converts the Methodists secured no, Con- 
gregationalists 86, First Presbyterians 2,7. Second Presbyterians 
37, Primitive Methodists 15, Baptists i. The Herald objected to all 



444 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

revivalists. Thomas Paine"s birthday was often celebrated by 
the Free Thinkers of Dubuque. The cornerstone of the Epis- 
copal church at Dyersville was laid in September, 1875. R^v. 
C. H. Seymour and Rev. H. L. Everest conducted the ceremonies; 
the building cost $3,600. The Episcopal carnival at the city hall 
in April, 1875, realized over $1,000; the representations of Red 
Riding Hood, Mother Goose, Gulliver, Cinderella, Jack Frost, 
Mother Hubbard, Bo Peep, etc., were attractive features. 

St. George Episcopal church at Farley was organized in 1870 
and the next year two lots were secured and the church was 
erected at Tenth and Langworthy streets, Rev. W. F. Lloyd lay- 
ing the corner stone. Other early pastors were Phelps, Everest, 
Magee, Archdeacon and others. 

Christ Episcopal church at Dyersville was organized in 1874, 
the first services being held in the Congregational church by Rev. 
H. L. Everest. 

In 1875 the Spiritualists held a camp meeting on the hill ; there 
were present adepts in spiritualism, clairvoyance, trance medium, 
mind reading, free love, woman's rights ; also short haired women 
and long haired men. In ridiculing this gathering the Herald 
spoke slightingly of Susan B. Anthony. A fair for the Home for 
the Friendless netted $804.39 i" ^8/5- I" 1862 the Baptists gave 
up their church at Tenth and Main and in 1875 met in a small 
frame building near the postoffice. In 1876 they bought a lot 
at Twelfth and Main and began to increase in size; Rev. Allen 
Curr was pastor ; he became involved in serious trouble. The 
Eagle Point branch of the Y. M. C. A. was opened in 1877. An- 
other immense union revival was conducted here in 1877. 

The old stone First German Presbyterian church, erected in 
1856, was undermined by the high waters, was torn down and a 
better one was built late in the seventies ; Rev. E. Schueth was 
pastor. The Iowa convention of Universalists met in Dubuque in 
1883. Rev. Dr. Burrell sharply criticized the people of Dubuque 
in 1886; he called Dubuque "an utterly, defiantly, confessedly law- 
less place." In 1886 roughs and hoodlums on the street broke up 
Salvation Army meetings on the streets ; the leaders were ar- 
rested. By 1888 the Episcopalians had raised $132,000 for a new 
church, grounds, tower and chimes. They secured the old Pea- 
body residence for $40,000; the church proper cost $80,000. In 
1889 the First Congregational church celebrated its semi-centennial 
in beautiful fashion. 

On September 28, 1893, the Emmanuel German Congregational 
church celebrated the silver jubilee of Rev. Herman Ficke's pas- 
torate of the church. When he arrived in 1868 he first preached 
to five adults and two children in a small frame building; the 
little band owed $1,200; the society of the year before was scat- 
tered; it had been organized by Rev. Jesse Guernsey. By 1891 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 445 

"Immanuel Kirche," a fine building was tlie home of the large con- 
gregation and well-attended Sunday school ; the cornerstone of 
this building was laid October 16, 1887. 

"The Second Presbyterian cluuch of Dubuque is distinguished 
by a long line of brilliant preachers. Two of its pastors, Dr. D. J. 
Burrell and Rev. Henry E. Mott, are now supplying churches 
among the most imijiortant and influential in the country. It is 
now looking for a brilliant preacher and good pastor." — (New 
York Evangelist, 1894.) 

In 1894 the Methodists projected a new church on the old site 
to cost $60,000. In 1895 the fiftieth annixersary of St. John's 
Episcopal church was celebrated with splendid ceremonies. In 
March, 1895, the First Congregational, Second Presbyterian and 
Main Street Methodist churches united in three weeks of special 
religious services. The Upper Iowa Conference convened here in 
1897; Bishop H. W. Warren conducted the services. In 1897 St. 
Luke's new Methodist Episcopal church was completed at a cost 
of about $80,000. 

In 1905 Finley hospital received a bequest of $100,000 from 
the Finley estate. In 1906 Andrew Carnegie gave $10,000 or 
$15,000 to the German Presbyterian Theological Seminary. 

The German Presbyterian Theological school of the northwest 
has done an immense work in establishing churches of this faith. 
For many years it struggled alone and with small success to edu- 
cate the German race coming to America in the gospel of Christ 
according to this faith : The bible is the fundamental condition of 
all study. Rev. W. O. Ruston was president. The origin of this 
school was a new departure to nteet new and needed surroundings 
for religious worship. It is the parent of over 100 churches 
planted throughout the west. It has a large and able faculty and 
furnishes a rare education. Its beautiful building back on the 
bluffs at Dubuque commands a magnificent view up and down the 
river. 



PROTESTANT CHURCHES OF DUBUQUE, I9O9. 

Congregational : First at Tenth and Locust ; Immanuel at 
Jackson and Eighteenth : Summit at Delhi and Allison. 

Episcopal : St. John's at Main and Fourteenth. 

Lutheran : St. John's Evangelical at Thirteenth and White ; St. 
Mark's at Ninth and Locust ; St. Mathew's, German, at White and 
Eighteenth ; St. Paul's, Evangelical, at Rhomberg and Jackson ; St. 
Peter's at Lincoln and Eden; Zion's Evangelical at Seventeenth 
and Jackson. 

Hebrew: Congregational Cueses Israel at 1760 Maple. 



446 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Methodist: African at 1681 Iowa; Grand View Avenue at 
Jackson, Grand View and Delhi; St. Luke's at Main and Twelfth. 

Presbyterian: First German at Seventeenth and Iowa; Inde- 
pendent German at Seventeenth and 104 West ; Third at Garfield 
and Stafford ; Westminster at Thirteenth and Locust. 

Scientists : First Church of Christ at Ninth and Bluff. 

Others : Cleveland Avenue Mission at 85 Pearl ; Eagle Point 
Sunshine Mission at 1821 Adams; Y. W. C. A., Y. M. C. A., Sal- 
vation Army. 



BENCH AND BAR. 

THE law of Michigan Territory provided that the county court 
of Dubuque county should be held on the first Monday of 
April and September of each year. It further provided that 
"all laws now in force in the county of Iowa (afterward in 
Wisconsin Territory east of the Mississippi) not locally inapplicable 
shall be and hereby are extended to the counties of Dubuque and 
Demoine and shall be in force therein," and that "processes both 
civil and criminal issued from the circuit court of the United 
States for the county of Iowa shall run into all parts of 
said counties of Dubuque and Demoine and shall be served 
by the sherifif or other proper officer within either of said 
counties." This law took effect October i, 1834. Previous to 
this date Dubuque was wholly without law, not having been attached 
to any organized community. In May, 1834, before the above law 
took effect, the murder of George O'Keefe by his partner, Patrick 
O'Connor, occurred. The citizens were called together to consider 
the case. They appointed as sheriff Mr. Adams, who arrested the 
murderer; Captain White was appointed prosecutor and D. G. Bates, 
of Galena, was appointed to defend him. Twelve men were selected, 
sworn in as jurors, and he was found guilty of murder and sentenced 
to be hung about twenty days later. This sentence was duly executed 
— the first hanging in Iowa. The execution took place on a mound 
a little distance soutlieast of the present court house. A thousand 
people gathered to witness the event, the Brazil steamer bringing 
many from Galena. Among the jury were Woodbury Massy, Hosea 
T. Camp, John McKensie, Milo H. Prentice, James Smith, Jesse M. 
Harrison, Thomas McCabe, Nicholas Carroll, James S. Smith and 
three others. Six were Americans, three Irish, one Scotch, one 
English and one French. During the trial O'Connor said, "I'll not 
deny that I shot him, but ye have no laws in the county and cannot 
try me." He soon learned that he was mistaken. The trial was held 
in the open air under an elm tree in front of the cabin of Samuel 
Clifton. Massy was foreman of the jury, which deliberated one 
hour. Before the execution O'Connor and his friends endeavored to 
stir up the Irish to rescue him, but as soon as this movement be- 
came known the law-abiding citizens called together a force of 163 
armed miners and others headed by Lorin Wheeler to serve as a 
guard and see that the execution was carried into effect. 

In 1834, under Michigan Territory, P. A. Lorimier was supreme 

447 



448 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

court commissioner and Ira Williams, Warner Lewis and Patrick 
Quigley justices of the peace. 

The first regular court held in Dubuque was a probate session 
convened by Ezekiel Lockwood, judge, January lo, 1835, and the 
first act was to appoint Susan A. Dean and Daniel A. Parkerson 
administrators of the estate of Noble F. Dean. This court was one 
of inferior jurisdiction, and was held twice previous to the opening 
of the district court in 1837 by Judge Irvin. Thus previous to 1837 
Dubuque county had grown rapidly without other courts than the 
above and those of justices of the peace. The act creating the Terri- 
tory of Wisconsin took effect July 3, 1836, but court under it was 
not held until the following May, and even then but for a short 
term, owing to the ill-health of Judge Irvin. 

It is considered certain that William W. Coriell was the first 
lawyer proper to locate permanently at Dubuque ; he probably came 
in 1835. The Visitor of May 25, 1836, said, "A good omen,— We 
have but one lawyer located at Du Buque." About June several 
other lawyers arrived, among whom were Stephen Hempstead and 
William W. Chapman, the first United States district attorney. In 
this judicial district were the counties of Dubuque and Des Moines, 
with David Irvin, associate justice of Wisconsin Territory, presid- 
ing. The district was not created until November, 1836, and courts 
were ordered held in May and October of each year. W. W. Chap- 
man secured an interest in the Visitor in December, 1836, but con- 
tinued his legal duties. Peter H. Engle, attorney, arrived in August 
and became prominent in both law and politics. In December W. W. 
Coriell became district attorney for Dubuque county. Stephen was 
attorney for the town of Dubuque. Patrick Quigley was justice of 
the peace in 1836 and one or two years before that date, probably 
as early as 1834, when Michigan Territory was created. Late in 
1836 Charles Dunn was chief justice of the newly created Wisconsin 
Territory, and William B. Frazier and David Irvin, associate jus- 
tices. In November, 1836, Thomas S. Wilson, attorney, arrived and 
became a permanent resident and prominent in law and all public 
affairs. 

The district court of Dubuque county was held in a two-story log 
house, at Fourth and Main streets, in May. 1837, Judge David Irvin 
presiding. His first act was to appoint Warner Lewis clerk of the 
court. The second was to adopt a seal made by a 25-cent piece 
pressed upon sealing wax. Thompson Campbell, Joseph Hoge and 
John Turney, of Galena, were admitted to practice. United States 
Marshal Francis Gehon had summoned the following grand jury : 

Thomas Childs, foreman ; Paul Cain, William Smith, John 
Parker, David Sleator, David Hogan, James L. Langworthy, Ches- 
ter Sage, Ambrose Kennedy, Augustin Powers, James Smith, Leroy 
Jackson, J. E. Miller and William Carter. County Sheriff G. W. 
Cummins had summoned Presley Samuels, M. Patterson, N. Carroll, 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 449 

Abram Wilson, James Gilham. B. B. Lawless, Jesse Yount and S. 
Burtiss. The following talesmen were added : Andrew J. Divine, 
Jacob Hamilton, Reuben Estes, Mathias Ham, Rufus Miller. James 
Miller, John Wharton, Thos. B. Brasher, Lyman Dillon and Andrew 
J. Bankston, foreman. Two attachments were the first cases. 

George W. Cummins was the first sheriff of Dubuque county 
under Wisconsin Territory. Owing to the ill-health of Judge Irvin 
the court session of October, 1837, was very short; nearly the whole 
docket was continued until the June term of 1838. 

A man arrested here for passing counterfeit money left a cash 
bond for his appearance for trial, but failing to return the money 
was forfeited. The citizens called a public meeting to determine 
what should be done with the money. 

In 1837 W. W. Chapman and Stephen Hempstead were associated 
in the practice of law. T. S. Wilson. Peter H. Engle and William 
W. Coriell were each practicing alone. 

Lawyers who practiced here in 1838 were J. W. Parker, R. D. 
Parker, Richard Farwell and John Turney, of Galena or elsewhere, 
and W. W. Coriell, Stephen Hempstead, P. H. Engle, T. S. Wilson 
and James Churchman, of Dubuque, and Edwin Reeves, John V. 
Berry and Alexander McGregor also attended the courts here. 

In February, 1838, Congress passed the law creating Iowa Terri- 
tory, the same to go into effect July 4. 1838. It was duly provided 
that all suits instituted before that date should be prosecuted to 
finality. The United States District Court, Territory of Wisconsin, 
held a session in June, 1838, Judge Charles Dunn, presiding; there 
was a large docket which was disposed of rapidly, though many 
of the cases were continued until the ne.xt term. 

"Monday next commences the June term (1838) of the District 
Court of the United States for this county. As no court has been 
held here for upwards of a year the docket must necessarily be large 
and suits pending a deep importance to the litigants." — (Iowa Neivs, 
June 2, 1838). Judge Dunn presided and court was in session two 
or more weeks in June, 1838. 

Under the Iowa territorial law no definite time, through over- 
sight, had been set for holding the courts. To remedy this omission 
W. B. Conway, secretary of the Territory by proclamation, fixed the 
next term to begin on the second Thursday in September, 1838. 
Chief Justice Mason decided about this time that there was no 
October term known to the law — that a recognizance was in the 
nature of a contract and hence defendants were not bound to appear 
and stand trial at a day earlier than specified in the recognizance. 

Timothy Davis and James Crawford were here practicing in the 
spring of 1839. In February, 1839, John V. Berry became attorney 
for the Third district. The counties of Dubuque, Jackson, Scott and 
Clayton were constituted the Third Judicial district, and Thomas 



450 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

S. Wilson was chosen judge ; sessions were held in April and Sep- 
tember of each year. 

In about 1836 a negro named Ralph came here from Missouri 
to work in the mines. He remained until 1839, when his master 
arrived and claimed him on the ground that he had not paid for 
himself. After due proceedings the justice delivered him to liis 
master. Several humane citizens took up the matter and asked for 
a writ of habeas corpus before Judge Wilson, and by consent of 
parties the case was referred to Judge Mason, then presiding in the 
newly organized Federal District court, who decided that as Ralph 
had come 2i'ith his master's consent he might remain 7cithout his 
consent, and he did so. This case may be seen in Morris' reports 
of that date. It was often referred to during the slavery period. 

In 1841 the Hyde-Murray murder case was tried, all the lawyers 
here being on one side or tlie other ; Hyde was found guilty of mur- 
der and sentenced to be hanged. 

Early in 1841 P. A. Lorimier, Augustus Coriell, Francis K. 
O'Ferrall, James Langworthy, E. M. Bissell and C. E. Harbeson, 
who had served at the December term, 1840, as grand jurors and 
who had not yet been paid for their ser\'ices, addressed a communi- 
cation to Thomas Ewing, secretary of the treasury, asking whether 
the funds for such services had yet been sent to Francis Gehon, late 
marshal of Iowa Territory, and were answered as follows: "Upon 
reference to the proper accounting officer I am informed that the 
late marshal was duly provided with funds and if he fails to pay 
you must apply to his successor." It was shown upon investigation 
that General Gehon was slow and not culpable. 

It was claimed by the press in 1842 that Iowa Territory for a 
portion of that year was wholly without a judiciary. It was claimed 
to be the fault of the Congressional delegate. The offices became 
vacant and no new appointments were made to fill them. Judge 
Williams presided after August. 

Late in the thirties and early in the forties the lawyers here 
were kept busy with numerous land and mining suits, contentions 
growing out of pre-emption claims and rights, horse and cattle 
stealing and an occasional murder. An important case in the spring 
of 1843 was the trial of the three Winnebago Indians for murder, 
the case coming here on a change of venue from Fayette or Dela- 
ware county. All the lawyers here were retained on this case. 
Their chief attorney was Judge Grant. They were found guilty 
and sentenced to be hanged ; they asked to be shot instead of hanged. 
The case went to the Supreme court, but the opinion of the lower 
court was affirmed. Some complications arose and the execution 
was postponed. About this time two burglars confined in the jail 
burned a hole in the floor and escaped, taking with them one of 
the Winnebago Indians : the other two refused to leave the jail. 

About 1844 Col. L. A. Thomas began the practice at Dubuque; 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 451 

in partnership with D. S. Wilson, who founded the Miners' Ex- 
press. He was prominent in politics here as early as 1840; he and 
wife were active in soldiers' relief work during the Civil War. This 
year the Prichard divorce case engaged the services of Dubuque 
lawyers. Frederick E. Bissell began the practice about 1846-7. 
He studied law with James Crawford and upon his admission to 
the bar formed a partnership with his instructor. He was after- 
ward associated with Timothy Davis, Lincoln Clark, and in 18^5 
with William Mills. In 1856 O. P. Shiras joined Mills & Bissell, 
but Mills withdrew in 186 1. Five years later John M. Ballou joined 
Bissell & Shiras. About this time Mr. Bissell was appointed attor- 
ney general and later was continued by election. At his death in 
1867 Burt, Cooley, Wilson, Davis, Poor, Barker, Mills, Beach, 
Beck, Vandever and others at the bar meeting spoke in praise of his 
eloquence, ability and high character, and referred to his loss with 
intense feeling and regret. 

The case of the Miners' Bank of Dubuque was tried here before 
Judge Wilson in No\ember, 1845 • the best lawyers were engaged 
at the trial. Judge \Vilson decided that the act repealing the charter 
of the bank was constitutional. The Iowa Supreme court affirmed 
the decision. Judge Joseph Williams was on the bench of the 
Second district in 1846. In 1847 the Supreme court consisted of 
Joseph Williams, Thomas S. Wilson and Judge Kinney. At this 
time Thomas Rogers and William J. Barney were law partners ; 
so also were Hempstead and Chenoweth. George Madeira prac- 
ticed here. In the fall of this year Benjamin M. Samuels opened a 
law office in Dubuque. He was a successful lawyer from the start 
and became later one of the leaders of the county Democracy. He 
was one of the most brilliant orators among the old bar; he died 
in 1863. When Thomas S. Wilson resigned from the Supreme 
bench in 1847, George Greene, senior editor of the Miners' Express, 
was appointed his successor. 

A number of members of the Dubuque bar prepared and signed a 
petition remonstrating against the appointment of George Greene 
as a member of the Supreme Bench of Iowa, owing to his alleged 
lack of qualification for that important post. It was stated that this 
petition was burned by two members of the Legislature. There 
were fifteen lawyers in Dubuque at this time, but only five of them 
remonstrated against the appointment of Mr. Greene — four Whigs 
and one Democrat. 

The act of February 4, 1847, constituted four court districts in 
Iowa; that of January 22, 1857 made fourteen. The Constitution 
P^ 1857 gave the Legislature power to reorganize the districts and 
increase the number of judges. Accordingly an act of March 20, 
1858, reduced the judges to eleven; the twelfth was added in 1864; 
the thirteenth in 1872, and the fourteenth in 1876. The act of May 
3, 1868, established the Circuit court with two judges in each dis- 



452 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

trict, with exclusive jurisdiction in probate matters and appellate 
jurisdiction from inferior tribunals in civil actions and concurrent 
jurisdiction with the District court in civil actions. This law abol- 
ished county judges and greatly facilitated court proceedings. The 
city court of Dubuque was still in existence until recently, though 
no judge nor clerk had been elected to it for many years. 

Judge Carleton presided in place of Judge Grant in December, 
1847. The bar passed resolutions complimenting him on his style 
and dispatch in conducting court. The lawyers who signed these 
resolutions were as follows : Piatt Smith, Thomas S. Wilson, 
Stephen Hempstead, William J. Barney, Frederick E. Bissell, Lewis 
A. Thomas, William Y. Lovell, Thomas Rogers, Lincoln Clark, 
George L. Nightingale, John V. Berry, James L. Palmer, James 
Clark and George Madeira. 

In January, 1848, the Johnson-Bigger murder case was tried and 
he was found guilty. A new trial was granted. This case brought 
out the best legal talent. The act of January 22. 1848, changed 
the time of holding court to the fourth Monday of April and the 
third Monday of September of each year. Lewis A. Thomas was 
prosecuting attorney. In October, 1848, Rogers & Barney were 
partners ; also Lovell & Samuels, Wilson & Smith, while Clark, 
Hempstead and Madeira practiced singly. About 1848-9 David 
S. Wilson, brother of Judge T. S. Wilson, began practicing. He 
came here in 1839 and was one of the founders of the Miners' Ex- 
press. He studied law in his brother's office. In the Civil War 
he was commissioned colonel by Secretary Stanton, and took the 
field with his regiment. He did not oppose Lincoln's adminis- 
tration as his brother Thomas S. did. In 1872 he became circuit 
judge and soon afterward district judge. He died in 1881. Late in 
life he affiliated with the Republicans. At his death it was said that 
he was the most popular man ever a resident of Dubuque. 

The Supreme court held a session in Dubuque in July, 1850. 
J. J. Dyer was United States district judge in 1851. The new 
code went into effect July i, 185 1, and under it William Y. Lovell 
became the first county judge and held his first session in September. 
John D. Jennings began practicing this year. He became one of 
the editors of the Miners' Express, but after 1857 devoted his time 
to his profession. Judge Grant held court in October; there were 
only seventy-five cases on the docket, one being that of Emerson- 
Goldsberg. Hempstead & Burt and Thomas S. and David A. 
Wilson were law firms in 185 1 ; the next year Clark & Bissell and 
Wiltse & Lovell were prominent. Carson Graham also practiced. 
In 1852 Judge Wilson succeeded Judge Grant on the district bench. 
Beginning November 10, 1852, and ending in March, 1853, Judges 
J. J. Dyer and T. S. Wilson conducted a law school in this city ; $30 
was charged for the temi of five months ; there was general instruc- 
tion with lectures, moot courts, etc. 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 453 

In 1853 railway cases began to figure in the local courts; one was 
Dubuque vs. the Dubuque & Pacific Railway. In May Samuels 
& Vandever were associated. In November, 1853, the second term 
of the Dubuque Law School was opened ; $40 was charged for 
the term of five months; J. J. Dyer, T. S. Wilson and Rev. Joshua 
Phelps were instructors. It does not appear that as yet the Dubuque 
bar had been duly organized. In December, 1853, Judge Wilson 
went to Washington to conduct the Dubuque claims case — Chouteau 
vs. Maloney. The case went over until January, 1854, when it was 
decided against the claimant. This was one of the most, if not the 
most important cases in the history of the county. It removed 
forever a cloud which had hung over the inhabitants since the 
earliest settlement. At the bar banquet of January 19, 1885, Judge 
Wilson said that he received only $200 for his two years' service in 
this case — the most momentous in local history. 

The ferry case of 1854 — Fanning vs. Gregoire and Bogy — was 
tried in June; the plaintiff was suing for his alleged rights under 
his twenty-year territorial license. 

Among the lawyers practicing in 1855 were A. H. Dillon, A. E. 
Harmon, Ben. M. Samuels, D. N. Cooley, William Vandever, David 
S. Wilson, J. S. Blatchley, L. Hand, J. S. Covel, W. M. Crozier, 
J. M. Griffith, S. Sawver. H. and E. T. Wilder. William Tripp, 
S. M. Pollock, William McNall, Colin Clark, F. E. Bissell. 

"Hon. T. S. Wilson. — The thanks of the legal fraternity and 
the public are due to this gentleman for the straightforward, ener- 
getic discharge of his duties in the late protracted session of the 
District court of this county. The cases on the docket embraced 
64 chancery cases, 206 civil cases and 28 state cases, all of which 
were disposed of owing in a great measure to the business tact and 
address of the judge." — E. & H., December 21, 1855.) 

The United States District Court sat here in July, 1855, Judge 
Dyer presiding: there was a light docket. 

In September, 1855. Judge J. J. Dyer died in Virginia of typhoid 
fever. He was the dean of the law school which expired when he 
died. "His sudden death has spread a gloom over the whole city," 
said the Express and Herald of September 21, 1855. 

M. McLaughlin, attorney of Dubuque, became commissioner of 
the Court of Claims in December, 1855. 

In December, 1855, M. B. Mulkern was admitted to the bar; he 
was a graduate of Cambridge Law School. He soon became county 
attorney and afterward was prominent as a lawyer and more so as 
a politician. He was for a while one of the editors of the Nortlt- 
west, a newspaper supposed to be owned by George W. Jones. In 
January, 1856, Lucius Robinson succeeded J. S. Covel as county 
attorney. At the February (1856) term there were 242 cases on 
the docket, twenty-five of which were criminal and fifty-five chan- 
cery; Judge Wilson presided. J. M. Griffith and M. B. Mulkern 



454 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

were partners in 1856. A mayor's court, as provided by the con- 
stitution, was demanded in April, 1856, when D. S. Wilson was 
chosen mayor. On August 7, 1856, Oliver P. Shiras was admitted 
to the bar upon motion of Ben. M. Samuels. The latter, who had 
examined the applicant, said the examination was one of the most 
brilliant he had ever witnessed. A mayor's court was held first in 
July, 1856; the first case was a fine of $3 for drunkenness. The 
Crowley-Gleason murder case was tried about this time. 

Late in 1856 the county court was given criminal jurisdiction. 

In February, 1857, Franklin T. Goodrich was admitted to the 
bar. Wilson, Utley & Doud was a strong firm at this time. 

On June 27, 1857, the bar met at the court house pursuant to 
notice for the purpose of revising the rules of practice, of organiz- 
ing an association of the nature of a law institute and of considering 
the expediency of taking a pleasure excursion. Messrs. Baker, 
Bissell and Harvey were appointed a committee to revise the rules. 
Messrs. Dillon, Cooley and Cram were appointed a committee to 
report on an attorney's minimum fee bill. The following resolu- 
tion was adopted: "That a committee of three be appointed to 
prepare a plan for an incorporation of a law institute, and that said 
committee be instructed, after they have prepared such plan and 
articles, to call a meeting of the bar, at which they shall report." 
Blatchley, Cram and Griffith were appointed such committee. The 
committee to revise the rules was instructed to report a rule for 
making up issues in vacation and to allow parties prevailing in suits 
a fee on the decision of demurrers and a fee generally. Mulkern, 
Rupert, Harvey, Cram, Goodrich, Dillon, Lovell, Jennings and 
Jones were appointed a committee on excursion. On motion of 
Mr. Crosier the following resolution was adopted : "That the 
thanks of the members of this bar are due to Benjamin Rupert, the 
clerk of the District court of this county, for his untiring energy 
and industry in the faithful discharge of his official duties and the 
courtesy extended to us all while performing the same." Of this 
meeting William Mills was chairman and C. S. D. Jones, secretary. 
— (Daily Times, June 30, 1857.) 

The Times having attacked Judge Wilson, both professionally 
and politically, the bar of Dubuque, on August 6, 1857, met and 
passed a resolution of unbounded confidence in that official. 

On August 18, 1857, M. B. Mulkern. lawyer, entered the editorial 
rooms of J. B. Dorr, of the Express and Herald, and after demand- 
ing that he retract certain statements in Sunday's paper and being 
conditionally refused opened fire on the latter with a revolver. 
Three shots were fired, neither of which took effect. The news- 
paper had charged Mr. Mulkern with a criminal offense. — {E. & 
H., August 19, 1857.) 

The grand jury failing to find a true bill against Mr. Mulkern, 




CATHOLIC CHURCH, DYERSVILLE, IOWA. 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 455 

the Express and Herald of No\-ember 18, 1857, denounced that 
body and Mulkern in withering terms. 

"The Circuit Court of Dubuque county has been in session three 
weeks. The grand jury found a number of indictments, but the 
criminal cases have not yet been tried. Such cases and about one 
hundred on the civil calendar will occupy two or three weeks longer. 
On account of the absence of Judge Wilson for the rest of the 
November term the court will be held by Hon. Samuel Murdock, 
judge of the Tenth Judicial district." 

Law firms here in October, 1857, were Bissell (P. E. ), Mills 
(William) & Shiras (O. P.); Burt (James), Barker (W! T. ) & 
Pierce ( S. T.) : Wilson (D. S.), Utley (B. T.) & Doud ( fohn, 
Jr.); Franklin T. Goodrich, Samuels (B. M. ) & Allison (W." B.), 
Oscar Taylor, D. N. Cooley. 

Thomas M. Monroe, a distinguished lawyer, died in February, 
1877: he was born in Virginia in 1818 and graduated in law from 
Front Royal College. He located in Dubuque in 1858 and at 
once took a prominent place in his profession and maintained it 
until his health failed a short time before his death. 

By 1858 Dubuque had a powerful bar— one of the strongest in 
all the West. In February, 1858, there were here Bissell, Mills & 
Shiras, Burt, Barker & Pierce, Wilson, Utley & Doud, Samuels & 
Allison (Crane joined them a little later), Bancroft & Goodrich, 
Newberry & Robb, Cooley, Blatchley & Adams, Pollock & Munson, 
Peckham & Beach. Lovells & Williams, Vandever, Friend & Shiras 
(George), Chapline & Dillon, Smith, Poor, Adams & Cram, Oscar 
Taylor, John L. Harvey, Samuel Duncan, A. E. Harmon, Henry 
S. Jennings, R. Stewart, H. T. McNulty and Frank M. Robinson. 
Here were lawyers who then and afterward made themselves 
famous. 

The Gullick case was tried here in 1858; he shot his wife with 
pistol ; he was convicted and in the end hung. Many brilliant 
passages at arms occurred while this case was on trial. The year 
before John Regan killed a Mr. Goldrick and was bound over for 
murder. In April three murderers were in the county jail : Ryan, 
Crowley and Gullick. 

In 1858 W. T. Barker began the practice and at once took high 
rank. He helped to revise the code of i860, and later was a mem- 
ber of the State Board of Inquiry. In i860 he became public 
prosecutor of the Ninth district ; he was at times associated with 
Burt, Pierce, Barney, Chapline, Dillon, Pollock, Shields. In 1869 
he became circuit judge ; he had much to do with railroad law and 
legislation. 

This year the Johnson-Ostland murder case was tried ; also the 
McGee-Kelly murder case ; both cases ran over into 1859 or longer. 
At this time the Ninth Judicial district embraced the counties of 
Dubuque, Delaware, Buchanan, Blackhawk and Grundy. 



456 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

The Gibbons-Donahoe and the CHfford and Mooney-Wood mur- 
der cases were tried in 1859-60. CHfford and Mooney were found 
guilty in December and sentenced to be liung. The former was 
executed in the jail yard in Dubuque. 

Among the attorneys here in May, 1859, were the following: 
Wiltse (H. A.), Friend (W. C.) & Jennings (H. S.); Wilson 
(D. S.), Utley (H. T.) & Doud (John, Jr. ) : Oscar Taylor: New- 
berry ( S. S. ) & Robb ( Patrick ) ; John D. Jennings : Barker 
(W. T.), Chapline (J. A.), Barney (W. J. ) & Dillon (A. H., Jr. ) ; 
Clark (Lincoln) & Beach (M. H.); Pollock (S. H.) & Munson 
(S. ) : Duncan (Samuel) & Tavenner (G. A.) ; Charles G. Loeber; 
O'Neill (J. H.) & McLenan (William): John L. Harvev : Lovells 
(W. Y. and J. T.) & Williams (J. H.): W. B. Okeson; E. M. 
Bartholow: Griffith (J. M.) & Knight (W. J.); H. T. McNulty; 
Smith (Piatt), Poor (B. W.), Adams (S. P.) & Cram (D. C); 
Rickard & McCeney ; R. Stewart ; Jeremiah Sheean. James S. 
Godsden was an attorney located at Dyersville ; he had located there 
the previous November. 

On New Year's night, 1857-8, an affray accurred at Western 
Brewery Hall, during which two or three persons were killed and 
about twenty injured. It was reported to have been a clash between 
Irish and Germans. Jacob Roth and Charles Swartz were charged 
\rhh murder; a long triaJ resulted. 

About 1859 John H. O'Neill came here and became the leading 
criminal lawyer in the state ; owing to his brilliant oratory lie was 
in great demand by the Democrats during every important polit- 
ical campaign. He was prosecutor in the Crowley-Gleason murder 
case, on which occasion his penetration, perspicuity and eloquence 
were revealed and appreciated. O'Neill and Alulkern were for the 
state, and Cooley and D. S. Wilson for the defense. 

The act of January, 1858. revised and consolidated the laws 
incorporating the city of Dubuque and established a city court, 
which was conducted by a judge, clerk and marshal. In 1858 the 
Republicans of the Ninth Judicial district nominated B. W. Poor 
for judge. 

A big attack was made in the courts against gambling in Dubuque 
in February, i860. The grand jury indicted several persons on the 
charge of conspiring to cheat and defraud with cards, etc. Many 
were indicted for keeping gambling saloons : all plead guilty and 
were fined. 

Judge Love, of the United States District Court, granted the 
injunction against the city in favor of Gelpcke, Kentgen & Co., of 
New York, March 22, i860. 

On April 2j. i860, Francis Gillick was executed for the murder 
of his wife. The execution was public and order was kept by two 
companies of militia called out. The place selected was near Eagle 
Point, and there the scaffold was erected. A large crowd, about 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 457 

7,000, from far and near saw him pay the penaUy of his crime. 
He was an Irishman, had served in the war between Isabella, queen 
of Spain, and her Uncle Don Carlos, and in the Mexican War, 
being present at Molina del Rey, Chapultepec and Contreras. 

In the February term (i860) of the District court there were 
650 law cases and 200 chancery cases. During 1859 the total num- 
ber of cases disposed of numbered over 1,200. 

In the trial of Mooney for murder in November, i860. Barker & 
Utley prosecuted and Bissell, Mills & Shiras defended. During the 
trial, in spite of the gravity of the occasion, the court room was 
convulsed with laughter over the manner and answers of a witness 
— one Mickey McDonald. 

Lawyer: What did they do? 

Witness: They kim in and shuk two tin dollar bills and two 
sovrins out of their purses on the counter. 

Lawyer: How do you know they were ten dollar bills? 

Witness: How do I know? Faith, the same as ye wud yerself, 
because I seen 'em. Bedad, ye'd bether not ask me so many ques- 
tions — just quit whar ye are and not be thryin' to pump the guts out 
o' me. 

Lawyer: Well, you said you saw Mooney get your little boy to 
burn the cap. 

Witness (excitedly): And is it me that said that? Don't ye 
know I didn't say it? Wy d'ye put wurds in me mouth? Och, now, 
it's a pretty one ye are and it's a pretty lamb's tail ye're makin' of 
yerself. And so on. 

During i860 the press noticed that there had been a notable 
cessation of crime in this city and county. "Dubuque, almost from 
its organization up to within the last year, has been a favorite resort 
of a horde of scoundrels of every description. Situated at the 
junction of three states, and on the railroads and river, it gave 
unequaled facilities for the residence of thieves, burglars, gamblers 
and swindlers of every hue. Thus it is that until lately there have 
been more murders, gambling, swindling, prostitution, etc., going 
on than in any other city of its size in America. Even in the last 
two years Dubuque has furnished a host of such stars as Borlan, 
Gallagher, Rocky Ryan, Gillick, Johnson, Clifford, Mooney, Con- 
stable, Dr. Granville. Ricard, Thomson and others of lesser note, 
it was a paradise for such fellows — our laws were lax — our authori- 
ties either careless of doing their duty or in direct complicity with 
the brotherhood of rascality. But things have changed. Now we 
have as orderly a city as can be found anywhere. Our city within 
two years, from a depot of distressecl scoundrelism from all 
parts of America, has become a place fit for the residence of 
Quakers. Let us give thanks." — (Herald. November 18, i860.) 
"There are seventy-eight of the present citizens of this county 
who have been admitted as attornevs at law. Of this number 



458 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

there are about eight engaged in other business, who do not prac- 
tice, and three or four vvlio are employed as clerks for some of the 
other firms. Of those who do not practice at all, one is judge of 
the District Court, one of the City Court, one is the treasurer and 
another a trustee of a railroad, one is secretary to the minister to 
Bogota, one an editor, and two live on the interest of their money. 
Of those who practice one resides at Cascade, one at Peosta, two at 
Dyersville; one is a member of the State Senate, two of the House 
of Representatives and one lately elected a justice of the peace. 
There are about sixty whose sole business is the pursuit of their 
profession. One firm is composed of four members, eight firms 
of three and eleven of two." — {Herald, December 9, i860.) 

In January, 1861, O. P. Shiras lectured on "The Man for His 
Times — Edmund Burke an Illustration." In February there was 
a large docket — over 300 cases. Col. H. H. Heath was admitted to 
practice early in 1861. W. W. Mills opened his law office in the 
Jones block in April. In June Ben. M. Samuels withdrew from 
the law firm of Samuels, Allison & Crane. Phineas W. Crawford 
was admitted to the bar this year. 

The number of convictions for crime in the District Court for 
the year ending October 31 was as follows: Murder 2, assault with 
intent 3, larceny 6, petit larceny i, gambling houses 3, failure to 
pay own fines i, assault and battery 2. 

Thomas C. Roberts was born near Rockdale, this county, in 1835, 
and late in the fifties began the study of law with Coaley, Blatchley 
& Adams; he was admitted in 1861 and soon made a creditable 
mark in his profession. 

In January, 1862, Barker, Barney & Dillon dissolved partner- 
ship. In February the bar adopted new rules for the guidance of 
the court. In the election contest between Hewitt and Cummings, 
Knight, Samuels and O'Neill were the attorneys. About this time 
many law firms dissolved partnership, owing to a large decrease 
in litigation. Late in the fifties the railroad, criminal and bond 
and debt cases had kept a large and powerful bar busy, but now it 
was dififerent. Samuel M. Pollock was judge of the city court 
in 1861-2; the court was abolished in 1862. "This disposed of an 
institution which was forced upon the people of this city against 
their will, which the Supreme Court of the state kept in existence, 
and which has done more injury to the people of this city than 
can ever be repaired." — (Herald.) In May M. B. Mulkern became 
United States commissioner. Judge Wilson left the bench in De- 
cember, 1862. 

In 1863 Thomas S. Wilson and M. B. Mulkern were associated 
as partners ; the former had just been beaten for the District bench, 
mainly by the soldiers' vote, and the latter was one of the best 
criminal lawyers here. James Burt took the vacant seat on the 
bench recently occupied by Judge Wilson. P. M. Harrington was 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 459 

admitted to the bar in May. Among the lawyers here at this time 
were Thomas M. Monroe, Ben M. Samuels, Hodgdon & Covel, 
John Deery, Griffith & Knight. Wilson & Mulkern, George B. 
Edmonds, C. C. Converse, Utley, Doud & Brust, Barker & Mc- 
Nulty, Piatt Smith, Bissell & Shiras, J. H. O'Neill, John Thomp- 
son, B .B. Richards, Austin Adams, \V. Y. Lovell, J. F. Bates, 
Allison & Crane and others. The Gelpcke case was an important 
one at this date. The Dyersville mill dam case was another. In 
December, 1863, the bar met and adopted a new fee bill, raising 
their prices. 

By 1864 hard times had fallen upon the legal profession ; liti- 
gation was cut clown to one-third of its former extent of only a 
few years before. Monroe & Deery became associated as partners 
early this year, John S. Covel died in June and W. T. Angell in 
October. 

The McArdle murder case brought out the best legal talent in 
1864. The case was taken to Jackson, where Mrs. McArdle was 
convicted. Several important cases relating to river- front lots 
were in court this year. In 1865 the Kennedy-Doolin murder case 
was tried. 

On March 2, 1866, the grand jury indicted seventeen out of nine- 
teen members of the board of supervisors "for receiving pay for 
greater length of time than the law allowed during one year, twenty- 
five tlays being the restricted time of the statute. The two men not 
indicted were sick and absent. Two indictments were found against 
the board in its separate capacity for letting contracts for amounts 
in excess of $500 without being petitioned by 100 voters, as the 
law provided. 

In December, 1866. the Sarah Lee Porter case was in the courts. 
John H. O'Neill, city attorney, was charged with neglect of duty 
in that case. It grew out of the purchase of the Central Market 
ground from Mr. Porter many years before. Mr. O'Neill had no 
defense, except that he had been having a general jollification. His 
speech before the City Council was one of the most brilliant he ever 
delivered. It prevented his immediate dismissal, but he was mildly 
censured and the office was later declared vacant. 

About 1866 Christian Wullweber began practice. He was born 
in Germany and was a graduate of Cambridge Law School. He 
was an active member of the bar. 

About 1866 H. B. Foulke began practice here and was first 
associated with T. C. Roberts, then with Smith, Foulke & Chapin 
and Foulke & Lyon, the latter becoming a very prominent and 
successful association. In 1878 Mr. Foulke became prosecutor 
of the Ninth judicial district. It was said at his death in 1892 that 
as a trial lawyer he had no superior in Iowa. 

In 1866-7 R- E- Bishop began the practice. He made a specialty 
of pensions, bought tax titles and prosecuted liquor dealers. He 



46o HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

made many enemies among the latter and on one occasion was 
attacked and beaten nearly to death. In the supervisor trials, 
George Watson prosecuted and Barker, Wilson, Knight & Mulkern 
defended. Under Judge Burt's instructions the supervisors were 
cleared. The Herald sharply criticised the course of the court. 
Three important cases were in court this year — Illinois Central 
Railroad, Richards, Burden and Graves. Gen. H. A. Wiltse moved 
to Minnesota in 1866. The following lawyers passed suitable reso- 
lutions deploring his departure : T. S. Wilson, F. E. Bissell. W. B. 
Allison, J. H. Shields. T. C. Roberts, Charles McKenzie, D. E. 
Lyon, P. W. Crawford, George Crane, J. D. Langworthy, Samuel 
Duncan, John Deery, Thomas M. Monroe, M. B. Mulkern, T. P. 
Rood, Stephen Hempstead, Frank Jennings, M. Lepper, O. P. 
Shiras, C. G. Hawthorne, E. McCenev. W. Chandler, B. W. Poor, 
L. H. Cady. Dewitt C. Cram, J. M. Ballon, William Mills, W. W. 
Mills and Charles J. Rogers. 

In 1866-7 the revenue liquor cases came up and enlisted the 
skill and ability of the best lawyers. A dozen or more were 
retained by the various defendants. Breweries were seized, liquors 
confiscated and the lawyers had much to do. Judge Wilson was 
appointed assistant district attorney to assist in the prosecution. 
About this time there was a general jail delivery, one man — 
Donegan — charged with murder, escaping. Fifteen escaped, but 
nearly all were recaptured. 

In December, 1868, Mr. O'Neill removed to St. Louis and was 
tendered a farewell banquet by the local bar. Speeches of regret at 
his departure were made by Judge Burt, H. B. Foulke. M. B. 
Mulkern, D. B. Henderson, B. W. Poor, Lyon, Trumbull, Roberts 
and others. Mr. O'Neill replied with much feeling and unusual 
eloquence. At this meeting the following verse from Don Piatt's 
Capital was recited : 

The devil came to the earth one day. 

And said in court, where he wended his way: 

"If all they have said of each other be true. 

The devil has surely been robbed of his due. 

I'm satisfied now, 'tis all very well, 

These lawyers would ruin the morals of hell. 

They have puzzled the court with villainous cavil, 

And I'm free to confess they have puzzled the divil. 

My agents are right to let lawyers go bail ; 

If I had them they'd swindle me out of my tail." 

—Devil. 

In 1870, upon his retirement from the bench, Judge Burt was 
given a complimentary banquet at the Julien House, on which occa- 
sion many eloquent speeches were made and many fine toasts 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 461 

responded to. The city not having yet paid Judge Wilson fully for 
his services in the Supreme Court of the United States in con- 
ducting the Chouteau-Maloney case, he asked, in August, 187 1, to be 
recompensed for the balance due him. The numerous damage suits 
against the city gave the lawyers and courts much to do late in 
the sixties and early in the seventies. In 1872 Judge Wilson was 
transferred to the District Court and B. W. Poor was appointed 
to the Circuit bench, to succeed him. In March, 1873, Dennis A. 
Mahony sued the city for $10,000 damages. He fell on Main street 
and broke his »rm. Pollock & Shields were his counsel. The 
Sullivan-Phillips murder case came up in 1873. The defense made 
by Foulke & Lyon in the trial of Charles Wagner for the murder 
of Frank Rhomberg was one of the ablest and most adroit ever 
conducted in Dubuque. The newspapers spoke of it as a mar- 
velous exhibition of legal skill, judgment and eloquence. The jury 
found Wagner insane. Adams & Robinson were attorneys for the 
city in the Central Harbor cases about this time. The grain ele- 
vator cases were before the court again in 1875 ; large sums were 
involved and many of the best lawyers here were employed by 
the parties. At a bar meeting held in November, 1875, for the 
purpose of discussing the question of dividing the judicial districts 
of the state, partly to relieve Judge Love of the United States 
District Court, much difference of opinion was shown and little 
definite action was taken. It was in 1875 that the numerous move- 
ments against the saloonkeepers culminated in many lawsuits and 
much ill feeling. R. E. Bishop was the lawyer who fought the 
liquor men. 

It was in 1874 that the suit of the Central Improvement Com- 
pany against the City of Dubuque came before the court. O. P. 
Shiras and E. McCheney for the company began suit for $550,000 
on the old, complicated contract. This suit was begim to force a 
reasonable settlement, which was soon reached. 

In 1875 among the lawvers were Shiras, Vanduzee & Henderson, 
Wilson & O'Donnell, Griffith & Knight, Pollock & Shields, Foulke 
& Lyon, Smith & Utt, Adams, Robinson & Lacy, Graham & Cody, 
Beach & Hurd, Wullweber & Brother, Ed. McCeney, George Gray, 
W. J. Cantillon, George Bingham, Mr. Alsop, F. T. Walker, J. P. 
Burt, R. E. Bishop, H. T. McNutt and Mr. Mullany. The liquor 
cases extended to Farley, Dyersville, Cascade and other parts of 
the county. 

In 1876 a moot court was conducted here and legal instruction 
was given. The law of 1876 provided that upon petition Superior 
courts could be established in cities of over 5,000 inhabitants. It 
was given concurrent jurisdiction with the Circuit and District 
courts, except in probate matters and felonies, and was designed to 
take the place of the police courts in cities. Adams & Robinson, 
who effected the settlement between the city and the Central Island 



462 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Company, charged $7,500 for their services, were refused, sued 
and obtained judgment for the full amount and costs. 

For the year ending October i, 1852, there were fifty-two crim- 
inal convictions here, of which twenty were for larceny, nine bur- 
glary, five forgery, two murder ; twenty-five were sent to the peni- 
tentiary at Anamosa and ten were confined in the county jail. 

In 1878 a splendid banquet was given David S. Wilson, judge 
of the District court, by the Dubuque bar. Thomas S. Wilson, 
brother of Daniel S., presided. O. P. Shiras delivered the con- 
gratulatory address, to which Judge Wilson responded. An elab- 
orate menu without liquor was served. The lawyers participating 
were as follows: H. B. Foulke. P. W. Crawford, H. G. Wullweber, 
H. E. Wilson, Ed. McCeney, J. P. Burt, W. J. Cantillon, John 
Deary, M. H. Beach, P. ]. Ouigley, F. T. Walker, George Salot, 
J. M. Griffith, W. J. Knight? H. T. McNulty, W. H. Utt, O. P. 
Shiras, B. W. Lacv, L. A. Thomas, T. C. Cole, George Crane, 
L. G. Hurd, L. Fockler. T. P. Rood, F. M. Robinson, S. M. Pol- 
lock, J. M. Ballon, A. J. Vanduzee, B. W. Poor, J. D. Alsop, Fred 
O'Donnell, J. E. Simpson, William Graham, C. H. Eighmey, T. S. 
Wilson, D. B. Henderson, B. B. Richards, D. J. Lenehan, G. F. 
Bogue, W. S. Wright, S. P. Adams, F. B. Daniels, E. V. Hayden, 
G. Gray, A. Matthews, J. C. Lougueville, D. C. Cram, R. W. 
Stewart, P. Fiering, J. E. Moore, M. M. Trumbull, J. M. Werner, 
H. H. Ragan, J. B. Utt, Hubert O'Donnell, J. H. Shields, M. M. 
Cody, A. Hobbs and C. M. Mills. 

In the spring of 1886 the Supreme court held its last session here. 
It came here first in 1870, and here a group of counties in northern 
Iowa were required to make their cases returnable. Sessions were 
held in April and October of each year in the Cox and Allison build- 
ings. A bill in 1882 to abolisli sessions at Dubuque and Council 
Bluffs failed to pass the House, and in 1884 a similar bill was 
defeated. 

The forty injunction cases brought by the Citizens" League in the 
Federal courts in 1885 against the liquor dealers attracted much 
attention and were fought out in the courts. Foulke & Lyon and 
McCeney and O'Donnell were attorneys for the saloonkeepers. 
Judge Shiras presided o-\er the United States District court here. 
In 1885-6 the entire judiciary system of the state was reorganized 
by the Legislature. Dubuque. Clayton and Allamakee counties were 
constituted the fifteenth judicial district. There were nineteen dis- 
tricts and forty-five judges in the state. In 1886 Oliver P. Shiras 
was granted the degree of LL.D. by Yale College. 

In February, 1886, at a bar meeting, a committee was appointed 
"to represent the interests of litigants in nortliern Iowa by pro- 
testing against the passage of the bill now pending in our Legis- 
lature to abolish the present rotary system of the Supreme court in 
holding argument terms at various places in the state, by which 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 463 

litigants are saved the expense of sending their attorneys to Des 
Moines." D. J. Lenehan was elected district judge in 1886. 
Alphons Matthews was city attorney in 1888. 

The death of Judge Austin Adams in 1890 removed one of tlie 
ablest and most prominent of the older lawyers. The officers of the 
bar association in 1893 were as follows: G. W. Lacy, president; 
J. C. Longue\ilIe. first vice-president ; Robert Bronson, second vice- 
president ; P. S. Webster, secretary ; A. P. Bibbs, treasurer. 

The ceremony of dedicating the new courthouse in January, 1893, 
and the attendant banquet were notable events. Among the speak- 
ers at the dedication were Judge O'Donnell, County Supervisor 
Cunningliam, Judge Murdock, Judge Wilson, Judge Lacy, Colonel 
Lyon, Mayor Saunders, M. M. Walker of the Board of Trade, 
Judge Couch, Judge Ney, Judge Husted, Judge Utt, Judge Lene- 
han, Colonel Crawford and others. At the banquet B. W. Lacy 
was toastmaster and responses as follows were made : "The Judi- 
ciary," Judges Shiras and Ney ; "Relation Between Bench and 
Bar," Judge Husted; "The Old Courthouse," J. H. Shields: "The 
New Courthouse," P. J. Nelson : "Our Old Bar," D. E. Lyon; "The 
Bar of Today," W. J. Cantillon; "The Profession," D. C. Cram; 
"Our Clients," G. W. Kiesel. 

Late in 1893 it was found necessary to secure additional court- 
rooms. Delays and overcrowding the dockets had before this date 
caused much complaint and damage. It was shown at a bar meeting 
that in Des Moines there were three courts in session the year 
round, and it was argued there should be at least two here, and the 
salary of the judges should be increased from $2,500 to $4,000 per 
annum. The bar here, therefore, at a meeting where Judge Lacy 
presided late in December, 1893, formally asked for the above 
improvements, and further that the courts should be pennitted to 
make up issues during vacation, and that the jury law might be 
amended. This year the judicial district was divided and Du- 
buque county became the nineteenth, with two judges. It required 
great effort to secure this result, but a powerful delegation visited 
the Legislature and in the end secured substantial relief, as above. 
There were on the docket at this time 213 civil cases. The railroad 
case of J. P. Farley was very important in 1893. 

Judge Thomas S. Wilson died May 16, 1894, aged 80 years. 
He was born at Steubenville, Ohio, and was graduated from Jeffer- 
son College in 1833. Soon afterward he studied law and had Edwin 
M. Stanton for a fellow student, and in 1835 was admitted to the 
bar. In 1836 he married Anna Hoge and soon afterward went to 
Prairie du Chien, where his brother George was a lieutenant under 
Col. Zachary Taylor. On October 13, 1836, he and his wife came 
down the river to Dubuque for permanent residence. He was 
president of the first board of trustees of Dubuque and in 1838 
became judge of the Iowa Territorial court. In 1846 he came within 



464 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

one vote of the United States Senate. The next \ear he retired 
from the bench and resumed the practice. He was associated with 
many lawyers during his long career. He was interested more or 
less in nearly all the most important cases adjudicated here. His 
services before the Supreme Court of the United States in 1853-4 
in the Chouteau-Maloney case were never properly recompensed nor 
suitably appreciated by the subsequent population. He was again 
on the bench in 1852, but was retired in 1863. He served in the 
Legislature, was city, county and deputy United States district 
attorney, and was highly esteemed here, where he was so well 
known. He was married three times and left five children. At 
his death the bar held elaborate and imposing ceremonies in his 
honor. The address of W. J. Knight on this occasion was one of 
great beauty, sentiment and power. 

In February, 1904, Judge O'Donnell held court in the county 
supervisor's room and continued there during the sessions of that 
year. In January, 1895, the new second judge — Husted — also held 
court. The jury cases were tried by Judge O'Donnell and the others 
by Judge Husted. This year the code commissioners accomplished 
their duties. 

Judge Husted encountered much opposition when he came to this 
newly created district. His appointment had been opposed by M. M. 
Ham, James J. Dunn and Senator Shields, the latter fighting him 
on the floor of the convention. "He ordered the tax provision of 
the mulct law enforced in Dubuque county and charged the grand 
jury to indict every dealer who didn't pay. He declared that he 
would intrust no lawyer with an estate and he ordered a raid on the 
gamblers." In court he called down a prominent lawyer, declared 
what he had said was false and ordered him to take his seat. He 
removed another lawyer from control of an office ; ordered the 
county supervisors investigated ; scored the Dubuque council and 
became very popular with the people, owing to his activity, reforms 
and undoubted honesty. — (Cor. Chicago Chronicle, in Dubuque 
//rra/rf, January 9, 1896.) 

In Februar)', 1897, the Supreme court held that the mulct law 
did not apply to cities operating under a special charter. This 
decision left Dubuque at the mercy of the prohibitory law. 

In January. 1907, the newly elected officers of the bar association 
were P. S. Webster, president ; John Deery, first vice-president ; 
L. G. Hurd, second vice-president; John I. Mullaney, secretary; 
A. P. Gibbs, treasurer. Colonel Lyon was president in 1906. The 
code committee were Judge Lenehan, William Graham, J. B. 
Powers, W. J. Knight and D. E. Lyon. 

In December, 1898, there were fifty-one resident members of the 
Dubuque Bar Association ; four were not engaged in practice. N. E. 
Utt was president. In 1899 the new firm. Matthews, Lindsay & 
Frantzen was formed. 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 465 

Bowen (E. E. ) & Fitzpatrick (T. J.), one of the strongest law 
firms here, dissolved partnership in January. 1904: they became 
associated in the practice in 1896. Mr. Fitzpatrick became county 
attorney and otherwise prominent. 

In November, 1903, Judge Oliver P. Shiras resigned his seat on 
the Federal bench. President Roosevelt, upon accepting his resig- 
nation, said : "It is with great regret that I accept your resigna- 
tion. I cannot allow the occasion to pass without congratulating 
you upon the signal success which has marked your labors on the 
Federal bench, and I trust that the period of retirement, upon which 
you are about to enter and which you ha\e earned so well, will be 
as full of usefulness to the nation." 

In 1905 the grand jury returned 194 indictments and thereby 
broke the record ; they were slot machine cases mainly. In Sep- 
tember, 1905, R. W. Stewart, who had practiced for many years, 
passed away and was followed by J. B. Powers in October. This 
year the old proposition to abolish grand juries was discussed pro 
and con in this county. 

Early in 1905 several charges of unprofessional conduct on the 
part of certain law3'ers, presumably in good standing, were circu- 
lated in the newspapers. This led to a meeting of the bar to take 
steps to investigate the charges. Mr. Gibbs was made chairman 
and G. T. Lyon appointed secretary. W. J. Knight, M. M. Cody 
and G. W. Kiesel, a committee previeusly appointed, reported that 
no tangible evidence to support the charges had been found. "From 
this we can draw no other conclusion than that the reports hereto- 
fore circulated of unprofessional conduct on the part of members 
of the bar have no foundation in fact," said the committee. At 
this meeting a motion by Colonel Lyon to continue the custom of 
the bar to attend funerals of deceased members in a body was voted 
down. Colonel Lyon said that thirty-six years before there were 
1,800 cases on the docket and that he was on one side or the other 
of nearly all of them. The officers of the association for 1905 were 
J. P. Frantzen, president; George Barnes, first vice-president; 
P. J. Nelson, second vice-president; H. C. Kenline, secretary and 
treasurer. 

In February, 1908, William J. Knight, one of the ablest lawyers 
ever here, passed away. He was born in 1838 and was a native of 
Ireland. He was closely connected with the most intricate and diffi- 
cult practice of northern Iowa for many years. He was attorney 
for the Illinois Central Railroad Company. 

From 1833 to 1836 the county judges of Dubuque county, Wis- 
consin Territory were Milo H. Prentice, John King and Lorin 
Wheeler. David Irwin was district judge in 1836 and Charles 
Dunn the same until Iowa Territory was formed in 1838. Thomas 
S. Wilson served as district judge from July 4, 1838 to April 26, 
1847; then James Grant served until May, 1852, James Burt to 



466 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

January i, 1871, and J. M. Brayton until November, 1872. D. S. 
Wilson and Sylvester Bagg served also for short periods. The 
Probate court was created by tlie Territorial act. but was merged 
into the County court in 1852, which, in turn, became part of the 
Circuit court in 1868. Ezekiel Lockwood was probate judge in 
1834; Joseph T. Fales from 1838 to 1839; Charles Corkery 
from 1839 to 1847; Valentine Glenat from 1847 to 1849, 
and William W. Hamilton from 1849 to 1852. William G. 
Lovell was first county judge in 1852, Stephen Hempstead 
the same from 1855 to 1868, when the court was abolished. 
The Circuit court held its first sessions in January, 1869. William 
T. Barker was first judge and served until 1872, when he died and 
David S. W^ilson was appointed to fill the vacancy. He resigned 
in September of the same year to accept the office of district judge, 
having just been elected. He was succeeded by B. W. Poor, who 
served until 1873. He was succeeded by Sylvester Bagg. B. W. 
Lacy was elected to the same position in 1879 and served until 
January i, 1874. The present judges are Fred O'Donnell and 
Mathew C. Matthews. The City court was organized in 1859 with 
Samuel Pollock as judge, but was abolished in July, 1862. 

In 1909 the Dubuque lawyers were as follows: G. A. Barnes, 
E. E. Bowen, M. N. Cody, J. G. Chalmers, George Crane, P. W. 
Crawford, John A. Cunningham, Mathias Czizek, John Deery, T. J. 
Fitzpatrick, L. J. Flynn, John P. Frantzen, Andrew P. Gibbs, W. 
& J. B. Graham, John Hawe, Hurd, Lenehan & Riesel, Kenline & 
Roedell. J. W. Kintzinger. Lacy. Brown & Lacy, S. B. Lattner, 
W. A. Leathers, Oliver Longueville, Lyon & Lyon. McEnony, 
D. E. Maguire, Henry Michel, F. L. Mu'ekel, Mill'any & Stewart, 
P. C. Murray, Nelson, Dufifv & Denison, Fred O'Donnell, Hubert 
O'Donnell, T. T- Paislev. Wells Rupert. H. F. Salot. Tames H. 
Shields, C. M. Thorne, J. B. & S. M. Utt, John R. Waller, E. H. 
Willging and W. S. Wright. 

In 1909 John Glab and H. L. Buckley were judges of the city 
police court. Both were justices of the peace. At this time M. C. 
Matthews and Robert Bronson were judges of the District court. 
The United States Circuit and District courts met in the custom 
house. Judge Henry T. Reed presiding. 



TOWNSHIPS, SETTLEMENT, ETC. 

Nexv Wiiw Totvnship (township 89 north, range 2 west) did not 
have an early existence as such, but was made a part of the Upper 
Catfish precinct and voters were required to poll their votes at John 
Regan's house. In 1839 it became a part of Hewitt's precinct. In 
1843 what is now New Wine Township became parts of the town- 
ships of Liberty and Iowa, both of which then had much larger 
extent than in 191 1 (see elsewhere herein). In 1849 what is now 
New Wine was made the western half of Iowa Township. On 
January 11, 1850, the present New Wine Township was given an 
independent existence. 

The vicinity of Dyersville was first settled about 1837-8 by the 
Whitesides — Abraham, William. John and Mack. Hewitt, Henry 
Mouncey, Thomas Riggs and a little later John Christoph, Thomas 
Finn. Theophilus Crawford and others arrived. Many of the first 
settlers of this part of the county came almost directly from the 
counties of Somersetshire and Devonshire, England. Life here then 
was rude and wild, and privations and hardships were numerous and 
often appalling. 

In 1847 James Dyer bought the land at Dyersville. James Dyer, 
Jr., came in 1848 and James Dyer, Sr., and William Dyer arrived 
the following year. Rev. William Trick arrived in June, 1849. He 
preached the first sermon in the place. In 1850 the Dyers projected 
a town at the present site of Dyersville, but for some reason delayed 
definite action. About this time other settlers located near, among 
whom were Henry Popham, James Plaister, Robert Whiting, John 
Gould, John Bailey and others, who had previously settled at Du- 
buque. In the winter of 1850-51 some half dozen of the residents, 
headed by the Dyers, had the town laid out and at once it began to 
assume shape and promise. George Hyler, James Plaister and A. 
Limback built early residences. Judge Dyer, in 1853, resided at 
Main and Chestnut streets, where he had a store, and at the start the 
Dyers planned a saw mill and a grist mill, and built both. A Mr. Col- 
lins was an early resident. In 1853 the Dyers built a log bridge over 
the river, which was used until 1869. In 1853 Orsemus F. Foote 
bought a half interest in the grist mill in course of construction, and 
at once began to erect a hotel — a two-story brick, which for many 
years was an immense advantage to the village and a great accom- 
modation to the traveling public — just what was needed. 

In 1854 a postoffice was established here, other brick stores were 
built, shops sprang up and soon the farmers could get here about 

467 



468 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

all the supplies they required. A little later a Masonic lodge was 
organized and met over the store of Henry Popham. In 1855 
cholera took away several lives and spread terror over the whole 
community. Six deaths occurred in one day. Doctors Cainer, 
Warmouth and Jones ministered to the wants of the sick, refusing 
to leave. 

The postal route from Dubuque to Dyersville was established in 
March, 1853, at which time the latter village contained about 350 
or 400 inhabitants. A good saw mill, run by water power, was 
already in operation. A large flour mill, a church, several stores and 
about a dozen dwellings were being erected. The Dubuque Express. 
in writing of the founder of this village, used the expression: 
"Judge James Dyer, an intelligent, temperate, active, enterprising 
and thoroughgoing business man of English birth." In June, 1853, 
Mr. Stanton, of Dyersville, exhibited in Dubuque a good specimen 
of slate from the premises of Judge Dyer, near Dyersville. 

In 1855 Caleb C. Chester was postmaster at Dyersville. In 
October and November, 1855, James Dyer & Company advertised 
for sale building lots in the village of Dyersville, twenty-six miles 
west of Dubuque. He said : "We offer for sale building lots in 
this village, suitable for residences, shops, stores, etc., at very low 
prices, conditional on early improvements being made on them. 
Being on the straightest road to Independence, Cedar Falls, Fort 
Dodge, etc., and containing fine water power mills, hotel, churches, 
stores, lumber yard, etc., great inducements are presented to those 
wishing to find a permanent stopping place." 

In December, 1856, John Stanton, of Dyersville, advertised that 
there were wanted in that town 10,000,000 brick, tinners' tools and 
one Crocker machine. A brickmaker was wanted to open up busi- 
ness. 

In the Weekly Express a)id Herald of December 3, 1856, a corre- 
spondent — H. C. K. — gives the following account of Dyersville, the 
information being furnished by Judge Dyer, T. F. Allen, Dr. Ford 
and others : "Dyersville is situated near the western edge of Du- 
buque county, twenty-seven miles from the city of Dubuque, on the 
banks of the north fork of the Maquoketa river, which winds 
through the town. Bear creek empties into the river at this place. 
The country surrounding is the best farming district in Dubuque 
county ; the soil is rich and strong. The town was laid out by 
Judge Dyer, from whom it derives its name, about four years since, 
and now numbers over seven hundred inhabitants. It is not yet 
incorporated, but soon will be. It has tiius far labored luider the 
disadvantages of river and railroad facilities, and goods and lumber 
have been wagoned at a high cost, consequently the population of the 
place has been seriously kept back by the want of houses and hotel 
accommodations, and hundreds who have come to settle have thus 
been compelled to go elsewhere. The prospect of the speedy com- 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 469 

pletion of the Dubuque & Pacific Railroad to this point has given a 
surprising impetus to all building operations. The town plat is 
nearly a mile square and contains over 500 acres. The town is 
owned principally by the Iowa Land Company and Judge Dyer, 
who offer the most liberal inducements to business concerns and 
home seekers. The rails for the railroad will be laid to this point 
by the middle of December or the first of January. As soon as the 
railroad shall be completed here this town will be made the starting 
point for all the stage lines to the westward and northward, thus 
avoiding the heavy grades near Dubuque. At least eight stages will 
arrive and depart daily, besides many extra vehicles. It is estimated 
that there is a daily average of four hundred teams on the different 
roads which converge into Dubuque, and that all must concentrate 
here. Already a fine brick station and freight depot have been 
erected here. Two new hotels are being built. The Western and 
Northwestern Stage companies are building stables. The proposed 
Northwestern & St. Paul Railroad will likely connect here with the 
Dubuque & Pacific. Talk of building a branch railroad to Coles- 
burg, about twelve miles away, is indulged in. Among the new 
buildings recently erected or now under way are the following: 
Station and freight depot. Dyer's hotel, John Young's hotel, William 
Dyer's commission house. Dyer's stable for the Western Stage Com- 
pany, same for the Northwestern Stage Company, same for Pierce 
& Hannum of Dubuque, F. J. Stanton's planing mill and sash 
factory, and the following projected buildings : Railroad engine 
and repair shop, Presbyterian church. Episcopalian church, graded 
school building to cost $2,000. There were standing, the Methodist 
church, Rev. Lee; public school, Mr. Gano, teacher; Young Ladies' 
Select school, Mrs. B. Douglas ; Iowa Land Company, incorporated 
December, 1855, R. B. Mason, president; T. F. Allen, secretary; 
offices of the Dubuque & Pacific Railroad. Three hotels were in 
operation, conducted by H. P. Rice, J. Olney and W. Hatch. In 
operation was a large grist mill, owned by Judge Dyer; it was ont 
of the largest and most complete flouring mills in the state. It was 
operated by water power from the river. The race was nearly a 
mile long and cost $8,000. T. J. Stanton and Bailey & Co. con- 
ducted saw mills. Among the stores were the large one with depart- 
ments, owned by Judge Dyer; D. C. Salisbury, dry goods; D. S. 
Smith, druggist and deputy postmaster ; A. Hoynck, grocery ; J. 
Waldor, grocery ; John Young, furniture ; Richard Green, furniture ; 
John Dyer, harness ; H. Popham, wagons ; A. Hoynck, bakery ; 
Bethell, Toogood & Wilkinson, brewery ; Page & Day, stores. The 
physicians were S. L. Lord and E. Covell. The only lawyer was 
H. B. Allen. There were blacksmiths, tailors, shoemakers, brick 
yards and stone quarries. There were many fine residences in the 
place. Business lots on Main and Union streets were worth from 
$5 to $15 a front foot; lots for private residences were rated from 



470 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

$50 to $150 each. About a mile from town was the fine farm of 
W. L. Randall, who was one of the largest wool growers in Iowa, 
owning at this time 1,500 sheep. 

"In addition to my statistics of Dyersville property, I would wish 
to notice that a large addition has been made about a year since 
on the east side, which is called East Dyersville. This was laid out 
by John Stanton, F. Stanton and Miss Green, and plats recorded. 
On the East Dyersville plat are several fine dwellings, one furniture 
and general store, one wagon-maker's shop, and contracts are being 
made for the erection of a dry goods store, turner's shop and a 
bakery. The railroad and stage roads run through it. The county 
roads from Rockville. John's Creek, New Wine and Bankson con- 
centrate here. Richard Gadsden and John Stanton have deeded a 
lot for school district No. 7 ; it will be ready in the spring. The 
ladies of Dj^ersville have established and manage a public library. It 
is yet in its infancy, but standard works are on its shelves; Miss 
Green is the president. This addition is laid out in fine sized build- 
ing lots and are offered to actual settlers on liberal and easy terms." 
— (H. K. C. in E. & H., December 3, 1856). The Clarendon hotel 
at Dyersville was kept by Mr. Jackson in 1857. On July 25, 1857, 
the Jesup lands — 2,520 acres — lying near Dyersville, in Delaware 
county, were ofifered for sale here at public auction. The sale was 
for the purpose of closing up the Jesup estate. In October or 
November, 1857, the Dyersville Mercury was first issued by F. J. 
Stanton. It was neutral in politics and its motto was "Devoted to 
Iowa, the Union and Ourselves." 

In the winter of 1857-8 a lyceum was conducted in Dyersville, 
and a Masonic lodge was organized there. John Young made an 
assignment during the panic of that year. 

Dyersville was located in a burr-oak opening on the Maquoketa 
river. In 1856-7 its population doubled. In the summer of 1857 
seven stores were going up at one time — also a score or more of 
dwellings. There were three brick yards there. The Methodists 
were building a church to cost $10,000. Their old building was sold 
to the town and converted into a public school house, with L. Gano 
teacher. Randall Brothers conducted a banking business there — the 
only one in the place. There were one drug store, one hardware 
store, one tin shop, two wagon shops, one harness shop, two furni- 
ture stores, three blacksmith shops, three hotels, four dry goods 
stores and six groceries. The Clarendon House, owned by Judge 
Dyer, cost $30,000. A large warehouse was owned by B. P. Power 
& Co. — {Times, August 3, 1857). 

The completion of the Dubuque & Pacific railroad to Dyersville 
in 1857 was an important event and at once caused the village to 
grow rapidly. The Clarendon hotel was erected about this time by 
Judge Dyer, and was leased by him. The railroad was continued 
westward, but the panic of 1857 fell upon this community as upon 




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DUBUQUE 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 4/1 

all else and business was dull and improvement languished. It was 
about this time that Henry and Barney Holscher and Rev. W. H. 
Heu di Bourgh located, the latter being a member of the Congre- 
gational church. He at once began to secure subscriptions for a 
church of that faith, and ere long the same was built. In the end 
he owned a large property near the village. 

In April, 1858, the editor of the Dyersville Mercury published a 
strong appeal to the people of that village and vicinity to come for- 
ward and assist him to maintain his paper or he would be obliged 
to move his outfit to some other place. Owen McGee shot and killed 
Jerry Kelly at Dyersville in September, 1858. The house of Daniel 
Higgins, near Dyersville, was burned September 25, 1858, and was 
a total loss. 

In March, 1859, Mr. Stanton, editor of the Dyersville Mercury, 
boasted that he had a "smattering knowledge" of the following 
tongues : Hebrew, Greek, English, Douay, Latin, Italian, French, 
Flemish and Spanish. 

The Herald called Stanton "the Douay editor," and rejoiced when 
he was beaten by a printer named William Corbett. 

"Piles on piles of airy nothings, gossamer castles, were upreared 
on the frail base of the imagination — on the cornerstone of a single 
isolated but almightv dollar." — (Stanton in Dversville Mercury). 
"Git eout !"—(£. &'H., June 25, 1859). 

The Fourth of July, 1859, was publicly celebrated at Dyersville; 
thirteenguns were fired at day break. A procession marched to wooded 
grounds, where L. M. Gano read the Declaration ; B. F. Fotterall de- 
livered the oration, and Colonel Rickard, of Dubuque, also addressed 
the assemblage. There was good music by Professor Flude and 
others. The military band was a feature. The day ended with a 
ball at the Clarendon hotel. 

In describing the 4th of July ( 1859 ) celebration at Dyersville the 
Mercury said: "The anniversary of that glorious day which gave 
a distinctness to all the energies of the patriots of '76, that gave 
a soul-stirring earnestness to all the noble deeds which they accom- 
plished ; that struck the keynote of the heart-strung S3'mpathies of a 
people whose children and children's children should hand down to 
posterity this heirloom and eternally entailed heritage of heaven- 
directed nobility ; at early morn the reverberating echoes of distant 
hills, where awakened from their apathetic slumber, the vales of the 
North Maquoketa gave birth to echoes whose like was never heard 
since Jehovah's thunders called them into being. * * * Here 
a grand federal salute greeted the ear which, with hundreds of 
happy throats, swelled the baptismal anthem, making the welkin 
ring again with its awakening echoes." 

In April, 1861, the citizens of Dyersville voted as to who 
should be postmaster of that town, and John Dyer won by two 
majority. Dyersville was established in 1861 as an independent 



472 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

school district under the code. George Rebman's house, near Dyers- 
ville, was burned down August 14, 1864. The family was absent. 
Two farmers, George Kruepfel and Mr. Leopard, were held up and 
robbed near Dyersville in September, 1865. They were on horse- 
back when two men with pistols held them up. Kruepfel handed 
over $100. A boy with them had 10 cents which they took. Jerry 
Boland built the Dyersville bridge in 1865. In June, 1865, a party 
of four or five persons were drowned at Dyersville. They had 
attended a wedding at Colesburg and on their return, while attempt- 
ing to cross Bear creek, which was greatly swollen, were drowned. 
They were Mr. Storker, Mr. Adam, Mrs. Adam and child, and per- 
haps others. 

In January, 1866, Dyersville shipped 3.720 hogs, which, at $10 
per hundred, were worth $93,297.20. A flood, in February, 1867, 
swept away the wagon bridge at Dyersville. 

In April, 1868, Rev. R. Swearingen and Rev. J. W. Hanson 
debated at Dyersville the question of future state, the former main- 
taining the doctrine of endless punishment and the latter that of 
imiversal salvation ; they did not settle the question. In 1868 among 
the leading business houses of the place were T. D. Hall, store and 
hotel ; Chesterman & Trick, agricultural warehouse and hardware 
store; Collins & Schemmel, an agricultural warehouse; W. Dyer, 
extension to elevator ; Moreland & Kramer, a new store ; Halscher 
Bros., grain elevator, which was previously owned by J. B. Hawley; 
Limbeck & Co., store; Moreland & Stocker, store; Rohenkohl & 
Son, store. John Dyer was postmaster about 1865-6, but it then 
passed to D. L. Smith. 

The following is a summing up of Dyersville in 1869: Claren- 
don hotel, 70 to 80 rooms, built by James Dyer in 1856-7; Congre- 
gational church. Rev. H. L. Chase; Methodist church, Rev. J. 
McCormick ; Roman Catholic church, Re\-. Fr. Kortencamp; Lu- 
theran, supplied from Dubuque ; public graded school, N. W. Boyes, 
principal; merchants, A. Limbeck & Co.; Halscher & Bro., hard- 
ware ; J. B. Hawley ; Raper & Trum ; Collins & Schemmel ; F. 
Luthners, woolen factory ; Chesterman & Trick, Robelcol & 
Kramer ; John Dyer, etc. There were two grain elevators, two 
breweries. Doctors Kepler, Tremain, Miller and Menges; J. D. 
Alson, lawyer; A. Kroffl, Gadsden, Halscher & Co. and Sexton, 
grain buyers. At this date Dyersville was one of the largest ship- 
ping points for its size in the state. Immense quantities of hogs, 
grain and wild fowl were sent to market. There were three lumber 
yards, grist mill of J. Schemmel & Co., Masonic Lodge No. 132. 

In 1870 a new bridge was built to take the place of the one washed 
away a year or two before. 4 

In 1870-1 Dyersville and Cascade had rival baseball teams that 
met on more than one desperately fought field ; they also had rival 
billiardists. In one baseball game played at Dyersville April i, 1871, 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 473. 

the score was Dyers\ille 50, Cascade 26. In 1873 Rose & Son 
founded the Dyersville Commercial. In 1880 Charles E. Sloop 
became connected with it ; the sheet was Democratic. 

Dyersville was incorporated in 1872 ; the new town started as 
such with a population of about 1,000; forty-nine persons petitioned 
to have the place incorporated. William Trick was elected mayor ; 
J. A. Limback, treasurer; John Morley, recorder; A. Limback, 
C. C. Chesterman, D. S. Smith, A. Kropfl and A. Muehe, council. 

The large Howe truss bridge at Dyersville was erected in 1874 
at a cost of $4,500. 

The Teutonia band was in existence in 1874. On the question of 
a new school house to cost $7,000, in 1874, the vote of the corpo- 
ration stood — for the house, 115 ; against it, 87. The building was 
duly erected; it was of brick and stone, 44 x 56 feet. By 1875 the 
leading streets were macadamized and put in good condition, side- 
walks were built and other needed improvements made from the 
license fees of the saloons; the license was $100 annually. The 
following is a summing up of the town in 1875 : Merchants, A. 
Limback & Co., Holscher Bros., William Trick, John Christoph, the 
Godsdens, the Schemmels, David Smith, Nick Till, Bunker, Burley, 
Morley, Rohenkohl, Alsop, Rose and others. In October the new 
brick school house was nearly finished, at a cost of about $8,000, 
and with a capacity of about 400 pupils. 

In December, 1895, the Farmers' State Bank of Dyersville organ- 
ized and prepared to do business on Main street, their building cost- 
ing $4,800. The officers were Adolph Lange, president ; John B. 
Utt, vice-president ; Ben Schemmel, cashier. Business was begun in 
January, 1896. In 1904 the city had two banks, six general stores,^ 
three hardware stores, four manufacturing plants, three grain ele- 
vators, two wholesale liquor houses, two breweries, one creamery, 
four lawyers, two real estate offices, three physicians, three milliners, 
excellent graded and parochial schools, and Catholic, Methodist, 
Episcopal and Lutheran churches. 

In 1 88 1 A. Limback & Co. conducted a large creamery. The 
German State Bank was established in 1886, with a capital of 
$25,000, of which $15,000 was owned by Dubuque capitalists. 

In 1889 Dyersville had two newspapers, a bank, was a famous 
hog market, had 254 business houses of all kinds, and in 1888 had 
spent a total of $210,295 i" buildings of all sorts. In that year the 
total business of the German State Bank was $1,250,000. In busi- 
ness enterprises there was invested about $1,000,000. The total 
postoffice business was $15,695. The Catholic church was one of 
the finest in Iowa and cost about $115,000. The Ncivs Letter was 
established in 1888-9. 

The Hickory Valley Creamery Company was incorporated in 
1891, and Richard Barry became president. This year the Nczvs 
Letter and the Commercial were official organs of the county; Chris 



474 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Smith edited the latter. In 1893 the town erected its cit}' hall and 
engine house, 40 x 112 feet, and duly dedicated it on October 24. 
Hon. John B. Utt was orator. In 1896 Henry Stefifen sued Mayor 
D. A. Gehrig for $10,000 damages for assault; upon committing 
the assault the mayor promptly pleaded guilty before a justice and 
paid a fine of $1, but this did not satisfy Mr. Stefifen. The Dyers- 
ville Canning Company was established in 1900; in 1902 it put up 
150,000 cans of corn. The Harvest Home picnic in 1906 brought 
out a large crowd. A fire in August, 1907, destroyed about $30,000 
worth of property. In 1909 the Waterloo Canning Company leased 
the establishment of the Dyersville Canning Company. The First 
National Bank of Dyersville opened its doors in January, 1910, with 
Frank L. Drexler as president. 

Dyersville, in 1910, was lighted by electricity, had fire department, 
opera house, two or three banks, two weekly newspapers — Commer- 
cial and Ncivs Letter — many excellent stores — dry goods, hardware, 
clothing, boots and shoes, jewelry, drugs, groceries, etc., saloons, 
lumber yards, physicians and surgeons, shops of all sorts, dentists, 
marble works, lawyers, undertakers, contractors, mills, furniture, 
photographer, churches for the Catholics, Episcopalians, Lutherans 
and Methodists, a malting company, etc. 

The village of New Vienna was first settled in 1844 by Fred 
Rohenkohl. H. Tauke, John Fangmann and H. Weichmann. It 
was first platted as New Wein. Henry Schemmel was first post- 
master. About 1846-7 Mr. Fangmann built a saw mill on the river; 
in 1865 a grist mill was erected near. About 1848 Frederick Rohen- 
kohl started the first store. Henry Schemmel & Brothers established 
a woolen mill about 1849. Joli" Klosterman taught the first school. 
The woolen factory and flouring mill were destroyed by fire in 
November, 1863; nearly 3,000 bushels of wheat were burned; the 
loss was about $13,000; a large quantity of wool was destroyed; 
the property belonged to the estate of Joseph Schemmel. Frank 
Knippling was interested in the property and lost heavily. New 
Vienna was incorporated in 1895 in response to a petition signed 
Tjy thirty-two citizens. There were polled 56 votes, 42 for the 
incorporation and 14 against it. The officers elected were John 
Vorwald, mayor ; J. W. Schaetzel, recorder ; H. Huberty, J. Kerper, 
John Wessels, Jr., A. Lange, T. B. Boeckenstadt and Joseph E. 
Erdmann, trustees. 

In 1904 New Vienna had three general stores, one hotel, one 
harness shop, one furniture dealer and undertaker, one brewery, 
one restaurant, one physician, one blacksmith, and two wagon shops. 

Taylor Toiiniship (township 88 north, range i west). This por- 
tion of the county was quite early settled — had election precincts 
and road districts for several years prior to the creation and organi- 
zation of the township proper. The voters in 1838 went to the house 
of Jacob Hamilton, on the Great Maquoketa, to vote. The first 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 475 

settlers had to go to Dubuque to get their mail, but in 1840 received 
it at what is now Cascade.. In September, 1840, it was made a 
part of White Water election precinct, and in December of the same 
year was assigned to the first county commissioner's district. As 
originally created in February, 1843, '* ^^'^s part of four townships, 
which cornered at sections 20, 21, 28 and 29 (see elsewhere herein). 
It tiius remained until February 7, 1849, when Taylor Township 
was created and then embraced the present Dodge Township. On 
January 11, 1850, Taylor was cut down to its present boundaries, 
and elections were ordered held at the house of Peter Melingner. 

This portion of the county contained good citizens. Daniel 
Hogan arrived in 1837. Other early ones were the Wilmotts, Briggs, 
Kidders, Johnsons, Youngs, Walkers, McKees, Hatches, Wilsons, 
Grafforts, Kehoes, Smiths, Dickinsons, Shermans, Kennedys, 
Grays, Jennings, Greenwoods, Murphys, Tracys, Healeys, McDer- 
motts, Striefs and many others. 

In 1854 the famous "boiling springs" of this township first be- 
came generally known. There were originally seven large springs 
flowing into a common outlet and all furnisliing enough water 
power for several mills. Mr. Smith became the owner of them 
in 1854; later Mr. Sherman became associated with him and soon 
they had one of the best stock and grain farms of the county. 

Epworth originally comprised forty acres and was laid out by Dr. 
William Johnson and the village was named in honor of the birth- 
place of John Wesley. The first residents were Hezekiah Young. 
Otis Briggs and Zephaniah Kidder, who were there in 1855, a 
short time before the plat was made. Hiram Young was there 
early also. 

The postoffice of HogansAille, named for Daniel Hogan. was 
established about 1840 at what is now Epworth, but no village 
grew up there until the survey of the railroad in 1855. In the spring 
of that year eighty acres were platted and the name of the postoffice 
was changed from Hogansville to Epworth. 

The proposed construction of the Illinois Central railroad 
(known through this county in 1855 and later as the Dubuque & 
Pacific railroad) was the cause of the platting, settlement and 
growth of Epworth. Several years earlier a store at Drake's, about 
one mile east of Epworth, was opened by Benjamin H. Wilmott; 
in the spring of 1855 he moved his store to Epworth. Mr. Kidder 
erected a building and started a store. E. G. French built a small 
hotel and also opened a small store. After a short time Robert 
Wilmott succeeded B. H. Wilmott in charge of the store. Otis 
and Thomas G. Briggs began burning bricks in 1855. The village 
grew rapidly. David and John Edwards opened the Graffort 
House the first year. It was well kept and became favorably known. 
E. G. French taught the first school in 1855-6. Other early resi- 
dents were J. V. McCune, Silas Moore, William Magill, Philip 



4/6 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Keagy, Jacob Wynant, Rev. S. T. Wells, Frank Richardson, A. S. 
Atkinson, a blacksmith, Dr. W. B. Fox, W. W. Wilkinson, Mr. 
Alexander, J. T. Williams, O. J. Metcalf and David Edwards. 

J. H. and Edward Dodson conducted an early store; so did Alex- 
ander & Company. Edward Tuttle was a painter. Epworth Lodge 
No. 84, A. F. & A. M., was founded in 1856. In 1857 Dr. E. 
Jackson, a homeopathist, was here, and Benjamin Goodrick con- 
ducted a shoe shop and store. 

On July 4, 1857, the Methodist Sunday schools for Dyers\ille, 
Bankston's Prairie. Center Grove, Rockdale and the Union met at 
Epworth with the Sunday school there to celebrate the day. The 
Epworth school received the others at the station. All marched 
to Seminary Grove, where the Declaration was read by Dr. William 
Johnson, of Epworth, and addresses delivered by Rev. P. E. Brown 
and Rev. E. L. Stout, both of Dubuque. 

In September, 1857, the Times contained the following account 
of Epworth: "It now numbers some 350 inhabitants and is daily 
increasing. There are many inducements to settle here. There are 
four stores in the place. A tinware and stove depot, owned by S. 
Young, and a very fine boot and shoe establishment, carried on by 
Goodrich & Watkins. The Methodist society have a nice church 
in the place. The Presbyterians are now building a fine house of 
worship. The new academy, now nearly completed, is a beautiful 
structure and admirably adopted to the purpose for which it is de- 
signed. Its cost, when completed, will be nearly or quite $8,000, 
and it must ever be an ornament to Epworth. We are informed the 
institution will open some time in November. There are two hotels 
here. One is kept by ]. D. Graffort." — (Cor. Times, September 5, 

1857- 

At Epworth in 1858 wheat was reported half a crop; potatoes 
were infected with rot. A new and fine steam flouring mill was 
being erected, to which a saw mill with power for lathes and cabi- 
net shop, was attached. The owners were Ridder & Chesterman. 
The main building was 30x40 feet and cost $10,000. The seminary 
was in a flourishing condition, with goodly attendance. Examina- 
tions of the public schools were satisfactory. 

Bethel cemetery is one and one-half acres, donated by James 
McGee for burial purposes. Most of the early Protestant settlers 
of that locality have been buried there, the first interment being 
that of Joseph Jenkins in 1856. After that it filled up rapidly until 
about 1875, when the early settlers began to disperse. Bethel 
church was erected about 1855, opposite the cemetery, on an acre 
of ground donated by John Hilman, and was used for worshiping 
purposes most of the time until 1875. while it was left vacant until 
1884, when sold to I. L. McGee and removed ofif the ground and 
used for a barn. The few members left were transferred to Farley 
parish. 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 477 

The Fourth of July was celebrated at Epworth, the academy 
pupils under Rev. Keeler leading. Rev. Robert Collier delivered an 
address there. Rev. Mr. Brush, president of the Upper Iowa Uni- 
versity, also delivered an address. At the celebration in the woods 
D. N.' Cooley, of Dubuque, delivered the principal oration. 

From i860 to 1865 the following were at Epworth: Shoe store 
by Benjamin Goodrich, mill owned by Mr. Kidder, academy, two 
or three churches, excellent public schools, a moral atmosphere 
superior to anv in the county, the big store of Robert Wilmott, 
another by Metcalf & Vibber. another by P. Keagy, blacksmiths, 
carpenters, stone and brick masons, milliner, etc. In 1867 a hrge 
co-operative union store was established, owing to the high prices 
and hard times. In 1861 Silas Moore was postmaster. He con- 
ducted a hotel, the Graffort house having been destroyed by fire in 
1859. J. D. Graffort, of Dubuque, had owned this house, which 
was conducted by Mr. Osborn at the time of the burning. 

Previous to 1870 the seminary was the property of the Upper 
Iowa Conference, but in that year it fell to the ownership of the 
Methodist church. In 1879 Epworth was incorporated upon the 
petition of thirty-five residents. At this time they claimed not less 
than 300 population. At the incorporation election eighty-three 
votes were polled, fifty-six for incorporation and twenty-seven 
against incorporation. The town has a regular corporation tax. 
The officers in 1880 were J. M. Kirkpatrick, mayor; Joseph Fogg, 
recorder; J. B. Albrook, John W. Foster, Timothy French, T. J. 
Briggs, William McKinlay and Daniel Durham, trustees. Iowa 
Lodge No. 324, I. O. O. F., was instituted in 1875, and Epworth 
Lodge No. 135, A. O. U. W., in 1877. The Epworth Seminary 
Association was incorporated in 1880. 

Epworth now has Baptist, Catholic and Methodist churches, a 
bank, excellent schools, several general and special stores, hotels, 
liveries, physicians, milliners, grocery and hardware stores, con- 
tractors, lumber yards, barbers, dressmakers, teachers, stock dealers, 
drug stores, farm implement shops, etc. 

Farley. — It seems that Joseph G. Wilson, in the fall of 1852, was 
among the first to locate at what is now Farley. He erected a 
frame house. Lawrence McGuigan located there in 1853. When 
the railroads were built in 1856-7 he sold out to the Iowa Land 
Company and the latter at once platted the village. The place was 
named in honor of Jesse P. Farley, of Dubuque, who was actively 
and prominently connected with the construction of both railroads. 
The village at once began to grow, Daniel Hill, E. A. Irwin, Dennis 
Sullivan, John Kimball, John Lehee, the Walkers and many others 
being among the first residents. The Sherman house was built 
early. 

The W. G. Long residence was burned in May, 1863. The move- 
ment of the Good Templars against the liquor interests in 1868 was 



478 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

notable. The citizens were determined to keep out the grog shops. 
In October, 1863, the cornerstone of the Catholic church at Farley 
was laid ; 300 persons were present. Father McGauran celebrated 
mass and Father Maloney, of Holy Cross, conducted the services 
of dedication. 

In 1872 the Stoll elevator at Farley burned down. It contained 
sixteen carloads of grain. 

By 1869 there were at Farley the following improvements: 
Norling & Fitzgerald, store; A. C. Walker & Co., store; Vibber & 
Co., store; McGee Brothers, store; A. Maryatt, store; Catholic and 
Methodist churches, pastor of the former, Rev. Fr. McGauran, and 
of the latter. Rev. Mr. Houghton, from Epworth ; three hotels; 
A. Gillespie, teacher ; W. B. Dubois and W. H. Tuthill, lumber 
dealers ; Samuel J. Thompson, agricultural implements ; H. Stoll, 
elevator; Smith & Kephart, cheese factory, etc. 

In 1871 the Farmers' Harvest Home assemblies commenced. 
They were held in the woods near town and drew large crowds and 
were the means of uniting the people in the cause of industry, edu- 
cation, morality and good citizenship. Alexander McKee was 
president in 1871. The next year Robert Wilmott served as such 
and A. C. Walker was secretary. The "home" has been held often 
ever since. In 1886 P. F. Walker was president. As many as 
6,000 people have been present at the annual meetings. In 1875 a 
big fire at Farley destroyed the railway machine shops. In Sep- 
tember, 1875, the Methodist Episcopal church was dedicated by 
Rev. E. K. Young; it cost about $4,000. In 1879 Farley was 
incorporated as a town, thirty-six persons signing the petition. At 
the election seventy-two A'oted for incorporation and fifty-seven 
against it. The Ryans, of Dubuque, contemplated a packing plant 
at Farley, but it did not materialize. 

A very destructive fire at Farley in January, 1896, caused the 
loss of over $25,000 in property. Among the losers were Loomis, 
Vibber & Heald, Ransom, Newton, Ewen. Cattron, Plunkett, 
Asquitt, Bank of Farley and several societies. The Loomis opera 
house block was almost wholly destroyed. 

Farley in 19 10 had Catholic, Episcopal, Methodist and Presby- 
terian churches, graded schools, two banks, two newspapers — 
Advertiser and Nezi's — general stores, and stores of hardware, 
drugs, jewelry, milliners, etc., resturants, hotels, liveries, doctors, 
law3'ers, dentists, furniture, harness, real estate, lumber yards, shops, 
water works, undertakers, live stock dealers, etc. 

The Farley State Bank was organized June 26, 1906, with a 
capital of $25,000. B. E. Loomis and J. B. Cook solicited sub- 
scriptions to the stock. There are about seventy stockholders, 
mainly farmers. On January i, 1907, the deposits amounted to 
$35,436.82; on January 25, 191 1, they were $264,572.65. The 
first officers were J. P. Sanner, president : B. D. Heald, vice-presi- 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 479: 

dent; F. S. Ferring. cashier, and they still manage the institution. 
The bank pays 4^> per cent on time deposits. 

Farley was incorporated in 1879, with A. C. Walker, mayor; 
R. L. Vibber, treasurer ; Charles A. Joseph, recorder ; J. F. Wil- 
mott, street commissioner and marshal ; A. T. Garner, J. J. Wilson, 
L. N. Arcouit, D. Moynihan, S. Goodale and Solomon Carpenter, 
trustees. The city has a library association. Nearby are the famous 
Farley quarries of building stone. 

Kidder Siding is a small place in the northeast part, and Placid 
another in the southeast part. 

Cascade ToxvnsJiip (township 87 north, range 2 west) was 
organized as road districts and election precincts before the town- 
ship as such had an official existence. 

As an election precinct it was Great Macjuoketa in 1838 and 
elections were held at the house of Jacob Hamilton. It was also 
called White Water precinct. In August, 1839, elections were held 
at the house of Joseph Hewitt. Patrick Finn, James H. Kirkpatrick 
and Willis Thompson were judges of election. The military road 
was built in 1839 and thereafter Cascade had a postoffice of its 
own. Arthur Thomas was postmaster at the "Falls" in 1840. In 
1840 the township was in the third county commissioners' district. 
As first created, in 1843, the township embraced parts of the present 
townships of Cascade, White Water, Taylor and Dodge. It was 
given its present boundaries in 1849. 

Nicholas Belong was the first settler of Cascade township. He 
first came in 1834, when he plowed a small tract and planted it in 
corn. The next spring he returned and sowed a field of wheat. 
In 1836 he brought out his family, consisting of wife, daughter 
Susan and five sons, William, John, Parley, Jacob and Perry. His 
cabin was located on the present townsite. John Sherman arrived 
about 1836 and bought a part of the water power and in partner- 
ship with Arthur Thomas about 1837 erected the first flouring mill 
and began business. At the same time they established a store 
and built a hotel. The next year the Belong brothers built the first 
saw mill about two miles above. Previous to his arrival here 
Nicholas Belong had been a miner, probably at Bubuque and per- 
haps at Galena. In about 1841 Caleb Bucknam, whose daughter 
married G. G. Banghart, bought the Belong property, and in 1842 
laid out the village. Ahin Burt, Peter Summers, Egbert Macom- 
ber, C. O. Freeman, Elan Rafferty, Lyman Billon, Mahlon Lupton, 
John Rafferty and Asa Leek were all early settlers of this township. 
L. A. Styles was postmaster — about 1842. W. W. Hamilton arrived 
about 1842. G. G. Banghart kept a large general store. Judge 
Taylor was here early. 

Joseph Bean, Caleb Bucknam, Levi A. Styles, Peter Knoop, 
W. W. Hamilton, Arthur Thomas, Alonzo Meecham, Asa Leek^ 
Nathan W. Botan, John Gibson were all useful citizens. 



48o HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

The citizens of tlie North Fork of Maquoketa, on February 17, 
1838, assembled and organized for the protection of their pre- 
emption rights and for the regulation of their claims. They adopted 
a constitution and assumed the name "North Fork of Maquoketa 
Association" for the mutual protection of settlers' claims on gov- 
ernment lands. No settler could have more than three quarter sec- 
tions of land. No person under sixteen years could hold a claim. 
The following were the officers : Charles W. Harris, president ; 
Webster M. Dowell, vice-president ; Francis M. Hamilton, secre- 
tary; Abraham Daniels, Samuel GrofY, John Hanley, Fielden 
Braden, James HofTman, Thomas Owens, E. Richardson, Vincent 
D. Smith and James B. Powell, grand committee. 

The water power was the origin of Cascade, both of the name 
and the village. The military road, after 1839, was extensively 
traveled and caused Cascade to grow. Caleb Bucknam bought out 
the Belongs about 1840 and laid out the west town. Lyman Dillon 
owned the saw mill and G. G. Banghart opened a store. James 
Cooley was here early ; also the Powells, Hamiltons, Smiths and 
McGintys. Mr. Bucknam donated land to the Catholic and Prot- 
estant churches and to their cemeteries. In 1842 the place was 
called West Cascade in the records of the county. About this time 
a road was established from Cascade westward to the county 
seat of Delaware county. The act of February 16, 1842, declared 
the Big Maquoketa a navigable highway. A large temperance meet- 
ing at the house of Arthur Thomas in 1842 organized with twenty 
persons and with William Collins as president. The Methodists 
organized in 1841 and erected a church in 1844. The Congrega- 
tionalists built in 1845. 

About fifty Irish families, just over from Europe and now at 
St. Louis, sent one of their number, a young Irishman, to Dubuque 
coimty to select a location for all of them. He selected points 
along the Maquoketa in the southwestern part of Dubuque county. 
— (Bloomington Herald, June 10, 1842.) 

A mass meeting of the citizens of Cascade was held at the Metho- 
dist church in that village on January 29, 1848, to take into con- 
sideration the expediency of making Cascade a point upon the 
contemplated Dubuque & Keokuk railroad, according to the charter 
granted by the last legislature. William Johnson was chosen presi- 
dent of the meeting; Joseph Dean, vice-president, and N. P. Cook 
and W. S. Hall, secretaries. The following committee to draft 
resolutions was appointed : Dr. B. F. Dewey, George Banghart, 
John McGinty, James S. Hamilton and Joshua Johnson. The 
meeting was addressed by George Banghart, C. O. Freeman, Dr. 
B. F. Dewey and Rev. L. H. Woodford. The resolutions warmly 
favored the selection of Cascade as a point on this contemplated 
railroad line. 

In 1847 William Lawther & Co. conducted a large store in Cas- 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 481 

cade. The leading hotel at this date was managed by Henry Miller. 
William W. Hamilton, a Scotchman and a lawyer, was here early 
and became very prominent. 

At a large railroad meeting in Cascade in December, 1852, G. G. 
Banghart served as chairman and Dr. G. W. Trumbull as secretary. 
W. S. Hall, T. S. Denson, L. Barnett, Lemuel Litton and Alfred 
Darling were present. The inhabitants here were endeavoring to 
secure the Dubuque & Pacific railway, or any other. The McGinty- 
Clark murder and suicide occurred near Cascade in 1855. By 
August, 1856, the village had a population of about 450 people. 
McCann was hotelkeeper. At this date there were seven or eight 
merchants, the big flour mill owned by the Chews, saw mill, brick 
yard, private schools, the academy, mechanics, blacksmiths, etc. 
James Hill laid out a large addition to the village. John Bates 
resided here. 

In an examination before David F. Barr, justice, at Cascade, in 
June. 1857, Michael Flanigan was given a preliminary trial for the 
murder of James Newell by striking him on the head with an ax 
handle. Both resided in Jones county. The defendant was bound 
over to court in the sum of $4,000, on the charge of manslaughter. 
Bail was furnished. The alleged crime was committed at Francis 
M. McNally's grocery. Charles Winchel, a storekeeper, saw the 
blow struck. William Bucknam, a shopkeeper, was a witness. At 
this date Ruthorp owned a shop, Taylor had a store and Dr. Baker 
practiced medicine, also Dr. Beman. Frank May's brewery was 
there in 1856. 

A grand mass meeting to be held at Cascade July 25, 1857, was 
called to consider the proposed new constitution. The best speakers 
from Dubuque were advertised to be present. Resolutions against 
the proposed new constitution were passed. In July, 1857, a mob 
of over 300 men surrounded the dwelling of Jack Parrot, of Cas- 
cade, intent on hanging him on the charge of horse stealing. At 
this time Parrot was constable of the township. 

Cascade in 1858 had a population of nearly 1,000. Over seventy- 
five new buildings, it was claimed, were erected in 1858. They were 
built on both sides of the river. The falls in the river gave rise to 
the name Cascade, and were about nine feet high. There were two 
large mills at the town — a flouring mill on one side of the river 
and a saw mill on the other. There were four large dry goods 
stores, one drug store and several grocery stores. There were four 
churches already up and two more being erected. A large brick 
academy and a brick public school were in flourishing condition. 
There were five blacksmith shops, three wagonmaker shops, two 
cabinet shops, besides carpenters, shoemakers, tailors, etc. — (Ed. 
Acsac in Dubuque Herald; the name reversed spells Cascade.) 

In 1858 Cascade Academy was under the superintendence of Mr. 
and Mrs. H. D. Wilson, A. M. The fourth session of this school 



482 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

began Monday, September 7, 1858. Instruction in all branches 
usually taught in colleges was given. The tuition was from $4 to $8. 
The trustees were Anthony S. Chew, G. W. Trumbull and W. W. 
Hamilton. 

In July, 1858, wheat near Cascade was not over half a crop; oats 
were injured by rust, but the corn prospect was good. The Cascade 
Juvenile Vigilance Committee enforced the hog law — they penned 
up about thirty head at one time and asked owners to pay charges 
and take them away. The Cascade Philomathean Society held 
regular meetings; the Masons had just organized, and despite the 
hard times and uncertain currency about twenty new dwellings were 
erected in 1858. The Catholics were about to commence on a new 
churcli there, the Methodists already had laid the basement of their 
large brick church in the eastern part. — (Cascade cor. E. & H., July 
20, 1858.) A tornado swept through the county about two miles 
west of Cascade in July, 1858, prostrating crops and timber. Cyrus 
Goff was a brick manufacturer ; Hastings and Scott were at work in 
the "gold mine" near Cascade ; the Irish neighborhood near Cas- 
cade was in a prosperous condition. 

In 1858 Thomas Palmer was indicted for keeping a gambling 
house at Cascade. He kept a saloon there. He was found guilty 
by a jury in the District court before Judge T. S. Wilson. 

In 1858 there were three new mail routes extending out from 
Cascade : from Cascade to Iowa City, from Cascade to Tipton, 
from Cascade to Wyoming. In August there were eight mail routes 
coming into or passing through the village. 

The academy at Cascade was conducted by Professor Wilson in 
1858. During the spring term there were about seventy pupils in 
attendance. While out hunting with a party of men a Mr. Con- 
nelley, of Cascade, accidentally shot a young man named Banghart 
with a full charge, but did not kill him. 

On July 4, 1862, Cascade turned out to celebrate. The Declara- 
tion was read by Prof. C. W. Von Coelin and speeches were deliv- 
ered by M. B. Mulkern, Austin Adams and J. M. King. Washing- 
ton's farewell address was read by Doctor Trumbull. Simon Cham- 
berlain was postmaster in 1863. 

The following citizens of Cascade, in August, 1864, notified the 
public that the new Cascade Academy, with the ablest and most 
experienced teachers, would be open for the reception of students 
September 15: G. W. Trumbull, John Taylor, G. G. Banghart, 
W. S. Hall, t. J. Chew, T. Litton and L. and L. Benham. Prof. 
J. Nolan, A. M., was principal. Sixty students were enrolled by 
November i. 

In 1864 the paper mill two miles from Cascade was established 
by Mullally, Hutchins & Co. They first made wrapping paper, 
mainly from rye and oat straw, but later advanced to printing 
paper. The main building was 30x40 feet and two stories high. 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 483 

McNulty was connected with the company. He seems to have 
secured Hutchins' interest. Their paper was on the market in Du- 
buque in November and was exhibited at the county fair. In 
October, 1869, the mill was destroyed by fire caused by the explo- 
sion of a kerosene lamp. The loss was estimated at $30,000. 

The Spring Valley mills on section 26 were built in about 1870 
by F. Gilleger and had three run of stone. 

In December, 1866, there was published in the Dubuque Herald 
the following description of Cascade abridged : Cascade is on the 
Maquoketa river, where there were falls about ten feet high, with 
power sufficient for forty or fifty pairs of buhrs. The town was in 
a heavily timbered section and was surrounded with a well settled 
and prosperous farming community. The Cascade flouring mill, 
owned by T. Chew, but leased by Crane Brothers, had four run of 
stone. T. Chew ran a saw mill; Thomas Crawford & Co. ran a 
cabinet factory ; there were several stores and shops ; German Cath- 
olic church. Rev. M. Lynch; Irish Catholic church, same pastor; a 
new Catholic church just finished, 100x50 feet, built of stone; new 
Methodist church. Rev. Wortz ; Baptist church, Rev. Reas; New 
Presbyterian church. Rev. Sawhill ; Second Advent church. Rev. 
Huff; Cascade Academy, R. G. Gislon, principal, and two district 
schools. 

In November, 1867, Cascade had a population of about 1,000, 
seven dry goods stores, seven groceries, three drug stores, three 
hotels, three schoolhouses, six churches, a large grist mill, a saw 
mill, two cabinet and other shops, three wagon and carriage makers, 
four blacksmiths, four shoe shops, a distillery, doctors, lawyers, etc. 
In 1868 one span of the Cascade mill, then under construction, fell 
into the river, carrying down eight men. No lives were lost, but 
the property loss was about $2,500. The Cascade Pioneer was 
established early by C. H. Monger and did a great deal to build up 
the town and improve the community under J. W. Baldwin. 

September 19, 1878, was a great day for Cascade. The first 
ground was turned on the narrow gauge railroad which extended 
from Bellevue to that town. About 2,500 people were present when 
John W. Tripp threw the first shovelful of earth. A large pro- 
cession, under Chief Marshal R. R. Creston, paraded the streets 
and marched out to the grove, where the speaking took place. Fred 
O'Donnell was orator of the day, but speeches were also made by 
Gen. L. A. Wright, Dennis A. Mahony, Dennis O'Brien, Mr. Tripp 
and others. The first locomotive arrived at Cascade in December, 
1879. 

The stock fair held at Cascade in 1880 was well attended and a 
success. Many excellent animals were exhibited. At this date, De- 
cember, 1880, the village was incorporated as a town. There were 
161 votes, of whom 128 favored incorporation and 32 opposed 
it. In 1881 a scpiad of people at Cascade tarred and feathered a 



484 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

man, whereupon he commenced suit against them for damages. In 
1886 a new bank was establisiied, witli B. B. Richards, of Dubuque, 
as president. 

The fair at Cascade in 1891 was attended by 5,000 people on the 
best day. It had already given fame to this little town. "No man's 
land," at Cascade, began to be famous about this time. The five 
hundred yard law concerning liquor selling was the cause in this 
town, situated in two townships, in two counties and on the two 
sides of the river. There was almost open war between the Jones 
county officials and the saloonkeepers of Cascade. The Cascade 
opera house was built in the early nineties. The Cascade bank and 
the Farmers 'and Merchants' bank gave much needed accommo- 
dation to business men. In 1894 the Cascade water works were 
put in for $10,792 by the Smedley Manufacturing Company. Two 
hose carts and about 1,000 feet of hose were secured. The cor- 
poration tax in 1895 was $1,082.45. The Cascade Light & Power 
Company was established in 1895 with D. M. Finley president. It 
began with a capital of $7,000 and with about twenty-five to thirty 
lights. 

In December, 1895, thirty-six of the heaviest shippers of Cas- 
cade — merchants, live stock dealers, foundrymen, mill owners, lum- 
bermen, liquor dealers and other shippers — petitioned the State 
Board of Railroad Commissioners, asking that the railway service 
be improved. Twenty-six carloads of corn for Cascade were not 
forwarded for want of cars. A short crop necessitated the importa- 
tion of this grain. 

In 1896 the Cascade Courier was established by Bruce Baldwin. 
The county joined Cascade in 1897 and both held a joint fair that 
was a signal success. This was the sixth successful fair held at 
Cascade. There was a good track and a number of fast horses 
present. A baseball tournament was scheduled, with prizes of 
$100, $60 and $40. Five thousand people attended. The fairs of 
1898 and 1899 were successful, though interest began to wane. 

Cascade in 1904 had a water system, electric light plant, two 
newspapers — Pioneer and Katholischcr — Cascade mills, two banks, 
two creameries, one railroad and German Catholic, Irish Catholic, 
Presbyterian, Baptist and Methodist churches. 

Cascade in 1910 had five churches, public and parochial schools, 
two banks, two weekly newspapers, many general stores, grocery, 
hardware, drug, clothing, boot and shoe stores, hotels, restaurants, 
mills, saw and flour, physicians, lawyers, milliners, shops of various 
kinds, saloons, builders, band, creamery, electric light plant which 
cost $7,000, an insurance institution, lumber dealers, city watet 
works, opera house, telephones, live stock dealers, livery, under- 
taker, jewelers, marble yards, barbers, real estate dealers, photog- 
raphers, etc. It is one of the best towns of its size in the state. 

White Water Township (township 87 north, range i west) was 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 485 

settled early, among the first residents being Jacob Hamilton, Rob- 
ert Rogers, Peter Summers, Matthew W. Hutton, John Graham, 
William C. Olmsted, Christopher Drew, John A. Kennedy, Thomas 
W. Phatigan, James McDermott and others. 

In the fifties considerable gold was found along White Water 
creek in the black sand and doubtless could be found at this day 
where the black sand is. Fillmore was established as a postoffice 
in 1850 and William Heitschew was the first postmaster. Quite a 
large village grew up there in time and increased in population after 
the construction of the railroad. It now has a store or two, me- 
chanics, a co-operative creamery, etc. 

Gray's mill, in White Water township, one mile from White 
Water bridge and twenty miles from Dubuque, was offered for sale 
in July, 1855. It had two run of French burrstones; also a quarter 
section where the mill was located, 100 acres of adjacent prairie, a 
tract of timberland, two dwellings and other buildings were offered 
in lots to suit pin-chasers. 

On September 7, i860, a miniature tornado swept across White 
Water, Prairie Creek and Washington townships, leveling fences, 
stocks, trees and houses. Its course was from northwest to south- 
east. No lives were lost. 

Jacob Hamilton lived at or near Hempstead or, as the postofifice is 
called, Fillmore. Here in \-ery early times the settlers came from 
many miles around to \'ote. Jacob Kitler lived near him. The 
bridge at Hempstead was built in 186 1. This place, no doubt, was 
named in honor of Governor Hempstead, a Dubuquer. 

Fernon- Toz\.<nship (township 88 north, range i east) was settled 
at an early date. It was made a part of Catfish precinct in 1838 
and voters were obliged to go to the home of John Paul to cast their 
ballots. In September, 1840, it was made a part of Regan's pre- 
cinct. In February, 1843, it was divided among four townships 
(see elsewhere). On February 7, 1849, i'^ ^^''i* created with its 
present boundaries and named Mount Pisgah, but late in the same 
year the name was changed to Vernon. 

Among the first settlers were the Grahams, Younts, Newells, 
Sparks, Sloans, Moores, Jordans, Champenoys, Moheisers, Mc- 
Cants, Snodgrass and Averinghams. From 1849 ^o 1853 many 
families, attracted by the monastery, came here to reside, among 
whom were James and Patrick Murray, George Brown, Frank 
Burns, Peter McLaughlin, Patrick Madigan, Michael Merrigan, 
John McGrath, Patrick Walsh, Peter French, Edward McDonnell, 
Thomas Logan, Michael Nolan, Martin McCarthy, James O'Hagen 
and Thomas Grace. 

Peosta was laid out in 1853 by Simeon Clark and Elisha Brady 
on a tract of thirty acres. Among the first residents were Simon 
Clark, S. Hildebrand, who opened a store ; Milo Burleridge, W. W. 
Miller, A. W. Beodell, a store ; William Oldridge, Mr. Dunn, Mr. 



486 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Brasher and others. Methodist, Presbyterian and CampbeHite 
churches were started early. A hotel was built in 1857. During the 
Civil war the Union Leaguers effected an organization, and pre- 
viously had organized as a home guard. This was one of the few 
spots in the county to be loyal to the administration of President 
Lincoln (see elsewhere). At a loyal flag raising here in 1861 
Alfred Thomas addressed the audience. The flag was lowered to 
half mast as a mark of respect to Senator Douglas. This little vil- 
lage has had at all times a few business liouses for the surrounding 
farmers' con\enience. and has a population of about 150. 

The monastery of the monks of La Trappe is in this township 
(see elsewhere for an account of this interesting community). As 
early as 1853-4 the monks began to raise fine stock, securing several 
fine animals from Kentucky. They owned and raised Durham and 
Devon cattle and did much to improve the breeds in this county. 

Brother Murphy, of the monastery, was one of the largest hog 
dealers in the state. He took from near Cascade several thousand 
head in November, 1867. They were fattened for market. He 
shipped away about 300 a week for some time. 

In i860 the monks of La Trappe raised upwards of 5,000 bushels 
of wheat on their farm at Melleray, in Dubuque county. — (Herald, 
August 22, i860. 

In 1853 William Potts was postmaster at New Melleray, on the 
Cascade road. His house was a favorite resort for picnic parties 
from Dubuque. 

In Vernon township, eight miles from Dubuque, in April, 1863, 
was a den of wolves which had multiplied from year to year until 
they numbered nearly or quite fifty animals. They were fierce and 
had become very bold, attacking pigs, lambs, calves and even per- 
sons. During the winter of 1862-3 they often entered the door 
yards and barn yards of Mr. Courtney and others and battled with 
his dogs for domestic animals. A young lady belated was attacked 
but managed to elude them and reach a place of safety. Sportsmen 
of Dubuque were asked to go there with dogs and guns and hunt and 
kill the pack. — (Herald, April 22, 1863.) 

Pern Toivnsliip (township 90 north, range 2 east and part of 
township 91 north, range 2 east) was among the first to be settled. 
The village of Peru was founded in 1833 ; in fact, earlier than that 
year, notwithstanding the occupancy by the Indians. Elections 
were ordered held at the house of General Gehon in Peru village in 
1834, at the time Michigan territory was formed. General Gehon 
was one of the first county supervisors, in 1836. The village was at 
first thought to be a rival of Dubuque, and was ordered surveyed 
under the act of Congress, and elections were held there regularly, 
but in 1838 were held at the house of Myron Patterson. At this 
date also Durango was made an election precinct and the polling 
place was the residence of J. Devin. Both Peru and Durango were 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 487 

election precincts in 1840. The Peru township created by act of 
Februaiy, 1843, embraced all of the present Peru and parts of the 
present Jefferson, Center and Dubuque (see elsewhere). The town- 
ship, as it is at present, was cut down in February, 1849. 

Among the first settlers were Francis Gehon, Thomas McKnight, 
M. Patterson, M. W. Powers, Augustus L. Gregoire, Samuel Mor- 
ris, Tuck Baker, Samuel W. Barrington, Thomas Carroll, B. B. 
Bushee, Felix McBride and Mr. Brayton. Chester Sage and B. B. 
Bushee were at Sage\ille and there was established in 1833 the 
first saw mill in the county. The following year buhrs were added 
and corn was ground. Thomas Mcls^night operated a hot-air 
furnace at Peru. Gen. Francis Gehon conducted a large general 
store at Peru — sold hardware, dry goods, clothing, boots, shoes, 
hats, caps, groceries, queensware, etc. M. W. Powers established a 
large store there about 1834 and sold liquor. Presley Samuels 
located at Durango (sometimes called "Timber Diggings") in 1834 
and about the same time Thomas McCraney, John R. Ewing, Ne- 
hemiah Dudley and Richard Marston located near him. When 
Wisconsin territory was created in 1836, Francis Gehon was ap- 
pointed marshal. Michael W. Power was postmaster at Peru in' 
1838. "Kentucky" Anderson died here "with his boots on" about 
1838. He was shot under great provocation by Adam Sherill. 
Ambrose Eagle settled here in 1837. Francis Gehon assisted in 
taking the territorial census in 1840 and was paid $350 at one time 
and $150 at another for his services. Presley Samuels was post- 
master for many years at Durango. J. H. Thedinga settled early at 
Peru. The hopes of Peru and Durango expired when it was seen 
by 1836 that Dubuque was the coming city. After that neither 
advanced beyond a small country hamlet, with a store or two and a 
few mechanics, though at one time the settlement of many miners 
at Durango promised large and substantial growth. 

It was during the forties that the race track at Peru began to 
be used by the sporting men of Dubuque, but nothing notable 
occurred there until the fifties. The races were at their best in 1858. 
In April, Iowa John beat Roan and Spot in a mile trotting race for 
a purse of $25; best time 2:54. In July the horse General Wash- 
ington beat the horse Bay for $75. At the same time Lucy Harris 
defeated the Maid of Pittsburg in a trot, three best in five, for $50; 
best time 2 -.z^j. Lunkhead defeated Brown Pete and Iowa John. 
Other horses were Peosta, Curly Jane and Julien. In August, 1858, 
J. Leyden was killed at the track by William Dailey. In a running 
race Fox beat Wild Bill in a half mile for a purse of $200; time, 
54 seconds. 

The postoffice at Sageville was established in the forties, but was 
discontinued there during the Civil war. August Heber was post- 
master in 1862. Bridges were built at Peru and Sageville from 



488 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

1859 to 1863. In October, 1865, Samuel T. Whitehead committed 
suicide at Durango. 

Henry Myers, of Peru township, killed a wildcat on his farm in 
February, 1862. It measured three feet ten inches from the tip 
of the nose to the end of the tail. It had killed about twenty 
chickens and several geese. 

Thompson's mill, near Sageville, was a prominent industry for 
many years. The land passed to J. A. Rhomberg many years after- 
ward. The villages of Peru, Durango, Sageville. Zollicoffer Sta- 
tion, Edmore Station, Ainsworth Springs and Specht's Ferry are 
small centers. 

Center Toiv us hip (township 89 north, range i east) was settled in 
the early thirties. The first settlers voted at Dubuque, but in 1839 
this portion of the county was constituted Paul precinct for voting 
purposes. 

In 1843 ''^ ^v^s made a part of Julien, Jefferson, Concord and' 
Center townships. In February, 1849, it was given its present 
boundaries. 

Among the first settlers in Center township were William Morri- 
son, John Morgan, Thomas C. Judd, E. McDowell, Martin Hag- 
gard, Peter R. Benner, James Kimbrel, John M. Moore, David 
Haggard, William Stratton, Elisha Brady, Felix W. Flaherty, 
Thomas B. Wilson, William D. Scott, D. M. Buie, Samuel Wells, 
Antoine Loire and P. L. Sharp, who arrived before 1845: also 
Louis Fettgather, C. F. Humke and the Bahls. The township had 
an abundance of good timber and limestone. Considerable char- 
coal was burned early. During the fifties there were built three 
saw mills and two grist mills. 

The village of Dacotah was founded early in the fifties as a 
result of the survey for the Dubuque & Pacific railroad. The first 
lots offered in March, 1854, sold for $25 each; in May they were 
worth $200. It was to be the first station west of Dubuque and 
grew rapidly. In 1855 its name was changed to Centralia. The 
county agricultural society met there in the fall of 1854. In June, 
1855, the place had three stores, several mechanics, a postoffice and 
a population of about 200. "This village now contains 200 inhabi- 
tants. The present prospects indicate that in less than ten years 
the county seat of Dubuque county will be established at Cen- 
tralia."— ("A Citizen," in E. &■ //.,' June 6, 1855.) In 1863 the 
postoffice there was suspended. At an early day, P. Lattner & 
Brother opened a woolen mill on the Little Maquoketa, three miles 
north of Peosta. They paid the highest price for wool and cardecK 
spun and wove woolen garments, etc. The residence of James 
Hood was burned in October, 1852, by an incendiary. In the fifties 
a big barbecue and harvest home was held at Twin Springs and was 
attended by 2,000 people. The speakers were Alphons Mattliews, 
Dr. J. P. Quigley, T. J. Paisley, C. J. Rogers and Andrew Bahl. 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 489 

William Stratton donated the land at Centralia. It hab' the Catholic 
church, several stores, hotels and among the business men there 
have been William Morrison, Mr. Rittenhouse, Antoine Loire, A. D. 
Anderson, Louis Blew, Felix Flaherty, Mr. Philbrick and others. 
Lattner and Lora are small hamlets. 

Washington Tozviisliip (township 87 north, range 2 east) was 
among the first settled. The voters first went to Dubuque to poll 
their votes, and so continued probably until 1840, when the town- 
ship became a part of Ferguson precinct. In 1843 the township was 
duly created and named, but then embraced all of the present Wash- 
ington and portions of Vernon, Prairie Creek and Table Mound. 
In February, 1849, it ^^'^^ given its present boundaries. 

Early in 1857 ^ petition signed by twenty-five citizens of Wash- 
ington township, Dubucjue county, was sent to the governor, ask- 
ing him to withhold his signature to an act dividing three school 
districts (one in Dubuque county and two in Jackson county) for 
the purpose of forming a fourth. D. Cort was the author of the 
act, which was passed near the close of the session. 

A boy named Lawrence Conley, aged about 14 years, was killed 
at Buncombe June 30, i860, by being hurled by a runaway horse 
with great violence against a rail fence. 

Among the first settlers were Jonathan Higgins, who came about 
1833. A little settlement was formed arouncl him and was called 
Higginsport, and a postofiice was established there. Henry Hunter, 
Mr. Clark and Mr. McAllister came early. Daniel Cort and John 
Wallace came in the forties; the former was prominent in politics. 
Zwingle is located on the Cort place. Three Wallaces served in the 
Union army. Other settlers were the Carpenters, Gaggarts and 
Cheenys around Buncombe, Dr. I. S. Bigelow, Robert Kennedy, 
Ulric Leffert, Martin Denlinger, U. S. Deahl, Jacob Wolfe, Mathew 
Powers, Daniel DeKoven, William Gaul, the Earlys, Watchs, Cotas, 
Timmins, Kinsellas, Donahues, Stranes, Henry Hunter, Nathan W. 
Dobon, Michael Malony, Thomas Hurley, Thomas Donohue, Am- 
brose Meeker and Walter Baker. Christian Denlinger came with 
Dr. I. S. Bigelow and Robert Kennedy. George Salot had a store in 
the township very early. 

At a meeting of the Democrats of Washington, held at Bun- 
combe September 29, 1858, the following persons were present : 
Daniel Cort, Joseph Musey, J. R. Foster, C. Denlinger, William C. 
Simpson, Dr. I. S. Bigelow, D. Kifer, M. D. Cune, R. Kennedy, 
Jonathan Higgins, John Dunn and Mathew Powers. 

"New Flouring Mills. — We are indebted to Messrs Kifer, Bus- 
sard & Co. for a sack of very excellent flour of their own manufac- 
ture. Their mills are located in Washington township, sixteen 
miles from here, on Lytle creek. They have experienced workmen 
and can manufacture just as good flour as can be made anywhere 
in the Union." — (E. & H., June 21, 1859.) 



490 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Buncombe is a discontinued postoffice ; a cliurch, school and a 
business house or two constitute the village. It was discontinued in 
1864. Emma is also a discontinued postoffice. A big bridge over 
Otter creek at Zwingle was built in 1863. In 1864 the residence of 
Daniel Cort was burned to the ground. St. Joseph's church is in 
this township. In 1892 a sudden flood nearly carried Zwingle 
away; stores, elevator, wagon shop, blacksmith shop, etc., were 
washed away. Considerable live stock was drowned. A serious 
railroad accident occurred near Zwingle in 1907. Two persons were 
killed and eleven injured. 

In December, 1900, the village petitioned to be incorporated, and 
the next year was duly made a town, with mayor and other neces- 
sary officers. 

Bennetsville, Sylva and Washington Mills are small places. 

Prairie Creek Toienship (township 87 north, range i east) is one 
of the best in the county. In 1834 it was made part of the Maquo- 
keta election precinct, the polling place being at the house of Jacob 
Hamilton. In 1840 the precinct was called White Water, but later 
in the same year was named Regan's precinct. In 1843 '^ was made 
a part of Clinton and Washington townships. In February, 1849, 
it was limited as it now stands and for the first time was called 
Prairie Creek. 

Among the first settlers were Samuel Litton, James McDennott, 
Patrick Nagle, Timothy McCarthy, J. D. Dickinson, Mr. Graham, 
Mr. Maloney, Maurice O'Brien, Jonathan Paul, Samuel Fetters, J. 
Brombaugh, James Larkin and the Lenehan, Delaney, Ogden, Calla- 
han and Donovan families. Still later came the Duffys, Farrells, 
Dunns, O'Briens and Coxes. 

The old Cox schoolhouse stood where Bernard now is. Of this 
township Dennis O'Brien, John M. Lenehan, J. J. Dunn and T. F. 
Phillips distinguished themselves. 

The first iron bridge in the county was built over Lytle's creek, 
this township, in 1873. It cost $1,242. In 1863 Mr. Cox sold in 
Dubuque twenty-two hogs that averaged over 400 pounds each. He 
received the highest price then paid — $4.35. J. D. Dickinson, in 
1845, bought of the government the land on which the town of 
Bernard now stands. 

In June, 1858, Thomas Donaghue was killed in Prairie town- 
ship by James Gibbons. The latter was arrested and admitted to 
bail in the sum of $10,000. Donaghue was drunk and threatened 
Gibbons, who retaliated by kicking the former several times vio- 
lently, fracturing his skull. Drs. William Watson and B. McCluer 
made the post-mortem examination. 

Patrick McArdle was murdered here in February, 1864. ^'S wife 
and son were arrested and tried ; the son was acquitted but the wife 
was found guilty and sentenced to the penitentiary for life, but was 
later pardoned. 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 491 

Tlie Litton farm in Prairie Creek township had been purchased 
and was owned in i860 by Hon. B. N. Huntington. At first it 
contained but 200 acres, but was added to by Mr. Huntington until 
it consisted of 1,020 acres at this date. Ten and a half miles of 
board fence stood on the farm. Mr. L. S. Wood occupied the farm 
as a tenant of Mr. Huntington, who lived at Rome, New York. 
He had 170 acres in spring grain. It was well stocked with high- 
grade animals. 

Bernard is a small town on the narrow gauge railroad in this 
township. Its origin is due to the railroad. The place was platted 
in 1896. The next year it became incorporated, twenty votes 
being polled for incorporation and none against it. The first officers 
were: Matt Donovan, mayor; Joseph Carrigg, recorder; William 
McCarthy, assessor ; P. M. Fortune, treasurer ; Michael Slattery, 
P. H. Russell, William McCullough, Roger Driscoll, ^Villiam 
Russell and Alexander Moriarity, trustees. It now has a 
population of about 1 50 ; has a hotel, three general stores, hardware 
store, saloon, blacksmith shop, physicians and a few other business 
concerns. 

Liberty Tozvnship (township 90 north, range 2 west) was early 
a part of the Upper Catfish election precinct, and in 1838 voters 
were required to go to the house of Jolin Regan to cast their votes. 
In 1840 it was constituted a part of Hewitt's precinct. As first 
created in 1843, Liberty embraced the present Liberty and parts of 
the present Concord, Iowa and New Wine townships. In February, 
1840, it was given its present boundaries. 

Among the early settlers of Liberty were Peter Pletsch, Matthew 
McCullough, Peter Duster, Nicholas Colbert, John Linck, John 
Heidersheid and Michael Wagner. 

Luxemberg is also called Flea Hill and the postoffice Allison. 
Mat. Enders conducted a store there early. Adjacent are many of 
the most valuable farms of the county. Nick Gotto began to sell 
goods there about 1870. From 1865 to 1875 about forty-eight 
families sold out and left this township, the Germans taking their 
farms. Now the population is almost wholly German. There are 
now at Luxemberg a store, creamery, smithy, hotel and shops. 

Concord Tozvnship (township 90 north, range i west) was early 
settled. In 1834 it was attached to the Camp election precinct; in 
1838 to Regan election precinct and in 1840 to the Hewitt election 
precinct. In 1843 it was created and named Concord for the first 
time and then embraced parts of Jefiferson, Concord, Iowa and 
Center. In 1849 it was given its present limits. 

Among the first settlers were Thomas Cook, John H. Floyd, N. 
Montgomery, Joseph Glew, Garland W. Gehon, D. R. Anderson, 
N. Van Meter, W. J. Anderson, William Rooney, John Sweeney, 
Richard Nichols, John McQuillen, the Henrys, Cooneys and John 
Floyd. The oldest postmaster in Iowa resigned in 1869; he was 



492 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

appointed at Pin Oak in 1841. As late as i860 small herds of deer 
were to be seen in this township. 

Holy Cross is also known as Pin Oak and Georgetown. The 
Catholic church is in the form of a Roman cross and hence the 
name. Jack Floyd was postmaster there very early. There has 
usually been a store or two there and a few mechanics. The place 
was incorporated in 1898; twenty-five persons signed the petition, 
twenty-one ballots were cast, all in favor of incorporation. John 
Cripps was elected mayor; J. P. Sweeney, clerk; Michael Clemens, 
treasurer; William Koeller, W. Arensdorf, Frank Noerges, P. J. 
Maiers, H. Foxen and Charles Brady, trustees. 

The little place called Plum Creek made great pretentions to 
future greatness in early years. William Plumbe founded there the 
paper town of Plumbeola, buying the land in 1836, but not doing 
anything to establish the village until about 1856, when he had it 
platted and advertised far and wide lots for sale. Prospective buy- 
ers were offered shares in the place somewhat after the fashion of 
a community. Cottage Hill has two or more churches, several 
stores and mechanics and a postoffice. 

Dodge Township (township 88 north, range 2 west) was early a 
part of Cascade precinct; voters first went to the house of Jacob 
Hamilton to cast their votes. In 1840 it became a part of White 
Water precinct. In 1843 ^^ became portions of Iowa and Cascade. 
In 1849 it was a part of Taylor; in January, 1850, it was given its 
present limits and named Dodge for the first time. Settlers came in 
slowly. Among the first to arrive were Jonas Gallahan, Peter 
Mellinger, Lucius Kibby, Henry Mounsey, Harrison Post, Thomas 
Riggs, Oliver Funsen and Patrick Flinn. Kibby was an old man 
when he came here; he claimed to have seen Washington and to 
have witnessed, when a boy, the battle of Bunker Hill. 

Rockville, in September, 1857, had four mercantile houses, of 
which D. E. Sawyer & Company conducted one. There was a black- 
smith shop, a wagonmaker, a large church, a grist mill and a saw 
mill. There was excellent water power there. The \'illage was 
located six miles directly south of Dyersville. 

Worthington was established in 1857 by a surveying party and a 
village was laid out on the farm of David Lovelace. Amos Worth- 
ington, for whom the place was named, erected a large store build- 
ing and opened with a large general stock. Mr. Piersall also built 
and conducted a store. About i860 William H. Moore bouglit out 
Worthington and became postmaster. Other business men have 
been L. Tisdale, John Toussaint, J. P. Cousin, W. Lattner, William 
Lehman, George Welter, John Permantier, B. R. Taylor, C. Nacels, 
W. W. Cox, C. R. Anderson, M. Kraus, Joseph Dunkle, Peter 
Baum and many others. The place is now a wide-awake, up-to-date 
little village. It was incorporated in 1893, thirty-five persons sign- 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 493 

ing the petition. Of the forty-two votes cast at the election, thirty- 
two were in favor of corporation and ten against it. 

lozva Tozvnship (township 89 north, range i west) was attached 
to Camp's precinct in 1834, to John Regan's precinct in 1838 and 
to Hewitt's precinct in 1840. In 1843 it was created and named, 
but then embraced parts of the present townships of Iowa, Center, 
Taylor and Vernon. In 1849 •' was made to embrace the present 
Iowa and New Wine townships, but in January, 1850, was given 
its present limits. 

Among the early settlers were John O'Connell, Timothy Murray, 
William Hogarty, Larry Duggan. Michael Ferring, Oliver Funston, 
Robert Gamble, Theophilus Crawford, Edward Flinn, I. H. Kisk- 
patrick, John Bauttson, P. B. Hogan, Robert Wilson, A. G. Brown- 
ing, D. R. Anderson, James Hogan, William Emerson, H. Gillespie, 
Robert, James and David Gowan, Mr. Solly, Henry Decamp, B. F. 
Johnson, the Stichlers, Hugh Stott, John Garland, Thomas Salmon, 
James, Edward, John and Maurice Kirby, the Wedeleines, W. J. 
Anderson, David Anderson, John Anderson, James and Joseph 
McGee, James Bankston, A. T. Bankston, Willis Thompson (the 
elder Bankstons and Thompsons served in the Blackhawk war), 
P. M. Byerly, Isaac and Miles Simpson, Enoch Jewett and Richard 
Roach. Bankston Prairie took its name from the Bankston family. 

Willis Thompson, in January, 1831, crossed the Mississippi at 
Dubuque on the ice, and remained at the mines one week ; he then 
went east, but in 1836 returned and located on Bankston's prairie, 
Iowa township. He had served in the War of 1812 and in the 
Blackhawk war, participating in the battle of Bad Axe, where he 
killed an Indian and took his blanket. Edward Flinn offered his 
place for sale in 1838. He was located on the Little Maquoketa, 
near Simon Clark's saw mill. 

Bankston was founded at an early day by Colonel Bankston. 
He seems to have spelled his name as above, but other members left 
out the "t." The place has usually had a store and one or more 
shops. Tivoli is another small place. At Squire's Mills is a school 
and a Methodist church. This place was founded about 1855 by 
John Bruner. Metcalf and Squires were there early. Abel Bots- 
ford was an early resident. The water power was the attraction. 
Bankston now has a general store, one or two mechanics, a saw 
mill, etc. 

Dubuque Township (township 89 north, range 2 east) was settled 
as soon as Dubuque city was settled. It was originally a part of 
Julien township, which first embraced parts of the present Dubuque, 
Center, Vernon and Table Mound townships, but was cut down in 
1849, as stated elsewhere herein. 

Luther Poole, George Pote, Amster Pote, John La Place and Mr. 
Rettler were here in 1832. " 



494 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Jesse Yount settled at Center Grove in the spring of 1833 and 
there his eldest son Allen was born the same year. Jesse had three 
sons in the Union army. He died in 1865. Michael Dugan was 
thrown from his horse while liunting cattle about a mile from Du- 
buque in 1840 and was instantly killed. 

In 1833, as soon as the law allowed, there came to Dubuque 
W. S. Anderson, H. B. Phillips, H. Smead, L. H. Langworthy, 
Lemuel Cook, Fred Dixon, John Dougherty, H. Rebman, Mathias 
Ham, J. M. McCabe, John Paul, S. Lemon, H. Gilbert, Pleasant 
Ewing, William McDowell, J. L. Lang\vorthy, R. Lament, Thomas 
Humes, P. O'Mara. J. O'Regan, W. H. Smith, W. B. Whitesides, 
E. M. Whitesides, M. Dickerson, J. R. Ewing, J. McPheters, J. 
O'Mara, H. L. Dodge, John Campbell, J. Curran, J. Whittaker, 
Antoine Loire, Dr. R. S. Lewis, Thomas Gray, J. B. Jordan, J. 
Gilmore, H. Egan, E. M. Urn, Owen Reilly, Jesse Yount, A. R. 
Whitesides, E. M. LTrn. S. Streeter, J. Hillis, B. Kilbourne, A. and 
J. Hurd, J. Woolev, R. Murphv. T. Streeter, j\L Dickerson and 
H. L. Dodge. 

Asbury is a discontinued postoffice and has a store. Center Grove 
is a little hainlet witb a few business houses. 

The present Dubuque township was, previous to 1878. a part of 
Julien township. Its settlement was coincident with that of the city 
of Dubuque. It has two conspicuous groves at the date of the first 
settlement — Wilson's, later Stewart's, and still later Lhiion park, 
and Center. From the latter the little village takes its name. The 
first settlement was almost wholly by miners. A. Balderson was 
one of the first; he located at Center Grove Spring in 1833 and 
was at once joined by half a dozen other miners. They explored 
the old Indian diggings in that \'icinity. The natives had worked on 
the inclines and in a few instances the miners found ladders up 
which the squaws had brought the ore. George Shannon came 
early. The township is famous for its mines and caves. 

Jefferson Township (township 90, range i east, and part of 
township 91 north, range i east) was settled at an early date. The 
settlers first went to Durango and Peru to poll their votes. In 1840 
it was made a part of Durango precinct and so remained until 1843, 
when it was created and named Jefiferson, but at first embraced all 
of the present Peru and parts of Jefferson, Center and Dubuque 
townships. No other changes were made until 1849, when it was 
given its present limits. 

Among the first settlers were Adam Sherrill, M. W. Power, S. M. 
Barrington, John Parker, Clement Cannon, Albert Baker, C. J. 
Barber, William Hale, Isaac Sherill, Garry White, Milton C. Mc- 
Craney and others. In 1856 a large steam grist and saw mill was 
put in operation at Plumbeola. Rickardsville is a smart little place, 
with stores, school, mechanics, etc. Palltown is a discontinued post- 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 495 

office. Oak Grove creamery is in this township. Waupeton, Sherill 
and Balitown are small villages. 

Tabic Mound Tozvnship (township 88 north, range 2 east) was 
first a part of the election precinct of Dubuciue, but in 1838 was 
assigned to Catfish precinct, with polling place at the house of John 
Paul. The opening of the military road in 1839 assisted in the 
settlement here. In September, 1840, it was made a part of Fer- 
guson precinct. In February, 1843, it became a part of Julien and 
Washington townships (see elsewhere) and so remained until Feb- 
ruary, 1849, when it was given its present boundaries. 

Among the first settlers of Table Mound township were James 
Laughton, John Cunningham, James Fanning, John Sullivan, 
Daniel Duggan and John O'Regan. Cunningham and O'Regan had 
an early smelting furnace of the rudest kind. The mines here were 
very valuable. O'Regan came to the township in 1832 — had first 
come here in 1830 — he was thus one of the first settlers of the 
county. Chauncey Swan was here very early, engaged in mining. 

At Rockdale very early were Richard and Robert Waller, Richard 
Bonson, David Hutton, William Hutton and James Pratt. The 
Huttons built a grist mill here in 1834 — the first in Iowa. It was 
known by both names — Rockdale mills and Dubuque mills. Thomas 
Lewis was connected with it in 1838, and it later passed to Pratt, 
Manson, Watters and Bell. It did an enormous business in the 
fifties. In 1876, during a flood, Rockdale was washed away and 
many lives were lost. In 1878 several buildings were destroyed by 
fire. Table Mound is often called Mt. St. Bernard. Foley's grove 
was a well known place. James Brennan was killed there by light- 
ning in 1863 ; he had been plowing and ran under a tree for shelter. 
The first old Catfish bridge was in this township. Rev. Daniel 
O'Regan died here in 1869; he was educated in St. Raphael's Acad- 
emy, of wich Dennis A. Mahony was principal at one time, and 
possessed unusual powers of mind. In i860 a Mr. Walter, an old 
Tyrolese hunter, shot two deer on the military road in this town- 
ship. They were sold in the market at Dubuque. The Hessian 
fly appeared here in 1862. Key West and Bally Clough are small 
places, usually with one or two business men, religious organizations 
and schools. Among later residents of this township were William 
Corcoran, Patrick Aylward, William Powers, Dennis Donovan, 
James Regan, Maurice Noonan, Lawrence Powers and Edward 
Fitzpatrick. 

Mosalem Township (township 88 north, range 3 east, and part of 
township 88 north, range 4 east) in early times was attached to Du- 
buque for election purposes. In 1840 it was a part of Ferguson 
precinct, and in 1843 it was first created and named and then em- 
braced parts of Table Mound, Mosalem and all of Washington. In 
1849 it was cut down to its present limits. 



496 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 



Among the first settlers were Thomas R. Brasher, J. J. Johnson, 
Jacob Dreibelbis, John A. Walter, Louis J. Dreibelbis, E. S. Morey, 
Francis A. Hill, Martin Dreibelbis, Oscar Morey, Thomas Berry, 
John H. Pattillo, Allen S. Heacock, Richard Whetter, Harlow 
Glass, Salmon Richards, Isaac Havens, Austin H. Smith, the 
Beckets, Barrys, Gilliams, Murrays, Cooks, Dolans, Gaspers, 
and Longuevilles. Dubuque's grave is in this township. St. Cath- 
erine's church and the cemetery and school are well known improve- 
ments. King's postoffice and Massy station were established a few 
years ago. 



BIOGRAPHY AND REMINISCENCE 



Gov. STEPHEN HEMPSTEAD was born in Connecticut 
in 1812, but came West early and was educated partly at 
Jacksonville, Illinois. He studied law in Missouri and in 
1836 was admitted to practice and the same year came to 
Dubuque. He took a prominent place in this community from the 
start. In 1838 he was elected to the Territorial Legislature. In 
1844 he was a delegate to the Territorial Convention. In 1845 he 
was a member of the Iowa Territorial Council and served as presi- 
dent of that body. In 1848 he was chosen one of the commissioners 
to revise the state laws. In 1850 he was elected governor of Iowa 
on the Democratic ticket and served with distinction for four years. 
In 1855 he became county judge. He was closely connected with all 
the movements which made Dubucjue one of the foremost cities of 
the West. He finally passed away in 1883. 

Peter A. Lorimier was born in Canada in 1783 and died in 
Dubuque in October, 1871. He became an Indian trader early and 
as such came to the western country long before the white settle- 
ment. He located a trading and mining establishment near Galena 
many years before the Black Hawk war, and during that trouble, 
having a stockaded fort and the assistance of his neighbors, did 
not suffer. Gen. George W. Jones had a similar fort at Sinsinawa 
Mound. Mr. Lorimier came to Dubuque in 1833 and began mining 
as well as merchandising with Mr. Gration in 1834. He bought 
considerable land adjacent and in Dubuque and became one of the 
foremost citizens. He and others built the famous Lorimier House 
in 1857, which for a long period remained the largest hotel in the 
city. He refused office, but served as United States court commis- 
.^ioner and was the first man invested with judicial authority in 
what is now Iowa and a part of Minnesota by appointment of the 
governor of Michigan territory. His commission was dated Sep- 
tember 8, 1834. He later served as one of the county commissioners 
in 1838. his associates being James Fanning and Andrew Bankson. 
In 1847 he served as mayor of Dubuque and he was again elected 
in 185 1. He was forty years old before friction matches were 
invented and hundreds of times kindled his fire with flint, steel and 

497 



498 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

tinder. He was of French extraction, the original name being Dc 
Lorimier. He left a widow, two sons and three daughters. Reso- 
lutions expressive of the city's loss were passed by the citizens in 
various capacities. 

Lucius H. L.^ngwokthy died in Dubuque June 9, 1865. He 
was born at Hopkinton, New York, in February, 1807. In 1827, 
with his brother James, he engaged in lead mining in Illinois, and 
in 1830 came to Dubuque for the same purpose. In 1832, with 
others, he was compelled to leave, but returned during the winter 
of 1832-3 and first lived in brush shanties on islands in the river, 
their cabins being occupied by soldiers. They became prominent 
and wealthy. Lucius H. married first in 1835 Mary F. Ruder, by 
whom he had two sons. In 1842 he married Valeria A. Bemis, by 
whom he had six children. He was the first sheriff of Dubuque, 
receiving his appointment from the governor of Michigan territory 
in 1834. He was interested in the Dubuque Visitor, the first news- 
paper west of the Mississippi and north of St. Louis. He was one 
of the early town fathers and as such did much to finance the town 
and all harbor movements. He helped to build the first schoolhouse 
in 1833, and was a contributor to the early churches. Lucius and 
James Langworthy were partners in their mineral lands and by their 
indefatigable efforts were already on the high road to fortune when 
Edward and Solon joined them. For twenty-four years the four 
brothers were associated under various business and firm names and 
labored so harmoniously and successfully that the Langwortliy 
Brothers, Bankers, in 1854, owned, including their individual pro])- 
erty, one-twelfth of all the real estate in Dubuque. Lucius H. was 
genial, approachable, wide awake, honest and generous. His con- 
tributions to all worthy improvements were large and numerous. 
Particularly was he active in building railroads. His mining inter- 
ests were immense. His home life was sweet, kind and elevated. 
His funeral was largely attended by the old settlers in a body and 
was very impressi\e. The funeral was the largest e\'er held in this 
city up to that time. 

Mrs. Frances P. (Stokely) Wilson died here in October. 
1868. She came to Dubuque in 1842 to reside with her son. Judge 
Thomas S. Wilson. Her eldest son, George, was educated at West 
Point ; her second son was Judge Wilson, of Dubuque ; her third 
son was Peter F., who for twenty years was an agent in the Treas- 
ury Department at Washington, D. C. ; her fourth son was David S. 
Wilson, of Dubuque, colonel of the Sixth Iowa Cavalry ; her fifth 
son was Samuel M. Wilson, a lawyer of San Francisco; her daugh- 
ters were Ann Eliza Wells, of Dubuque ; Mary Aull, of St. Louis, 
and Kate Luke, of St. Louis. She lived to see her great grand- 
cliildren — and to see all of her descendants prominent where they 





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HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 499 

resided. She was an Episcopalian. She married Peter Wilson, in 
Philadelphia. Her father was Col. Thomas Stokely, of North 
Carolina, who served the colonies in the revolution. 

AuGUSTiN A. Cooper, by reason of his long residence in Dubuque 
and his intimate connection with its civic and commercial prosperity, 
is one of the city's foremost citizens. His life is so closely inter- 
woven with Dubuque's history that one could not well be written 
without the other. Born on Chess creek, in Susquehanna township, 
Cambria county, Pennsylvania, on November 9, 1829, he is a son of 
Leonard and Julia Ann Cooper, whose respective births occurred in 
1797 and 1804. In the year 1634 Lord Baltimore brought a 
Catholic colony from Great Britain to America in the ships "Ark" ' 
and "Dove," and having secured a special charter from King 
George, located his colony in Maryland. In this band of pioneers 
was the progenitor of the Cooper family in America. As time 
passed the colony prospered and numerically increased, and even- 
tually the descendants scattered throughout the country, ever carry- 
ing with them the industry and probity for which they were noted 
and loyalty to the religious faith of their fathers. Dr. Gallatzin, 
the first fully ordained Catholic priest in the United States, early 
in the nineteenth century, together with a number of families from 
the original settlement, moved to the mountainous region of Penn- 
sylvania. Accompanying him were the families of the two grand- 
parents of A. A. Cooper, the immediate subject of this sketch, their 
names being Henry Cooper and Mary Green on his father's side, 
and Walter Elder and Priscilla Elder on his mother's side. In 
Maryland they were the owners of slaves, which he liberated except 
those who wished to go with them, but these, on being taken to the 
rigorous climate of Pennsylvania, for the most part sickened and 
died. Henry Cooper was born sometime during the sixties of the 
eighteenth century. When the colonies declared their independence 
from the mother countr}^ he volunteered his services in the cause of 
the new government, but, owing to his youth, was rejected. He 
persisted in his offers, however, and eventually was accepted and 
served in the army until the conclusion of the revolution. In his 
latter years he took great delight in telling his descendants of his 
experience in the Continental army, the hardships and privations 
endured, the fortitude and bravery of the soldiers and the glorious 
results in winning independence from the oppressive British rule. 
These reminiscent talks have been handed down to his descendants 
and have no doubt instilled a great love of loyalty for America and 
its institutions in their hearts. In 1824 Father Gallatzin married 
the parents of A. A. Cooper, and the family continued to reside in 
Pennsylvania many years. It was in a one-room, one-story log 
schoolhouse there that Mr. Cooper received his primary education, 
and in a neighboring little log Catholic church, presided over by 



500 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Father Lampkee, he first went to religious service. His wearing 
apparel was made from flax and wool and was spun into cloth and 
manufactured into clothing by his mother. In the spring of 1838 
his uncle, Charles Elder and family, with another uncle, Dr. Stark 
and his family, immigrated West, the former first settling at Long 
Grove, Scott county, Iowa, and the latter finally locating at what is 
now Ottumwa, Iowa. Through the influence of these pioneers, 
Leonard Cooper with his family in the spring of 1839 moved West, 
coming by wagon, a short distance on the first railroad ever built, 
stage coach, canal, and steamboat, finally locating near Long Grove, 
Scott county, Iowa, where Charles Elder had made claim to a tract 
of land for them. This liouse was built of logs, chinked with mud, 
puncheon flooring, clapboard roof and a wide fireplace for warmth 
and in which to cook. Here for years the family lived, enduring 
the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life, of which the 
present generation has but a faint conception. 

A. A. Cooper came to Dubuque in 1846, and here began learning 
the trade of blacksmith at $35 per year for his services. At that 
time Dubuque had about 2,000 people. He completed his appren- 
ticeship January i, 1850, and continued working as a journeyman 
at his trade for $26 per month, tliis unusually large amount being 
paid him because of his superior skill. After two months he bought 
out one of his employers for $50, and from this small beginning 
gradually prospered and added wagon-repairing to his general work. 
In time the business changed to wagon manufacturing largely, the 
material being obtained by felling trees in the woods, sawing and 
drying same to suitable conditions and eventually manufacturing 
them into wagons, buggies and sleds. It was this humble beginning 
that has blossomed into one of the largest manufacturing concerns 
in the country. Today the company employs about four hundred 
hands, occupies several city blocks and is a monument to the skill 
and shrewdness of its founder. During this long period of sixty- 
five years, through the ups and downs, the panics and rumors of 
panics, wars, and disturbances in money markets, Mr. Cooper ancV 
the company he established have paid one hundred per cent on every 
dollar's worth of business they ex'er contracted, which is a phenom- 
enal record, and an achievement of which he is justly proud. While 
prospering in material welfare, Mr. Cooper has taken an active part 
in civic affairs, having served as alderman and as mayor pro tem 
of the city. In politics he is a gold Democrat. For sixty-five years 
he has been a member of St. Raphael's Cathedral Parish. January 
22, 1851, he was married by Bishop Loras, first Bishop of Iowa, to 
Miss Mary J. Smith, daughter of Owen and Mary Smith, who were 
among the early pioneers of Dubuque, having moved here from 
New York in 1837. Seven children have been born to this mar- 
riage: James Albert, who died in 1879, aged six years; Regina 
Isabell, who died as the wife of Paul Gilmore in 1899; Mary Ellen, 




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HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 501 

the widow of John R. Waller, well known in banking and com- 
mercial circles; Elizabeth A., wife of D. A. Sullivan, formerly of 
the Sullivan & Stampfer Department Store; William F., president 
of the A. A. Cooper Wagon & Buggy Company ; Catharine Jose- 
phine, and Austin A., secretary and treasurer of the above concern. 
No family stands higher in the esteem of the public than that of 
A. A. Cooper. In the evening of his life he can look backward 
with contentment to his success under adverse conditions, and with 
the satisfaction that he has honorably filled the niche appointed unto 
him. 

Peter Kiene, Sr., was born at Tamins, Switzerland, on 
December 15, 1819. Arrived in Dubuque, Iowa, on August 15, 
1840. On August 15, 1857, founded the firm of Peter Kiene & 
Son. Died at Dubuque, Iowa, on April 14, 1898. 

Peter Kiene was born on November 2, 1846, at Dubuque, Iowa. 
Enlisted February 2, 1862, at Dubuque, Iowa, in Company "E," 
i6th Regiment, Iowa Infantry — "Crocker Iowa Brigade" — 17th 
Army Corps. Mustered out of service on June 20, 1865, at Daven- 
port, Iowa. Senior member of the firm of Peter Kiene & Son, of 
Dubuque, Iowa, founded by his father, the late Peter Kiene, Sr., on 
August 15, 1857. 

The Beaubiens were the descendants of an old Detroit family of 
noble French origin. They were among the founders of Chicago, 
keeping there one of the first stores, hotels and livery stables. Four 
brothers, Mark, Joseph, David and George, came to Dubuque in 
1846. Mark and Joseph died at Hannibal, Missouri; David and 
George remained in Dubuque and each married and reared families. 

Charles Hypolitte Gregoire was born in 1798 in this country. 
His father was a native of France and was concerned in the French 
revolution. Charles H. grew up mainly at Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, 
and was early engaged in trading in furs, merchandise, etc., on the 
Mississippi. In 1820 he married Eulalie Pratte and they had one 
son, Charles H. J. Gregoire, a well known citizen of Dubuque. He 
lived many years in the lead country of Wisconsin and came to 
Dubuque in 1852 and here died in 1859. He projected the lower 
Harbor Company and carried it through the panic of 1857, and 
owned the fine ferry steamers at Dubuque. His remains were taken 
to Ste. Genevieve for interment. 

Frank Carney^ engaged in the tobacco and cigar manufacturing 
business in Dubuque, is a native of the state of New York, his birth 
occurring February 15, 185 1, at St. Johnsville, Montgomery county, 
and is a son of Peter and Julia Carney. The parents were natives 



502 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

of Ireland and came to the United States on their wedding trip. 
They reaHzed that greater chances for success in life existed in this 
country and accordingly determined to make their future home on 
this side of the Atlantic. The date of their advent in the East was 
about 1836, and in 1S53 they came West to Dubuqite, and here the 
father for years followed his profession of roofer. He died in 
January, 1872, aged sixty years, and was followed by his widow in 
June, 1890, aged seventy-six years, and both are buried in Mount 
Olivet cemetery. Frank Carney, the immediate subject of this 
sketch, came to Dubuque with his parents when but two years old, 
and was one of the first scholars enrolled in the Fifth Ward 
(Audubon) school. When seventeen years old his education was 
completed, and for two years thereafter he worked as a farm hand 
near Dubuque. Mr. Carney well remembers having seen during his 
boyhood days Indians traveling over the country with their families 
and wigwams, sights wiiich to the present generation are but dreams 
of the past. zAfter working on the farm he became a brakeman for 
the Dubuque & Sioux City railroad, which at that time reached only 
as far as Cedar Falls, and then was employed as conductor. He 
later went with the Illinois Central road and continued with that 
concern as conductor until 1894, or for a period of over thirty 
years. At that date he was elected on the Democratic ticket as 
justice of the peace and held that position for three terms; he also 
was the first police commissioner of the city of Dubuque. In 1904 
he embarked in the tobacco and cigar manufacturing business at 69 
Eighth street and has been thus successfully engaged ever since. 
]\Ir. Carney is a Roman Catholic in religious views and socially is 
identified with the Dubuque Catholic Benevolent Society, the Inde- 
pendent Order of Foresters, and the Mystic Workers. On- January 
30, 1870, in Dubuque, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary 
A. O'Brien, daughter of John and Ellen O'Brien, natives of Ireland, 
and now deceased and buried at Patch Grove, Wisconsin, and 
Mount Olivet cemetery, Dubuque, respectively. To Mr. and Mrs. 
Carney three sons and two daughters have been born as follows : 
Ellen Lester, the wife of B. J. Schwind, of Dubuque, who is appro- 
priately represented elsewhere in this work; Frank R., of Dubuque; 
Grace M., a teacher in the local public schools, and William S. and 
Alexander D., both deceased. 

John F. Burns is properly considered the pioneer of the fancy 
grocery business in Dubuque. He is a son of John F and Bridget 
Burns, who were of Irish ancestry and came from Paterson, New 
Jersey, to Dubuque in the thirties and consequently were among the 
earliest pioneers in this locality. These parents were hard-working 
and God-fearing people and were devout adherents of the Roman 
Catholic religion. Here the father died in 1861. and the mother in 
1897, when seventy-six years old. John F. Burns, the subject of 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 503 

tliis sketch, was born in Dubuque. July 16, 1858, and has passed 
practically his entire life here. His career has been quiet and 
unostentatious and has gained for him many warm and lasting 
friendships which are so essential to the happiness of this passing 
existence. In early youth he attended the public and parochial 
schools, and when fourteen years old entered the grocery store of 
Retallick & Burns as a clerk. He thus continued until 1881, and 
then succeeded to the business and successfully conducted it until 
igoS, when he retired from active participation in business life. 
Mr. Burns is unmarried and resides with his sister, Johanna, in 
their beautiful home at 61 Wilson avenue. He is a life-long 
member of St. Raphael Cathedral, and is also a Knight of Columbus 
and a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society. 

Gassoway S. Weaver, a contractor possessing rare skill and 
ability, who devotes himself principally to the erection of fine resi- 
dences, has been for the past forty-three years a resident of 
Dubuque. Born November 15, 1846, in Lancaster county, 
Pennsylvania, he was a son of Benjamin and Mary Weaver 
and descended from an old German family of three generations' 
residence in this country. Benjamin Weaver was a contractor of 
some repute in the eastern states, and there died in 1886, aged sixty- 
seven years, preceded by his wife in 185 1, when thirty years of age. 
After graduating from the public schools of his native county, 
Gassoway L. Weaver entered Paradise Academy, which he attended 
until nineteen years old. Then, under the tutelage of his father, he 
spent seven years as an apprentice to the carpenter trade, thereafter 
spending four months in Ohio as a journeyman carpenter. In 1868 
he came to Dubuque, which city has since been his home and the 
scene of his active business career. He first spent eight years in the 
employ of Mr. B. W. Jones, an early contractor, and then, .after 
being connected with several other firms, formed a partnership with 
Mr. S. Alexander, continuing thus for two years. In 1892 he 
embarked in the contracting business alone and has been unusually 
successful. During the above mentioned partnership he constructed 
the West Dubuque schoolhouse, but later turned his attentions to 
the erecting of beautiful private residences, one of which was that 
of Senator N. J. Schrup. In politics Mr. Weaver is a Republican, 
and since 1867 he has been an active member of the Independent 
Order of Odd Fellows. To his marriage with Miss Julia Semper, 
solemnized September 12, 1872, at Dubuque, two sons were born, 
one dying in infancy, and Clarence J., local ticket agent for the 
Chicago Great Western Railroad Company. Mrs. Weaver was the 
daughter of Michael and Margaret Semper, who came to Dubuque 
from Quebec, Canada, in 1835, descended from old French fami- 
lies. The father was a farmer and owner of considerable property. 



504 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

He died in 1870, aged fifty-eight years, and was followed by his 
wife sixteen years later, at the age of eighty-four. 

Joseph P. Kutsch. An industry of first importance in a rapidly 
growing city like Dubuque is that represented by the contractor and 
builder, and there are many talented followers of this vocation in 
the city. One of the mo.'^t prosperous and successful of the firms 
engaged in this line of endeavor is that of Kutsch Brothers. Joseph 
P. Kutsch, senior partner of this concern, commands considerable 
attention for the perfection of his work has entitled him to distinc- 
tion. He was born in the city of Dubuque on October 6, 1859, and 
has known practically no other home. Nicholas and Helena Kutsch, 
his parents, were natives of Germany, but at an early date immi- 
grated to America and after a short residence in New York came to 
Dubuque in 1850. and here lived happily together until the death of 
the mother on July 15, 1897, at the age of sixty years. The father 
was a contractor by occupation, but is now retired from the active 
business cares of life and is residing at 2105 Washington street at 
the advanced age of eighty-three years. Before coming to the 
United States he had served in the German army. To him and wife 
a family of eight sons and two daughters were born, as follows : 
Frank P., general foreman of the Peter Klauer Manufacturing 
Company; Joseph P.; Charles, of the Kutsch Brothers contracting 
firm; William, farming in Dubuque county; Robert, a tinner at 
Sioux City, Iowa; Victor, outside foreman for Klauer Manufac- 
turing Company; August, carpenter of this city; Albert, who died 
September 30, 1909; Louisa, the wife of Joseph Bonz, a florist: and 
Othilda, who married Joseph Bitter, a tailor of Dubuque. Until 
sixteen years old Joseph P. Kutsch, the immediate subject of this 
memoir, attended the local public and parochial schools, and then, 
under the able tutelage of his father, learned the contracting and 
building business. For a time he was in partnership with his 
father, but upon the latter's retirement associated himself with his 
brother, Charles, and the firm of Kutsch Brothers has ever since 
successfully continued operations. Fair in their prices and honor- 
able in all transactions, success was assured them from the start, and 
the expression "Kutsch Brothers" has become synonymous with 
artistic finish and perfection throughout. Among the more impor- 
tant of their works are St. Francis convent, St. Mary's casino, the 
Immaculate Conception academy and many other notable structures. 
Aside from the business cares of life, Mr. Kutsch has taken con- 
siderable interest and pleasure in the social side as well, and is 
identified with the Catholic Order of Foresters and the Dubuque 
Sharp-Shooters' Club, of Dubuque. He has attained considerable 
local prominence in the latter organization, having won in the 
neighborhood of one hundred prizes, and on June 20, 1910, won the 
championship cup for the best exhibit of marksmanship. In 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 505 

religious views he is an adherent of the Roman CathoHc faith and 
is a member of Sacred Heart church. June 21, 1893, 1^^ was united 
in marriage with Miss Maria Regina BilHngs, and to them two 
children have been born, named Walter, who fell into a vault when 
but eighteen months old and died, and Irma, now attending Sacred 
Heart acadeni}'. Mrs. Kutsch was the daughter of Alonzo Billings, 
and descended from an old English family which have resided in 
this country for several hundred years, principally in the New 
England states. Her father passed away at Big Patch, Wisconsin, 
in June, 1897, at the age of eighty years, being preceded by his 
wife in June, 1870, and both now lie at rest in the cemetery of that 
city. 

Dr. Horace G. Knapp, pioneer dental practitioner of Dubuque, 
has been engaged in the practice of his profession in this city for the 
past forty-five years. He is, perhaps, the oldest living active prac- 
titioner in Dubuque, and commands the highest respect and esteem 
from all who know him. Dr. Knapp was born December 13, 1843, 
in Litchfield, Maine, and is a son of Horace and Lucretia Knapp. 
who were descended from England and Normandy respectively. 
Both sides of the family can trace their ancestry back to the early 
periods in the growth and development of those countries, but for 
many generations have resided in America. Horace Knapp. well 
remembered as one of Dubuque's prominent medical practitioners, 
was a native of Kingfield, Maine, born in 1819, and for many years 
followed his profession in Connecticut and Chicago, Illinois. He 
came West with his family to Dubuque, Iowa, in 1884, and here 
died on December 18, 1886, aged sixty-eight years, leaving belund 
to grieve for him a widow and five children as follows : Horace 
G., the subject of this sketch; Albert M., a physician of Providence. 
Rhode Island; Frank L., in Chicago; Mrs. A. Holden, of Chicago, 
and Mrs. A. M. Lydston, of San Jose, California. Dr. Knapp was 
laid at rest in the cemetery at Rockville, Connecticut, and his wife, 
who died September 22, 1895, aged seventy-eight years, was buried 
in Rosehill cemetery, Chicago. Dr. Horace G. Knapp was pri- 
marily educated in the Racine, Wisconsin, public schools, sul)se- 
quently graduating also from the high school at that place. He 
early determined to make the study and practice of dentistry his 
life's work and accordingly entered and was duly graduated from 
the Ohio Dental College. For a time thereafter he practiced suc- 
cessively at Waupun, Kenosha and Racine, Wisconsin, and in 1867 
came to Dubuque, Iowa, where he has been actively and successfully 
engaged ever since. Aside from his practice the doctor owns con- 
siderable valuable mining interests. He has been a lifelong Repub- 
lican in his political views, and socially is identified with the Modern 
Woodmen of America. On No\'ember 7, 1865, '" Kenosha county, 
Wisconsin, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary A. Miner, 



5o6 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

and to them the following named three children were born : Minnie 
M., who married W. S. Rowe, of Chicago; Corinne M., the wife of 
C. H. Simmons, a contractor of Chicago, and Nina, who married 
Dr. F. J. Staehlie, a dentist of Chicago. Dr. Knapp is the grand- 
father of the following six children : Loraine Rowe, who died 
June 24, 1905, aged fourteen years; Ardella Rowe; Miner Rowe; 
Mildred Rowe; Lucile Simmons; Theodore Staehlie, and Jack 
Staehlie. Mrs. Knapp was the daughter of Clapp and Sabryna 
Miner, pioneer settlers of Wisconsin, who located at Brighton in 
1837 on government land which today belongs to Mrs. Knapp. On 
March 22, 1900, he passed away, highly beloved and respected by 
all who knew him. 

Ulrich Willy, well known in Dubuque and surrounding coun- 
try as a thoroughly capable and responsible contractor, is a native 
of Schiers, Canton Orisons, Graiibunden, in the mountains of 
eastern Switzerland, his birth occurring April 17, 1857, a son of 
Otto and Barbara Willy. He was reared to manhood and received 
his education in his native country, and there, on May 8, 1881, 
married Miss Ursula Mathes, daughter of Nicholas and Anna 
Mathes. Two days after this event, together with his wife and 
parents, Mr. Willy immigrated to the United States. Otto Willy, 
his father, located in Dubuque in the year of their arrival in this 
country, and for a number of years was employed by the Farley- 
Loetscher Sash and Door Manufacturing Company. He died 
January 19, 1909, at the advanced age of eighty-three years, pre- 
ceded by his wife June 29, 1888, aged fifty years. In the old 
country Otto Willy was a contractor. Ulrich Willy learned the 
general principles of the contracting business under his father. 
Upon his arrival in the United States he found employment for a 
short time at Youngstown, Ohio, but came to Dubuque in 1881, 
and for five months was a carpenter for the Chicago, IMilwaukee & 
St. Paul Railroad Company. He then worked for various con- 
tractors until 1894, since which time he has been in the general 
contracting business for himself. Necessity, the mother of inven- 
tion, taught him in youth that industry, economy, thoroughness 
and reliability were the essential requirements of success. The 
more important buildings erected by him are the German Presby- 
terian college, in Dubuque, the Catholic church at Alta Vista, a 
church at Hazel Green, Wisconsin, the Seventeenth Street Presby- 
terian church, the Dubuque club, the school of the Presentation 
Sisters, St. Joseph's college, the Glover factory, the Lutheran 
church and many others. Mr. Willy is connected with a number 
of important commercial enterprises of Dubuque, and is one of the 
city's substantial and progressive citizens. He is a member of the 
First German Presbyterian church and of the Modern Woodmen 
of America. To him and wife have been born four daughters and 




^^..T yi^iv 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 507 

two sons, named Anna, Emma, Lena, Edna, Otto and Edwin. The 
patents of Mrs. Willy, Nicholas and Anna Matlies, came to the 
United States in 1881, the father subsequently dying in Montana, 
May 8, 1897, and the mother in Dubuque, in May. 1908. 

Edward Langworthy was born in St. Lawrence county. New 
York, in 1808. In boyhood he was taken to Pennsylvania, then to 
Ohio and finally to Illinois, in 1820. He came to Galena in the 
spring of 1827 and engaged in mining. He continued thus until 
1830, when the price of lead fell to $1 per 100 pounds. He tlien 
returned to his father's farm at Jacksonville, Illinois, but in 1832 
served in the Black Hawk war. At its close he and his brothers 
crossed the Mississippi and located at Dubuque. They built a house 
and also a smelting furnace and had made about 2,000 pigs of lead 
when they were ordered away by the government. They passed 
the following winter on an island in front of the city, and in the 
spring of 1833 returned. He was active and prominent — settling 
claims, trustee of the town and member later of the city council. 
In 1837 he was elected to the territorial legislature. He declined 
renomination in 1842, but when the state was admitted he was sent 
to the constitutional convention. In that convention he voted to 
exclude negroes from the state; he also voted for the abolishment 
of the grand jury system. Previous to i860 he erected over twenty 
houses in Dubuque and did much to build up the city. He and 
his brothers began banking here in 1854. "One of the most diffi- 
cult things to efifect was a plan for the sale of the mineral lands. 
A committee appointed prepared a plan giving the whole state the 
case showing the total impossibility of forming any pre-emption 
law that would cover the case and recommending a sale in legal 
subdivisions as other public lands were sold. This plan was finally 
adopted by the land office. By this act the holders of mining and 
farming claims obtained titles to their lands. A public bidder was 
elected by the people, in whose name the most of the mines were 
bought, and he immediately made deeds to the owner of the par- 
ticular tract to which he was entitled and all contested claims were 
settled by a board of arbitrators whose decision was final." — 
(Account by Mr. Langworthy, in Herald, February 22, i860.) 

Charles E. Kleis, deceased, for many years prominently iden- 
tified with the commercial interests of Dubuque county, and a man 
universally esteemed and respected, was a native of Germany, his 
birth occurring in the early part of the nineteenth century, but when 
a young man he conceived the idea that greater chances for success 
in life existed in America and accordingly immigrated to this coun- 
try, shortly thereafter locating in Dubuque. Possessing much 
natural aptitude and ability for a business career, the lancl of his 
adoption smiled upon him and he became a prominent factor and 



5o8 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

figure among the manufacturers of this county. Mr. Kleis estab- 
hshed himself in the soda manufacturing business and the success 
of the concern was due in no small measure to his excellent business 
management, it becoming one of the largest and best of its kind in 
this portion of tlie country. On July 23, 1909, when eighty-two 
years of age, death claimed him, thus halting the career of another 
of Dubuque's most deser\-ing citizens. He is survived by his widow 
and nine children. 

On September 19, 1870, Mr. Kleis was united in marriage with 
Miss Pauline Foell, a sister of his first wife. She was the daughter 
of John and Christina Foell, natives of Germany and pioneer set- 
tlers and farmers of Jo Daviess county, Illinois, now deceased. 
Her birth occurred July 28, 1849, at Galena, Illinois, and in 1862 
she came to Dubuque. To this union the following family of seven 
children were born; Caroline, who died March 10, 1883, aged 
twelve years, buried in Linwood cemetery ; Otto, cashier in Sheldahl 
Savings Bank; Herman, of the soda manufacturing firm estab- 
lished by his father; John, soda manufacturer of Ann Arbor, Mich- 
igan : Harry, also of his father's firm ; Laura, residing at home, and 
Louis, clerk in the Rider Wallis Company establishment. By Mr. 
Kleis's former marriage to Miss Caroline Foell, solemnized at 
Galena, Illinois, March 14, 1862, there were four children: Minnie, 
who died when sixteen years old ; William, Ida and Christian. The 
Kleis family are among the first of the county. 

Henry Pottebaum, residing on a fine farm of 200 acres in 
section 3, Liberty township, is a native of Dubuque county, Iowa, 
his birth occurring September 15, i860, and is a son of John and 
Adelaide Pottebaum, the latter dying while our subject was yet a 
baby. John Pottebaum came to America from the Kingdom of 
Hanover, Germany, in 1858, and settled on a tract of land in 
Liberty township. The surrounding country was rough and un- 
broken, but he possessed the sturdy thrift characteristic of his fore- 
fathers and in time became one of the land owners and prosperous 
men of his community. Upon the death of his first wife he again 
married, and on August 25, 1874, passed away. His widow subse- 
quently married Henry Demmer, and with them Henry Pottebaum 
lived until starting out in life for himself. He attended the paro- 
chial schools, and when twenty-one years old went to Sioux county, 
Iowa, and there purchased land at a low price. He remained there 
one year, building a home and improving his property generally, 
and on June 26, 1882, took for a wife Miss Theresa Westendorf, a 
sister of Mrs. Elizabeth Friedman, of whom mention is made else- 
where in this work, and shortly after the marriage returned to his 
farm in Sioux county. Desolation greeted him on every hand, for 
he found his home and \"arious outhouses blown down by a cyclone. 
He and wife spent their honeymoon in a rudely constructed shanty 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 509 

until a new house could be erected, and four years later they 
returned to Liberty township, Dubuque county, and here Mr. Potte- 
baum bought his present 200-acre farm. He built a modern home, 
improved the barns, dug a well, stocked his farm with all sorts of 
domestic animals necessary to farm life and today owns one of the 
best producing tracts of land in the community. He is a Democrat 
in politics, has served as school director and he and wife are mem- 
bers of Holy Trinity Catholic church. To them were born the 
following named family of children: Anthony, died in 1899, ^g^^ 
ten years; Henry, died when one year old, in 1897, both buried in 
the family lot in the Luxemburg cemetery ; Katie, who married 
John Raush, farming in Liberty township; Joseph, assisting his 
father; Mathilda, now Sister Emilia of St. Francis convent, Du- 
buque ; May ; Rosa ; John ; ^\'illiam ; Edward, and Amelia, all of 
whom are at home. The Pottebaum family are among the best 
people in the community where they reside, and are highly regarded 
by their many friends and neighbors. 

Benjamin C. Wise, postmaster at Cascade, was born in the year 
1846, in Germany, and when a child six years old was brought by 
his parents, Michael and Christina (Bittner) Wise, to the United 
States. On arrival in this country the family first located near 
Cleveland, Ohio, where they engaged in farming, but about two 
i,ears later removed to Columbia county, Wisconsin, and from 
there in 1858 to Dubuque, Iowa. For the most part the father 
conducted a bakery here until 1874, then moved to Cascade where 
he died in 1882, followed by his widow in 1889. Benjamin C. Wise 
in early vouth attended the public schools, but at sixteen years began 
serving an apprenticeship at the shoemaker's trade in Dubuque with 
James Hancock. In 1864 he enlisted for the preservation of the 
Union in the Fifth Iowa Cavalry and served until honorably mus- 
tered out of service in August, 1865. With the exception of this 
intermission Mr. Wise worked steadily at his trade until 1870 in 
Dubuque, then moved to Cascade and was employed in the fhoe 
store of John Collins. Upon the death of Mr. Collins he succeeded 
to the business and conducted the same successfully until 1897. 
when he was appointed postmaster, a position he has since occupied 
with credit to himself and satisfaction to the public. In February, 
1873, ^i"- Wise married Miss Margaret Beatty, who was born June 
23, 1852. Mrs. Wise is the daughter of James and Grace (Stewart) 
Beatty, both natives of Ireland, the former coming to America when 
sixteen years old and the latter when three years old. Mr. and Mrs. 
Beatty were married at Philadelphia, where their different families 
had located. Mr. Beatty was engaged in foundry work in the East 
until 1850, then moved to Richland township, Jones county, Iowa. 
To the marriage of Benjamin C. Wise and wife there have been 
born eight children, as follows: Emma, born in August, 1875, 



5IO HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

married Charles Elliott, is the mother of one daughter named 
Geraldine and resides in Jones county, Iowa ; William, born in 
December, 1873, died in April, 1875 ; William, born in March, 1877, 
married Elizabeth Funson, is an engineer on the Illinois Central 
railroad and lives at Waterloo, Iowa: Charles, born in May, 1879, 
is a carpenter at Basin. Wyoming; Frank, born in October, 1881, 
is married and engaged in the drug business at Basin, Wyoming; 
Harry and Herby, twins, born June 11, 1885, the former married 
and a jeweler and the latter unmarried and a druggist, both residing 
at Basin, and Clara, born May 30, 1888, residing with her parents. 
Mr. and Mrs. Wise are members of the Baptist church and are 
among the best people of Dubuque county. 

Herbert G. Higbee, deputy internal revenue collector, with 
offices at 208 Post Office building, Dubuque, was born near Fair- 
bank, Buchanan county, Iowa, September 13, 1877, ^"d is a son of 
Wallace M. and Harriet (George) Higbee, the father's people 
coming originally from the state of New York and the mother's 
from England. \Vallace Higbee is at present engaged in the drug 
business at Fairbank, and as a Democrat in politics served as mar- 
shal of Independence, Iowa, and as sheriff of Buchanan county. 
Herbert G. Higbee was primarily educated in the public schools of 
his native county, and subsec|uently graduated from the high school 
at Independence. In 1897 ^^ entered the United States Military 
Academy at West Point, continuing three years, and in the fall of 
1900 took up the study of law in the State University of Iowa. 
Changing his mind, however, in regard to a future profession, he 
studied pharmacy, being registered before the State Board on April 
I, 1902, and for a time thereafter worked at his trade in various 
cities. He then took and passed the civil service examination and 
was appointed to his present position as deputy internal revenue 
collector on May 21. 1907. In his political \iews Mr. Higbee is of 
Democratic tendencies, and socially he is identified with the Modern 
Woodmen of America and the Benevolent and Protective Order of 
Elks. He is the present captain of Company A, Fifty-third Iowa 
National Guards, which was organized in honor of and named after 
the famous Governor's Greys, which was the first organized com- 
pany in Dubuque to respond to President Lincoln's call for volun- 
teers to help preserve the Union. On December 18, 1907, in Web- 
ster City, Iowa, Mr. Higbee was united in marriage with Miss Julia 
Frank, daughter of Louis and Martha Frank, the father a pioneer 
clothier of Webster City. Their home in Dubuque is located at 901 
Locust street. 

George C. Rath, senior member of the long established pork 
packing and provision firm of George C. Rath & Sons, is a native 0/ 
the city of Dubuque and a son of George Rath, one of the nvr 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 511 

prominent of the county's pioneer settlers. The father was a native 
of Wurtemburg, Germany, but in 1847 immigrated to America and 
came directly to Dubuque. Here, in partnership with J. H. Strobel, 
he was for sixteen years engaged in the manufacture of candles 
and in pork packing. He financed the present pork packing and 
provision business mentioned above and the balance of his life fol- 
lowed that line of endeavor. He was a Republican in politics and 
served one term as alderman from his ward. On January 17, 1906, 
he passed away, aged eighty-four years, and was buried in the 
family lot in Linwood cemetery. To him and wife two sons and 
thiee daughters were born, as follows: George C, subject of this 
sketch ; Anna, who married John H. Smith, part owner of the 
Times-Journal; Augusta, residing with her mother; Minnie, who 
died September 16, 1902: Edward F., secretary and treasurer of 
The Rath Packing Company, of Waterloo : Emma, residing at home 
with mother. 

George C. Rath was born on April 5, 185 1, and received his 
education in the German and public schools of Dubuque, and fin- 
ished his schooling with a course in Bayless Business College. For 
a time he was identified with \'arious concerns, from 1883 to 1889 
being cashier of the E. M. Dickey Company, a branch of the Dia- 
mond Joe Boat Line, but subsequently succeeded his father's and 
brother s packing establishment, with which he has been identified 
ever since. Like his father he is a Republican in political views, 
and in religion is a member of the Lidependent Presbyterian church. 
On October 7, 1879, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary 
Norton, daughter of Francis and Catherine Norton, who was for 
seven years prior to her marriage a school teacher in Dubuque. Her 
parents came to this city in 1867 and the father was a prominent 
machinist. He died in 1877 and his wife in 1894, both now lying in 
Linwood cemetery. To Mr. and Mrs. Rath two sons and one 
daughter have been born, named Samuel J., a partner in his father's 
business; Da\ id E., also a partner, and Lois Myrtle. 

Dr. Harry Lowell Holmes, well known dental practitioner of 
Dubuque, was born in the city of Chicago, April 23, 1883, the son 
of C. M. and Elizabeth (Tallman) Holmes, and is descended from 
notable ancestry. His paternal forefathers came from England to 
America in the seventeenth century, settling in New England and 
later removing to New York state, Michigan, Illinois and finally 
coming to Iowa. On the father's mother's side the doctor is of the 
old Slater stock, his great great grandfather, Peter Slater, being a 
member of the historic Boston Tea Party, disguising himself as an 
Indian and helping to throw overboard the shipload of English tea 
rather than pay the hated tax. Peter Slater's son, Rev. Leonard, 
was a well known Baptist preacher, and acted as a missionary 
among the Indians of northern Michigan. Dr. Holmes's mother's 



512 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

people were members of the nobility of Holland, the Van Arsdales 
being for years prominent in the affairs of that country. They also 
immigrated to America at an early date and various members of 
the family have taken active part in the growth and development of 
tlieir adopted country, serving her during troublous times, both in 
war and civic affairs. On both sides of the family there have been 
remarkably good men and women, ever ready to lend a helping 
hand when needed, loyal and true friends and citizens, whose lives 
were exemplary. At the conclusion of the Civil war, in which 
several of the family served, Mrs. Parmenter, a sister of Mrs. J. S. 
Holmes's father, was very indignant that President Lincoln refused 
to sanction the execution of Jefferson Davis, and, knowing some- 
thing of rope making, spun and twisted a hemp rope which she sent 
to the chief executi\'e with the request that Mr. Davis might be 
hanged with it. Various other incidents might be herein related to 
show the loyalty and patriotism of these early pioneers. 

Dr. Harry Lowell Holmes, the immediate subject of this memoir, 
was brought by his parents to Dubuque when but one year old, and 
here received his early education in the public schools, graduating 
from the high school in 1901. He early determined to make the 
study and practice of dentistry his life's work, and accordingly 
spent one year in the offices of Dr. Petersen, now retired, and the 
year following in the Northwestern University. He again entered 
the offices of his old instructor for a year, after which he returned 
to the Northwestern University, and was duly graduated from that 
institution in 1906. He has since been actively and successfully 
engaged in the practice of his profession in Dubuque, specializing 
in the treating and removal of badly decayed teeth with the use of 
nitrous oxide oxygen, which is the safest anaesthetic known to the 
profession. The doctor is essentially a self-made man and by hard 
work has attained an enviable reputation. He is a member of the 
Baptist church and one of the county's most progressive and public 
spirited citizens. 

James W. Beatty, prominently identiired with the banking 
interests of Cascade, is a native of Jones county, Iowa, his birth 
occurring in the year 1850. He is a son of David and Jane 
(McCartney) Beatty, natives of County Down and County Tyrone. 
Ireland, respectively, and a grandson of James and Agnes (Dick- 
son) Beatty, who were also natives of the Emerald Isle. The 
grandparents immigrated to the United States in 1848, and for the 
most part resided in Jones county, Iowa. They were the parents 
of nine children, named David, James, John, Dixon, Alexandria, 
Benjamin, Sarah, Margaret and Esther, one of whom only is now 
living. David Beatty married in Philadelphia in 1846, and the 
same year moved to Iowa and took up government land at $1.25 per 
acre. At this time the localitv to which thev moved iiad verv few 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 513 

settlers and those few were widely scattered. Clearing and improv- 
ing with the rude implements of husbandry in those days was 
laborious in the extreme, and markets, a long distance away, 
afforded but scanty returns for the work performed. Here Mr. 
Beatty lived the greater part of his life, surviving to see the 
unbroken prairies transformed into prosperous farms and peaceful 
homes. Although of foreign birth, his love for his adopted country 
led to his enlistment for the integrity of the Union as a member of 
Company I, Twenty-first Iowa Volunteer Infantry. He was early 
a Whig in politics, but later helped to found the Republican party 
in Iowa, of which he was an ardent supporter. He was an honest 
worker for the cause of education and a member of the Baptist 
church. The latter part of his life was passed in Cascade, where he 
died in 1907, at the age of eighty-four years, preceded by his wife 
in 1903, also aged eighty-four. Both have their final resting place 
in the cemetery at Cascade. They were the parents of James W., 
Samuel B., Mary A., Eliza, Sarah B. and Elizabeth. The education 
of James W. Beatty, the subject of this review, was obtained in the 
district schools, the old academy at Cascade and at Lenox. He 
followed the occupation of farmer until 1878, when he embarked 
in the furniture and undertaking business with Thomas Crawford, 
whom he succeeded as postmaster in 1884, subsequently serving 
also a number of years as town clerk. He finished his education at 
Lenox College, and since 1892 has been in the banking business in 
Cascade. Mr. Beatty is a member of the Masonic fraternity, tiie 
Modern Woodmen of the World and in politics is a Republican. 
In 1878 he married Edith, daughter of Ricliard and Lydia (Horn- 
buckle) Rafferty, who died in 1902. For his second wife he mar- 
ried in 1896 Miss Mary Elliott, and to this union one daughter, 
Thelma Elliott, has been born. 

James L. Langworthv was born in Windsor, Vermont, in 1800. 
and there remained until he was twenty-one years of age. He then 
came to Illinois, but soon afterward went to ,St. Louis, where he 
worked m a steam, mill three years. In 1824 he went to the Galena 
lead mines. He engaged in mining with Orin Smith and thev soon 
struck a large lead. He was thus occupied, also in merchandising, 
until 1830, when his fortune had melted away to about $10,000 
In 1827 he participated in the Winnebago war and in 1832 was 
attached to a spy battalion. He participated in the battle of Bad 
Axe. In 1830 he and his brother Lucius came to Dubuque and 
soon struck a lead in the northwestern part of the city, where tiiey 
soon took out 100,000 pounds, for a portion of which they received 
as high as $6.50. They were driven away by troops from Fort 
Crawford, but returned in 1833. In 1837 he built a good house and 
in 1840 married. Under a contract with the LTnited States agent 
he laid out and made the military road from Dubuque to Iowa City 



514 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

— a work of great importance at that time. He probably explored 
more mineral land and raised more ore than any other man here. 

John William Stuber, engaged in the electrical contractmg 
business in Dubuque, with offices at 1135 Main street, was born in 
this city July 13, 1886, the son of John, Jr., and Emma Stubei' and 
a grandson of the old pioneer, John Stuber, Sr., who was born 
October 18, 1832, in Solithorn, Switzerland, and came to America, 
via New York city, in 1851. He located for a time at various cities 
in the East, and in 1857 came to Dubuque, where he was employed 
by the Jo Newburgh Company, and later as head painter by the old 
Sioux City & Dubuque railway, now part of the Illinois Central 
system. In 1867 he and fourteen other men organized the Dubuque 
Cabinet Makers' Association for the manufacture of all kinds of 
furniture, in which company he held a prominent position until his 
death. He died in 1909 at the age of seventy-six years, and was 
buried in the family lot in Linwood cemetery. His son, John 
Stuber, Jr., was born in Dubuque, July 15, i860. He is a musician 
of some prominence and in 1882 organized, and has ever since 
served as manager of the Dubuque Military Band. Mr. Stuber 
was at one time identified with the Dubuque Cabinet Makers' Asso- 
ciation, and at present is manager of the musical instrument depart- 
ment of the Harger-Blish Company. He has been the cornetist in 
the Grand opera house ever since 1880. John William Stuber, the 
immediate subject of this memoir, received his primary education 
in the Audubon school and finished his scholastic training with a 
course in the local high school. He then began to learn thoroughly 
all details of the electrical business, and when twenty years old 
opened an establishment of that nature on Main street, where he 
has since been successfully engaged. Mr. Stuber is independent in 
his political views and socially is identified with the Independent 
Order of Eagles. He is a member of St. Luke's Methodist Epis- 
copal church. On February 18, 1907, he was united in marriage 
with Miss Louise Bechtel, daughter of George and Louisa Bechtel, 
and to them one daughter. Margaret Louise, was born on December 
14, 1907. The family residence in Dubuque is located at 1088 
Main street. 

Rev. Arthur M. Clark, present chaplain of the Mount Carmel 
Catholic convent, was born at Framingham, Middlesex county, 
Massachusetts, on August 3, 1853, and is a son of James W. and 
Catherine (March ) Clark. Both branches of the family trace their 
ancestry back to early Colonial times and have had much to do with 
the growth and development of the United States. Hugh Clark, the 
progenitor of the Clark family in America, was a native of Scotland 
and immigrated to America in 1640, settling in Salem, Massachu- 
setts. Peter Clark, grandfather of Rev. Arthur M., served as a 



I 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 515 

lieutenant of tlie marines during the Re\'olutionary war and partici- 
pated in the battles of Lexington, Bunker Hill and Valley Forge, 
and was also present at the surrender of Yorktown. He was a 
farmer by occupation and at the conclusion of the struggle with 
the mother country returned to his home near Hopkinton, Massa- 
chusetts, where James W., the father of our subject, was born. 
James W. Clark was a dry goods commission merchant at Boston, 
and died in 1892, aged ninety years, and was followed by his wife 
in 1893 at the age of seventy-eight years. Both are buried at 
Framingham. The March family, from which Rev. Arthur's 
mother was descended, are among the earliest of the pioneer settlers 
on the eastern shores of America, and have distinguished themselves 
as a race of prominent physicians and surgeons. Dr. Alden March, 
a grand-uncle of our subject, was at one time president of the 
United States Medical Society, and David March, maternal grand- 
father of Rev. Arthur M., was a surgeon in the War of 18 12. 
Thus it will be seen that Rev. Arthur M. Clark is descended from 
notable ancestry on both sides of his family. In youth he attended 
the public schools of his native town and later attended St. Paul's 
school at Concord, New Hampshire, until 1873. He then went to 
Hartford, Connecticut, where he spent four years in Trinity Col- 
lege, succeeding which he studied for the Protestant ministry and 
was ordained m 1882 at Nashville, Tennessee. He then returned 
East to Boston, and some six months later changed his religious 
beliefs and espoused Catholicism. After spending six months in 
Europe he studied under the Paulist Fathers at New York for the 
Catholic priesthood, and was ordained on June 19, 1886. He then 
traveled on missions throughout the United States with the Paulist 
Fathers, continuing until he answered the call to his present position. 
Father Clark has been ten years with the people of Mount Carmel, 
his work has been for the upbuilding of the church, and he has 
already become endeared in the hearts of all who know him. 

Rev. Father John S. Baumann, chaplain of St. Francis Con- 
vent and Orphans' Home, Dubuque, Iowa, was born February 15. 
1846, at Cokunbus, Ohio, and is a son of George and Maria Sibilla 
(Ehrenhardt) Baumann. The father, a jeweler and watchmaker 
by trade, was a native of Rottweil, Germany, and came to America 
in 1832, his wife following four years later. He located at Co- 
lumbus, Ohio, and there died in 1868, aged sixty years: his widow 
died in 1890, at the age of seventy-eight years. Both are buried at 
Colmnbus. Rev. Father John S. Baumann, the immediate subject 
of this review, attended the parochial schools of his native city until 
fourteen years old, and then spent two years in Notre Dame Uni- 
versity, South Bend, Indiana. .Succeeding this he attended one year 
at St. Joseph's College. Teutopolis, Effingham county, Illinois, and 



Si6 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

finished his scholastic training at Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and was 
ordained to the priesthood in 1871. For a time thereafter he was 
located at various places throughout the state of Iowa, among which 
was Worthington. Upon coming to Dubuque he was a professor 
in St. Joseph's College, and also pastor of the Sacred Heart Roman 
Catholic church, building during his pastorship the church. Sister 
house, and Marquette hall. In October, 1905, he became chaplain 
of St. Francis Convent and Orphans' Home and has been thus con- 
nected ever since. Father Baumann has done much good and made 
many friends during his residence in Dubuque, and bears the respect 
and esteem of all who know him. 

John J. Finn, a well known farmer and stock raiser residing in 
Cascade, was born in 1844, in County Galway, Ireland, where also 
his parents, Thomas and Sabina Finn, were born. The family 
immigrated to the United States in 185 1, and were at Dubuque at 
the time of the cholera epidemic. The mother died of the scourge, 
the father later removing to Jones county, Iowa, with his children, 
locating near Temple Hill. He subsequently moved to a fann on 
section 20, "Whitewater township, in 1866, where he died in 1883 
when seventy-three years old. He and his wife were the parents of 
six children: Patrick, Mary, Bridget, John J., Ann and Catherine. 
Mary and Bridget and now dead. John J. Finn was brought up 
to do hard work on the farm and in early years attended 
schiool at Temple Hill, continuing to make his home with his father 
until the latter's death. His entire life has been passed in farming, 
stock raising occupying no little share of his attention. He has 
worked hard, dealt squarely with his fellowman and is recognized 
as one of the substantial, progressive and up-to-date men of the 
community. In 1886 lie was united in marriage with Miss Fllen 
McLaughlin, a native of Jackson county, Iowa. Mrs. Finn is the 
daughter of James and Mary McLaughlin, who were natives of 
Ireland and Massachusetts, respectively. James McLaughlin came 
to the United States when a young man, and after his marriage 
in Massachusetts moved to Iowa, where he passed the remainder of 
his days an honored and respected citizen. He died in 1896, aged 
seventy- four years, followed by his widow in 1906, aged eighty-one. 
They were the parents of Mrs. T. L. Donovan, Mrs. John J. Finn, 
Mrs. P. T. Brady, Mrs. E. W. Doherty and Mrs. R. E. Curoe. All 
these are now living. 

There has been four children born to Mr. and Mrs. Finn, as 
follows. Sybil, Stephen, Irena and Viola. Aside from his fine 
farm and Hereford cattle, Mr. Finn is a stockholder and director 
of the Farmers' & Mechanics' State Bank of Cascade. Few 
families stand higher in the estimation of the surrounding com- 
munity than that of John J. Finn. 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 517 

LuciEN R. Hyde, assistant secretary of the Kretschmer Manu- 
facturing Company, Dubuque, since 1909, is a native of this city 
and the son of Charles H. and Emma Hyde. The Hyde family 
came originally from England, but for many generations have 
resided in the United States. Since 1875 Charles Hyde has been 
connected with the H. Mehlhop Company, wholesale dealers and 
importers of teas and cigars, and both he and wife reside in 
Dubuque. Lucien R. Hyde was born on May 23, 1883, and 
received his education in the local public and high schools. He 
left the latter in 1901 and immediately thereafter was employed as 
chief order clerk by the Farley-Loetscher Manufacturing Company, 
wiiich position he held until he purchased an interest in the 
Kretschmer Manufacturing Company. He was elected assistant 
secretary, is a director and represents the firm in western territory. 
Socially Mr. Hyde is identified with the Benevolent and Protective 
Order of Elks, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Dubuque 
Traveling Men's Association, and in religious views is a member of 
St. Luke's Methodist Episcopal church. He is one of the younger 
generation of Dubuque's business men and is highly regarded by all 
who know him. He resides at the family home at 31 Fairview 
place. 

George L. Nightingale died in Dubucjue, May 29, 1859, after 
a long and severe illness, aged forty-four years. He was born in 
Herefordshire, England, and in youth was taken by his widowed 
mother to Boulogne, France. At the age of nineteen years he went 
to sea and visited all parts of the world. About 1836 he came to 
the United States and located in Dubuque. He became a merchant, 
justice of the peace, lawyer, member of the legislature and mayor 
of Dubuque in 1856-7. The bench and bar here passed suitable 
resolutions at his death. He left a widow and five children. 

Peter Waples was born in Delaware in 1814 and came to 
Dubuque in 1838, and the next year built the Waples hotel, after- 
ward called the Julien House. He it was who was chiefly instru- 
mental in building the old Waples cut from the old levee to the 
main channel of the river. He bore much of the expense and the 
cut bore his name for many years. He became wealthy and at one 
time owned three stores. His daughters married R. A. Babbage 
and C. J. Rogers. His wife was formerly Elizabeth Burton. He 
was a Presbyterian and one of the best citizens. Dr. W. H. Waples 
was his son. Suitable resolutions were passed by the old settlers. 
He died about 1870. 

George Schmid, Sr., founder of the Eagle Valley Works, 
Dubuque, was born at Lawrenceburg, Indiana, February 16, 1855. 
and is a son of Joseph and Theresa Schmid, who were natives of 



5i8 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Germany. The father first came to tl:e United States in the forties 
and being of an adventurous spirit served as a volunteer soldier of 
this country in the war with Mexico. He subsequently returned to 
his native country and concluded final arrangements for his per- 
manent removal to America in the early fifties. For a number of 
years after his return he worked in various localities throughout 
the country, and during the Civil war served his adopted country as 
a member of the Fifteenth Missouri Volunteer Infantry. He died 
in Dubuque in 1898 at the age of seventy-five years, followed by 
his widow two years later. 

George Schmid, Sr., came with his parents to Dubuque in his 
infancy and here received his early schooling. At about the age of 
fourteen he went to Ohio and there learned cabinet making and 
from 1877 to 1882 worked at his trade in Dubuque as a mechanic. 
In the latter year he became foreman of the Dubuque Furniture & 
Burial Company, continuing as such until 1888. Associated with 
his brother, Otto, he then organized the American Silver Plate Com- 
pany at Chicago in 1889, but three years later disposed of this and 
founded in the same city the Schmid Manufacturing Company, 
selling out his interest to his brother the following year. In 1900 
he opened a similar business at San Francisco, California, but in 
1901 returned permanently to Dubuque and in October of that year 
founded his present establishment which is one of the substantial 
business concerns of the city. Mr. Schmid is a member of the 
Sacred Heart Roman Catholic church, the Knights of the Macca- 
bees and the Dubuque Traveling and Business Men's Association. 
February 16, 1876, he married Miss Magdalena Hafner, daughter 
of George and Louisa Hafner, and to them have been born four 
sons and one daughter, as follows: George, Jr., Titus A., Edward 
H., Natalie, the wife of Leo M. Fengler, and Alvin J. J. The first 
two named are associated with their father in the Eagle Valley 
Works. 

George Schmid, Jr., the oldest son of George Schmid, Sr., is the 
manager and part owner of the Eagle Valley Works. He was born 
in the city of Dubuque on March 19, 1877, and the greater part of 
his life has been spent in this locality. After receiving a practical 
education he assisted his father in various enterprises, and, aside 
from his holdings in the company, has acquired substantial interests 
in other concerns. In order to provide a suitable entrance to Easle 
Point Park he donated to the city a tract of land now used for that 
purpose. He is the owner of a half interest in the valuable patents 
invented by his father which have attained substantial recognition 
in the world of mechanics. He is a member of St. Mark's Lutheran 
church, and in politics votes for the man rather than the candidate 
of any particular party. October 26, 1904, he was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Fannie Henrietta Sinholdt, daughter of Theodore 




SAM PATTERSON 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 519 

and Julia Sinholdt, pioneer farmers of Mosalem township, and tlie_\ 
have one son, Earl G. T. The Schmids, senior and junior, are 
among the best and most deserving citizens of Dubuque. 

Samuel Patterson, like many of the people in and around Cas- 
cade, is of Irish nativity, and is a son of Richard and Esther (Daily) 
Patterson. They came to Pennsylvania in 1842 and in the early 
fifties the parents, with their five sons, Thomas, Henry, George, 
Samuel and John, came west for the purpose of securing a better 
home and more favorable opportunities for their children. The 
father came first to view the outlook, the balance of the family 
coming later. They resided for a time in Pennsylvania, where a 
girl, Mary, was added to the number of children. For eight years 
they resided in the Keystone state, where the father worked in a 
rolling mill. They then removed to Dubuque county, Iowa, where 
for fifteen years Mr. Patterson rented and farmed. Having accu- 
mulated $500, he purchased 200 acres of land, and being industri- 
ous, continued to add to this property until, at the time of his death, 
he owned 810 acres. In addition his children had also acquired 
extensive real estate holdings. These old settlers were deserving of 
much credit because of their thrift and excellent citizenship. Mr. 
Patterson, at the age of seventy-fi\'e, died in 1875, followed by his 
widow in November, 1895, when eighty-five years old. The chil- 
dren all lived at home and were a credit to their parentage. George 
served in the Civil war as a member of Company I, Twenty-first 
Iowa Volunteers, and was killed at the siege of Vicksburg; Thomas 
married Anna Hill, and died, leaving two sons, Robert and Thomas; 
Henry served his country in the same company and regiment as 
his brother and died from the efifects of the service after the close 
of the war, unmarried ; John, the youngest, was associated with 
Samuel in many undertakings and died an untimely death at the 
age of thirty-five, when youth and hope yet beckoned. Samuel 
Patterson, whose name heads this sketch, is a man of practical 
education and endowed with more than ordinary attainments. His 
life has been passed in agricultural pursuits and stock raising, and 
his ownership of several hundred finely improved acres of Iowa's 
best land attests his success in life. He married Mary Jane Groves, 
daughter of John and Jane (Doily) Groves, in January, 1891. 
Mrs. Patterson was born January 29, 1862, and has borne her hus- 
band six children, as follows: Mary A., born November 23, 1891 : 
John R., January 13, 1893; George S., September 13, 1894; Wil- 
liam H., August 19, 1895; died January 15, 1896; James H., Sep- 
tember 24, 1897, died October 13, 1897; Leroy G. W., February 7, 
1899, died January 14, 1901. Mr. Patterson is on general princi- 
pals a Republican in politics, but he most frequently votes for the 
man instead of his party. He and family are members of the 
Presbyterian church. 



520 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Edwin A. Fengler, president of tlie Eagle Point Lime Works, 
was born in the city of Dubuque, January 26, 1S68, tlie son of 
George and Alice M. Fengler. The father was prominent among 
the early settlers of tlie county, and was the founder and one time 
owner of the above mentioned lime works. In 1862, in answer to 
his country's call for volunteers to help defend the Union, he 
enlisted in Company A, Twenty-first Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and 
served until the close of the war. He participated in the following 
battles and campaigns: Knoxville. Port Gibson. Champion Hill 
siege of Vicksburg, Clarksville, Big Black River, Jackson (where 
he was wounded), Higgin's Cross Roads, and Port Berkeley. On 
July 26, 1865, after a long and creditable military career, he was 
honorably discharged by the War Department and immediately 
returned to his home in Dubuque. Here he resumed his commer- 
cial activities and on April 28, 1900, when fifty-eight years old, 
passed away, a man greatly beloved and respected by all who knew 
him. His widow is yet living, aged sixty-six years, and resides at 
1059 Garfield avenue. To them twelve children, two dying in 
infancy, were born, as follows: Oscar, died in 1880, aged three 
and a half years; Richard, died in 1888, aged twenty-one; Meh'ina, 
wife of H. L. Gross, the oldest mail carrier in service in Dubuque; 
Edwin A., the immediate subject of this review; Olive, married 
Herman Mauer, lumber dealer, of Gunnison, Colorado; Hattie, 
treasurer of Eagle Point Lime Works; George, Jr., boat builder, 
Muscatine, Iowa ; Alice, married Frank Beutin, a coal, wood and 
sand merchant of Dubuque ; Octavia. married Thomas A. Feyen, of 
Minneapolis ; Leo M., secretary of Eagle Point Lime Works, appro- 
priate mention of whom appears elsewhere in this work; Randolph, 
also with above mentioned firm; and Orrin H., blacksmith at the 
C, M. & St. P. shops. 

Edwin A. Fengler was educated in the public schools of Du- 
buque, finishing his schooling with a course in Bayless Business 
College. In 1884 he started to learn the furniture and upholster- 
ing business, but when the firm for which he was working went 
out of business he gave up the idea and became a clerk on a Mis- 
sissippi river steamboat. In 1887 he secured employment in his 
father's establishment, but in October of that year went to work 
as a fireman on the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad. After 
four years and three months spent thus, he was promoted to loco- 
motive engineer and held that position until his father's illness and 
subsequent death. He then took charge of the business and upon its 
incorporation in 1903 was elected president, which position he has 
since held. LTnder the able management of the present personnel 
the business has grown and prospered and at present the Eagle Point 
Lime Works is regarded as one of the solid and substantial concerns 
of Dubuque. Mr. Fengler is a member of the Masonic fraternity 
(Savannah, Illinois, lodge), the Eagles, the Locomotive Engineer 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 521 

Brotherhood, and a regular attendant at the Presbyterian church. 
He was married in Dubuque, May 28, 1891, to Miss Catherine 
Brown, a native of Burton, Wisconsin, and the daughter of Archi- 
bald and Elizabeth Brown, old settlers of Dubuque. Her father 
died in 1905, and the mother four years later. Mr. Fengler and 
wife reside at 872 Rhomberg avenue. 

Leo M. Fengler, secretary of the Eagle Point Lime Works, is a 
native of Dubuque, his birth occurring September 8, 1881, and is 
one of the family of twelve children born to the old pioneers, 
George and Alice M. Fengler. He received his education in the 
public schools of this city, and upon the death of his father in 1900 
became one of the heirs to the Eagle Point Lime Works, founded 
and owned by the elder Fengler. For three years, with his brother, 
Edwin A., he conducted the affairs of this concern, and in 1903, 
when it was incorporated, he became secretary and has held that 
position to the present time. Mr. Fengler is a member of the 
Eagles and of the Third Presbyterian church. To his marriage 
with Miss Nathalia Schmid, daughter of George and Magdalene 
Schmid, the following named children have been born : I-eona 
Nathalia, March 19, 1903; Herbert Theodore, November 8, 1904; 
and Alta Magdalene, July 26, 1906. Mrs. Fengler's father was 
the proprietor of the Eagle Valley Works and an old pioneer in 
Dubuque. The family residence is located at 2340 Rhomberg 
avenue. 

Paul J. Schmitt, the owner of 200 acres of valuable land on 
section 2, Taylor township, and sections 35 and 36, in Iowa town- 
ship, is a native of Dubuque county, his birth occurring May 13, 
1868. His father, Joseph Schmitt, was born in the Province of' 
Alsace, Germany, and his mother, whose maiden name was Mary 
Lattner, in the Grand Duchy of Baden, Germany. They came to 
America with their respective parents about the year 1846, were 
married in Dubuque, Iowa, and this county has been their home 
ever since. Tiiey now reside at Dyersville, each seventy-one years 
of age. Tlie Schmitt family is one of the oldest and best known in 
the county, and obtained their first real estate here by entering it at 
$1.25 per acre from the government. Paul J. Schmitt was the 
second in order of birth in a family of eight children, his twin 
brother, William, being engaged in merchandizing at Graf, this 
county. When a boy he attended the public schools and helped in 
the work of the home farm, and at twenty-two years of age began 
farming on his own responsibility on a tract of land owned by his 
father. After eight years he bought 185 acres, a part of his present 
place, and here he has ever since resided. Mr. Schmitt is one of 
the modern and progressive farmers of his community. Aside from 
general farming and stockraising he is engaged to a considerable 
extent in dairying. In 1904 he built his present eight-room and 



522 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

finished basement residence, and in 1900 his modern 24x60 foot 
barn and other desirable buildings for the housing of grain, stock 
and farming implements. Mr. Schmitt is a Democrat and has 
served six years as a member of the school board. In 1891 he 
married Miss Catharine Breitbach, who was born October 3, 1866, 
the eighth in a family of thirteen children born to Jacob and Phila- 
mena ( Sigeworth ) Breitbach. Mr. and Mrs. Breitbach were natives 
of Prussia and Alsace, Germany, respectively, were married at 
Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and settled in Dubuque county, Iowa, 
about the year 1853. Here Mr. Breitbach was engaged in mercan- 
tile pursuits and died in December, 1908, aged eighty-five years, 
preceded by his wife, February 14, 1896, at sixty-four years of 
age. Mr. and Mrs. Schmitt are the parents of eleven children, as 
follows: Raymond J., who died when nineteen years old; Sylvia 
M. ; Elda P. ; Willis J. ; Paul S. ; Madeline C. ; Lorena E. ; Arnold 
R. ; Clarence; Mary S. ; and Melvin Joseph. Mr. Schmitt and 
family are members of the Roman Catholic church at Bankston. 

Phillip P. Doerr, deceased, long one of Dubuque's prominent 
business men, was born in this city, December 27, 1866, a son of 
the old pioneer Phillip Doerr. The father came to Dubuque at a 
very early date and here for many years engaged in teaming and 
the wood business, but has long been dead. Phillip P. Doerr was 
educated in the local public and St. John's parochial schools, and 
after completing his studies learned the teaming business under his 
father. Upon the death of the latter, Phillip P. Doerr succeeded to 
his father's business and conducted same for a time, then, in May, 
1906, established himself in the coal, wood and transfer business 
and continued thus until his death. On April 14, 1910, he died, and 
with his passing Dubuque lost one of her honest, conscientious and 
hard-working citizens. Mr. Doerr was a man who commanded 
the esteem and respect of all who knew him, and his loss was 
mourned generally throughout the county. He was a member of 
the American Order of Owls, Eagles, Yeomen, and Modern Wood- 
men of America. On November 16, 1893, he was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Augusta Conrad, and to them one daughter, 
Maylou, residing at home with her mother, was born. Mrs. Doerr 
was the daughter of Frederick and Wilhelmina Conrad, who were 
natives of Germany, and came to Dubuque about 1870. Mr. Con- 
rad was for many years engaged in teaming in Dubuque, later was 
employed by the Standard Lumber Company, and on January 14, 
1906, when sixty-three years old, passed away and was buried in 
St. John's cemetery. His widow yet survives him, as do four 
children: Mrs. August Schulz, of Marshalltown; Mrs. Otto Kauf- 
man, of Greenmountain, Iowa; Mrs. Charles Kaufman, of Dubuque, 
and Mrs. Doerr. Mrs. Doerr and her daughter reside in the family 
home at 2597 Washington street, Dubuque. 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 523 

William H. Lusk is a native of the county in which he now 
resides, his birtli occurring in Dubuque, January 3, 1849. Samuel 
Lusk, his fatlier, was born in Ohio and was there reared to man- 
hood and married Mar}' Slvinner, a native of Virginia. When 
Dubuque county contained many Indians and when wolves and 
other wild animals were more plentiful than domestic ones, he came 
here and participated in the transition of a wild countrj^ to a 
community of happy and prosperous homes. Emily, Mary Jane 
and William H. were the names of his three children. The mother 
died in February, 1849, when the subject of this sketch was scarcely 
four weeks old. The two girls were reared in Ohio by a Mrs. 
Patten, a sister of their father. They each married and are now 
deceased. Hulda Lusk, another sister of Samuel Lusk, was the 
wife of John Brown, of anti-slavery fame. William H. Lusk was 
reared under the roof and loving care of Mrs. David Swope, his 
dead mother's sister, at Cascade. His early years were passed in 
attending the public schools and assisting with the work of the 
farm. He remained with his foster parents until twenty-six years 
old, and in 1875 married Miss Ella Topliff, who was born Septem- 
ber 6, 1857, daughter of Jerome B. and Julia (Blue) Topliff, who 
were natives of Massachusetts and Indiana, respectivelv. Mr. 
Topliff came to Iowa in the early fifties, first locating in Allamakee 
county, and subsequently removing to Delaware county, where he 
erected the first flouring grist mill in the county on his preempted 
quarter section of land. He also built a saw mill, both mills being 
operated by the same power. In 1862 he enlisted as a drummer 
boy in Company B, Twenty-first Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and 
died of swamp fever at Bolton, Missouri, where he is buried. Mrs. 
Topliff died at Davenport, Iowa, in 187 1, aged thirty-two years. 
They were the parents of four children : The eldest, a son, died in 
infancy; Ella (Mrs. William H. Lusk); George, married and liv- 
ing in South Dakota; and Eva H., now Mrs. Will R. Lyons, of 
Independence, Iowa. To Mr. and Mrs. Lusk five children have 
been born, as follows: Eva M.. the wife of Maxwell A. Behnke, 
of Libby, Montana; Imogene M., now Mrs. William Field, of 
Leavenworth, Washington; Orben W., who married Martha Win- 
ters, and resides at Independence, Iowa ; Florence E., teaching 
school in the state of Washington; and Lulu E., living at home. 
Mr. Lusk began his married life as a farmer of rented property. 
As his means increased he bought land and has become one of the 
substantial men of the county. Since 1904 he has resided in 
Epworth. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal 
church. 

A. C. Johnson, secretary of the Central Lumber Company, 
located at 602 Seventh street, Dubuque, was born on a farm near 
Rock Rapids, Iowa, on December 17, 1874, and is a son of C. H. 



524 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

and Jennie Johnson. The family is of English extraction, but for 
many generations has resided in this country. C. H. Johnson, 
father of the subject of this sketch, was a native of Ohio, but came 
West when a comparatively yoving man and engaged in farming. 
When President Lincoln called for troops to put down the rebellion 
Mr. Johnson enlisted in Company D, Fourth Wisconsin Volunteer 
Infantry, and arose to the rank of sergeant. He and wife are now 
living at Manchester, Iowa, having moved there in the spring of 
1881. A. C. Johnson completed his education with a course at 
the Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Business College, succeeding which he 
accepted the position of assistant cashier in the Commercial Bank at 
Maxwell, Iowa. He was later employed in a clerical capacity by 
the Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Northern Railway Coinpany, con- 
tinuing as a clerk in the office of the freight auditor of the Chicago. 
Rock Island & Pacific Railway Company when the former road 
was absorbed by the latter. Realizing that railroad work offered 
but little opportunity for his advancement, he resigned his position, 
and, returning to Manchester, became secretary of the Manchester 
Lumber Company, in which he had a financial interest. He later 
severed his connection witli this firm and in the spring of 1900 came 
to Dubuque as a department manager for the Standard Lumber 
Company, a position he held five years. He then helped to organize 
the Central Lumber and Coal Company, of which he has since been 
secretary and a director. Mr. Johnson is a man of a quiet and 
retiring disposition and has confined his attention almost exclu- 
sively to his business aflfairs. October i, 1896, he married Miss 
Mabel, daughter of John B. and Helen Rutherford, of Manchester, 
Iowa, and they are the parents of one daughter, Dorothea Evelyn. 
Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are members of the Methodist Episcopal 
church. 

Arthur R. Flick, of the A. R. Flick Box Company, Dubuque, 
was born in this city November 9, 1881, the son of J. R. and Julia 
Flick, and grandson of Mathias and Barbara Flick. The family is 
of German extraction, but for generations have resided in America. 
The grandfather, realizing the advantages to be had in the United 
States, immigrated to this country at an early date, and came by 
boat up the Mississippi ri\-er to Dubuque when the city was yet in 
its infancy and little more than a frontier village. Here he passed 
away in 1889, but is survived by his widow, aged over eighty years. 
J. R. Flick came with his parents to Dubuque when but one year 
old. When war between the North and South was declared and 
soldiers were occupying Dubuque, he sold newspapers, and later 
learned and followed his father's occupation of contracting and 
building, at which he is yet engaged. Arthur R. Flick, the immedi- 
ate subject of this memoir, was educated in the local public and high 
schools, graduating from the latter in 1896. He then went to Chi- 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 525 

cago and worked in a box factory, but several months later returned 
to Dubuque and established a box factory on Jones street. The 
business prospered and the premises became too small, and Mr. 
Flick was forced to remove to larger quarters at Eighteenth and 
Washington streets. Again he was obliged to make a change, and 
in 1900 moved his establishment to a large factory at the foot of 
Seventh street, 350x90 feet, where he has since remained. Mr. 
Flick is one of Dubuque's representative business men and it is 
due to his own efforts tliat he has been successful in the commercial 
world. July 25, 1905, he was united in marriage with Miss Doro- 
thea Schuster, daughter of Valentine and Minnie Schuster, and 
their residence in Dubuque is located at 3019 Couler avenue. 

John W. Manson, secretary of the Iowa House Furnishing 
Company, 978-998 Main street, Dubuque, was born in Rockdale, 
Iowa, May 15, 1862, the son of Walter and Elizabeth Manson. 
The family is of Scotch extraction and immigrated to America 
about the year 1830. Walter Manson, the father of our subject, 
was one of the pioneer owners and operators of the Rockdale mills, 
but disposed of his interests in these and invested his money in 
Dubuque real estate properties. He erected a large building on 
Main and Second streets, and after a long and honorable residence 
of thirty-four years, died on March 28. 1879, aged seventy years. 
His widow survives him at the ripe old age of seventy-two years, 
and resides in Rockdale. When Mr. Manson first came to Dubuque 
he had very little means, but by hard work and careful saving accu- 
mulated a competency, and died in the knowledge that his family 
was amply provided for. John W. Manson received his early edu- 
cation in the public schools of this city, later taking a course in 
Bayless Business College, which he finished when nineteen years 
old. He then entered the dry goods establishment of Keas & Sulli- 
van, and when, upon the death of the former, the name was styled 
Sullivan & Stampfer, he remained with the firm for thirteen years. 
In 1897, in partnership with Ernest Seitz, he opened a dry goods 
and notion store on Main and Eighth streets ; dissolving this asso- 
ciation in 1900, he returned to Sullivan & Stampfer. He next 
became manager of the Home Milling Company at Rockdale, but 
upon the dissolution of this concern in 1905 he bought an interest 
in the Iowa House Furnishing Company, of which he has been 
secretary and a director ever since. As a Republican in politics 
Mr. Manson has served as deputy assessor for Dubuque county, and 
socially he is identified with the Knights of Pythias and the Masonic 
fraternity, having the rank of Knight Templar in the latter organi- 
zation. In religious views he is a member of the Congregational 
church. On September 29, 1892, Mr. Manson was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Emma Christman, of Key West, this county. She 
was the daughter of Peter and Christiana Christman, natives, 



526 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

respectively, of Alsace-Lorraine. France, and Wurttemberg. Ger- 
many, who at an early date came to Dubuque county and settled 
on a farm in Table Mound township. The father died January 15. 
1896, but the mother is yet living and residing in Dubuque at the 
age of eighty-three years. To Mr. and Mrs. Manson one daughter, 
Ethel Bernice, attending the Dubuque High school, has been born. 

George F. Dickinson was born January 12, 1866, on the place 
where he now resides in section 15. Taylor township. His parents, 
J. D. and Elizabeth (Briunbaugh) Dickinson, were natives of Penn- 
sylvania and were there reared and married. They came to Du- 
buque county, Iowa, in 1845, driving over the mountains in Penn- 
sylvania until they reached the Ohio river, thence by boat via Cairo 
to the Mississippi river and up the latter by boat to Dubuque. Mr. 
J. D. Dickinson entered land from the government on which is 
now situated Bernard, in Prairie Creek township. After making 
improvements and living on this property nine years, he removed 
to Dubuque, where he was engaged in teaming for a year. In 1855 
he bought the property now owned by his son, George F. Dickinson, 
where he continued to reside until his death in 1906, at the age of 
eighty-five years, his wife preceding him in 1891, when sixty-eight 
years old. They had nine children: Adaline A., married N. B. 
King, and resides in Cedar Rapids, Iowa; William E., living in 
Marysville, California; Loretta, now Mrs. James Rollo, of Topeka, 
Kansas; Mary C, died in infancy; Almira, the wife of Levi Wells, 
of Des Moines, Iowa; Annetta, wife of Samuel Wilmott, of Okla- 
homa; Martha J., who now is Mrs. Almon Durham, and is living 
in Colorado; Charles J., married Sadie Allen and resides in Denver, 
Colorado; and George F. George F. Dickinson received a public 
school education and lived with his parents on the home farm as 
long as they lived. In 1897 he purchased the old homestead, wliich 
comprises 120 acres of the best land in Taylor township. Miss 
Emma Miller, daughter of F. W. and Elizabeth (Miller) Miller, 
became his wife in 1895. ^^ i'- ^"d Mrs. Miller were natives of Ger- 
many, the former of Alsace and the latter of Strassburg. They 
were married at Galena, Illinois, and shortly thereafter located at 
Epworth, Iowa, where Mr. Miller worked at his trade of wagon- 
maker. He died in 1896, when sixty-two years of age, following 
his wife, who died in 1894, aged fifty-nine years. Mrs. Dickinson 
was the fourth in a family of eleven children, her birth occurring 
February 4, 1862. Her brothers and sisters are as follows: Eliza- 
beth and William, both dying in infancy; George, married Ida Wil- 
lard, and lives in North Dakota; Carrie, the wife of Andrew Rub, 
of Dubuque; William F., unmarried, and living at Peosta; Louis, 
died when twenty-nine years old; one who died in infancy; Etta, 
the wife of George Banton, of Epworth; Lillie, single, and residing 
in Dubuque; and Robert, single, whose home is in Oakland, Cal. 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 527 

Mr. Dickinson is one of the progressive and up-to-date farmers of 
the county. He is a Republican and a member of the Odd Fellows, 
the Modern Woodmen of America, and the Mystic Workers. Mrs. 
Dickinson belongs to the Rebecca Lodge of Odd Fellows, the 
Mystic Workers, and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal 
church. 

Henry W. Koiilmann, general foreman of the Dubuque Star 
Brewing Company since 1907, is a native of Bavaria, and the son 
of Conrad and Margaret Kohlmann. The fatlier, also a native of 
Bavaria, came to the United States and Dubuque, Iowa, in 1888, 
and here died ten years later at the age of fifty-nine years, and was 
buried in Linwood cemetery. His widow yet survives him and 
resides in Dubuque. Henry W. Kohlmann was born April 22, 
1869, and until thirteen years old attended the parochial schools. 
For a time thereafter he helped his father in the tailoring business, 
then immigrated to America, coming directly to Dubuque. He 
secured employment for two years as bottler with Michael Hollen- 
fel; in 1886 he went with the E. C. Peaslee Company, with whom 
he remained ten years, and was then advanced to the position of 
foreman, which position he held eleven years. He was for twenty- 
one years in the employ of that concern. When the firm was 
dissolved he was offered and accepted his present position with the 
Dubuque Star Brewing Company, with whom he has reinained ever 
since. Mr. Kohlmann is independent in his political views, voting 
for the best man without regard to party affiliation, is a member of 
the Modern Woodmen of America, and attends the German Con- 
gregational church. On January 8, 1892, he was united in marriage 
with Miss Augusta Weisheit, of Dubuque, daughter of Valentine 
Weisheit, and to them two children have been born, named, Edward 
C, born September 18, 1894, attending school, and Martha Mar- 
garetta, born February 5, 1895, also in school. 

James Fagan^ of Cascade, is a typical example of what pluck 
and perseverance can do for a young man who comes from a for- 
eign land with the determination to succeed honorably in life. As is 
indicated by his name, he is of Irish nativity, his birth occurring 
in County Down in the year 1836. When a young man twenty 
years of age he immigrated to the United States, working as a 
farm hand a short time in the state of New York, then coming to 
Dubuque county, Iowa, where he continued to work at farming a 
number of months. This occupation he varied by putting in a sea- 
son in the pine woods of Wisconsin and assisting in a spring drive 
of logs. By this time he had saved sufficient means to make a 
payment on a farm, and returning to Dubuque county, bought a 
tract of 120 acres of raw land on section 24 in White Water town- 
ship, upon which he located and began improving. After com- 



328 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

pleting the paying for his property he bought more until he now 
owns 450 acres. Mr. Fagan was a good farmer and foresaw the 
value which would accrue to him by the improvement of his prop- 
erty and the raising of stock. He erected suitable buildings of 
modern construction, set out orchards and shrubbery, and engaged 
extensively in the raising of high grade stock. So successful did 
he become that four years ago he moved his home to the village of 
"Cascade and now spends the greater part of his time in overseeing 
his properties and in marketing stock. Mr. Fagan has been twice 
married. First, in 1858, to Elizabeth Morrow, a native of Ireland, 
and daughter of George Morrow, who was one of the early pioneers 
of White Water township, this county. Mrs. Fagan died August 
II, 1893, after bearing her husband the following named children: 
George, William, James, Edward, Mary Ann, Charles, Lillie, 
Thomas and Letta. Of the foregoing, George, Edward, Mary Ann 
and Charles are dead. For his second wife Mr. Fagan married 
Miss Mamie Croston, who was born in 1871, the daughter of John 
and Letta (Patterson) Croston, natives of Ireland, but for many 
years well-known residents of Richland township. Mr. Croston 
died in 1894, at sixty-five years of age, and Mrs. Croston in 1897, 
aged sixty-three years. There are no children by the second mar- 
riage ; the family affiliate with the Presbyterian church. 

William A. Hammond, real estate dealer and loan and mort- 
gage broker, Dubuque, was born March 14, 1859, in Winnebago 
county, Illinois, the son of Edwin J. and Mary Hammond. The 
family originally came from Holland, but for the last three hun- 
dred years have resided in this country, many members living in 
and near Hagerstown, Maryland. Edwin J. Hammond came from 
Hagerstown to Illinois in 1857, and up to the time of his death at 
Lanark, Carroll county, in 1892, when seventy-three years old, was 
engaged in farming. His widow survived him until 1897, when 
she passed away at seventy-seven years of age. William A. Ham- 
mond grew to manhood in his native state and completed his edu- 
cation when graduated from the Lanark High school. He took 
up the study of law but continued this two years only, in the mean- 
while embarking in the real estate business at Lanark, which he 
continued until his removal to Dubuque in 1890. Mr. Hammond 
is one of Dubuque's enterprising and substantial business men, and 
in his line of endeavor has built up a creditable business. He is a 
member of St. Luke's Methodist Episcopal church, the Modern 
Woodmen of America and is independent in his political affiliation. 
July 13, 1887, he married Miss Belle Wise, daughter of George W. 
and Lucretia Wise, who were of Scottish nativity and old settlers 
at Viroqua, Wisconsin. Two daughters and one son have beew 
torn to Mr. and Mrs. Hammond ; Ruth, Bonnie and Bwr^ 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 529 

Henry J. Wlnderlich. of the firm of Wunderlich & Son. 
furniture dealers, Dubuque, is of pioneer parentage, a son of Henry 
and Elizabetli Wunderlich. His father was a native of Plauen, in 
the Kingdom of Saxony, Germany, his birth occurring in 1836. 
He was educated as a musician, learned the cabinet maker's trade 
and in early manhood emigrated to America, and when Dubuque 
was yet in a primitive condition located here and ever afterwards 
made it his home. He was a man of unusual cliaracter and activity, 
and by organizing a band of German musicians, attracted wide 
attention to the city of his adoption. He founded the furniture 
establishment now conducted by his son, the subject of this sketch. 
When the Union was threatened with disruption by the Secession- 
ists, he volunteered Iiis services, but, owing to valvular heart trou- 
ble, was honorably discharged before peace was declared. Two of 
his brothers, John, eighty years of age, and August, seventy years 
of age, are living in Dubuque. Mr. Wunderlich died June 7, 1903, 
and is buried in Linwood cemetery. Elizabeth Wunderlich, his 
widow, was born September 6, 1840, and for sixty-four years has 
resided in Dubuque. She vividly recollects pioneer times in this 
city, and recalls the time when, as a little child, she played with 
the Indian children, subsequently trying to go away with the Indians 
upon their final removal. 

Henry J. Wunderlich was born in Dubuque, June 22, 1862, 
attending the grammar schools in early youth, and when fifteen 
years of age entered the employ of the Dubuque Cabinet Makers' 
Association, of which his father was president and general man- 
ager. He thus continued twenty years, mastering all the details 
of the business, and then, in partnership with his father, established 
the present firm of Wunderlich & Son. Mr. Wunderlich is one of 
the practical, conservati\e and up-to-date business men of Dubuque, 
and, as was his father before him, is accounted one of the repre- 
sentative and substantial citizens of the city. June 28, 1887, he 
was united in marriage with Miss Lilian Helena Jungk, whose par- 
ents were among the old well-known settlers of this locality. Eight 
children have been born to this union, as follows : Henry Ernst, 
Otto L., Norman M., Martha N., August Harrison, Loraine E., 
Naomi, and Helen. 

Isaac W. Baldwin, deceased, was one of the prominent figures 
in Dubuque county during his time and was particularly well known 
in eastern Iowa and Illinois. He was born January 31, 1835, ^^ 
Blair, County Waterloo, Canada West, a son of William and Mary 
(Sclilichter) Baldwin. His parents moved to Saginaw, Michigan, 
in 1846, and from there to Cascade, Iowa, at the early date of 
1853. William Baldwin was a tanner and currier by trade, but for 
the most part after coming to Iowa followed farming. When a 



530 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

young man, Isaac W. Baldwin went to Galena, Illinois, and there, 
from 1854 to 1866, was assistant postmaster. For some consider- 
able time he was proprietor of the De Sota House, a famous stop- 
ping place for notables of that day, and here, in 1865, he gave the 
farewell banquet to General Grant, at which were present General 
Oglesby, General Logan, Governor Cullom, Hon. E. B. Washburn, 
Hon. Jesse K. Dubois and others who were famous at that time. 
At Galena, on November 17, i860, he married Helen Mackay and 
the children born to this union were named Bruce L., Waltenham 
E., Maud M., Charles D. and Helen M. The mother died Januarv 
17, 1872. She was the daughter of General Aeneas Mackay, an 
officer of the United States army from 1812 to 1850, and a grand- 
daughter of Major Thomas C. Le Gate, U. S. A. Shortly after 
the close of the war Mr. Baldwin moved to St. Louis, but in 1868 
removed permanently to Cascade, Iowa, and in June, 1877, became 
editor and proprietor of the Cascade Pioneer. September 23, 1874. 
he married Jean Hays McGregor, of Dubuque, and by her became 
the father of six children: Mae Bernice, Frank L., Maggie, 
Birdina, Evelyn, and Rolland J., the two eldest daughters dying in 
infancy. Mr. Baldwin was a forceful writer and matle the Pioneer 
one of the well-known publications of this section of the state. He 
figured actively in politics and was a Democrat. For years he 
served as justice of the peace, and in addition to the other official 
positions held served as representati\-e from Dubuque county in 
the General Assembly of 1884 and 1886, and was elected senator as 
an independent Democrat in the fall of 1893. He had served half 
his term when he died, February 9, 1895. 

Charles Dunn Baldwin, son of Isaac W. Baldwin, whose 
biography immediately precedes this, was born at Elk Grove, La 
Fayette county, Wisconsin, October 2, 1867, and came to Cascade 
with his parents in 1868. He attended the public schools of this 
\illage until the fall of 1883, when he entered the office of the 
Cascade Pioneer and worked in every department of the trade and 
business. In June, 1894, he purchased the newspaper from his 
father and has conducted the same up to the present time as editor 
and proprietor. On May 24, 1899, he was united in marriage with 
Miss Frances Fagan, daughter of James F. Fagan, of Cascade. 
They have two children: Helen Gertrude, born September 21, 
1900, and Howard Charles, born August i. 1904. Mr. Baldwin 
was recorder of the town of Cascade from 1892 to 1895, and the 
first public measure advocated by the paper in his hands was the 
construction of the waterworks system, helping to inaugurate the 
movement in 1894, in the fall of which year the election for the 
same was carried. In political views Mr. Baldwin, like his father 
before him, is a Democrat. 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 531 

Richard Kolck, proprietor of the wholesale notion concern at 
779-783 Iowa street, is a native of Germany, his birth occurring 
April 26, 1849, at Diilmen, Province of Westphalia. His parents, 
Carl and Philippine Kolck, were also born in that country, and 
there died, the father in 1867, and the mother in 1892 at the age of 
eighty-seven. After attending the public and high schools of 
Diilmen, Richard Kolck spent two years and a half as bookkeeper 
for a local concern and then emigrated to America with a view 
to making this country his future home. He came to Dubucjue in 
1870 and became a salesman for the firm of Glover & Sinnock, now 
the H. B. Glover Company, which position he held until embarking 
in business on his own account at the corner of Seventh and Main 
streets. His business prospered and he was eventually forced to 
seek larger quarters at 776 Main street, and there remained until 
1892, adding also the wholesale department. In March, 1897, he 
was again obliged to change, and four years later removed to his 
present address. Aside from the above mentioned business interests 
he is a director of the Citizens' State Bank and of the Dubuque 
Casket Company, and director and one of the owners of the Du- 
buque Sharpshooters' Park. In religion he is an adherent of the 
Roman Catholic faith. April 23, 1874, at Dubucjue, he was united 
in marriage with Miss Mary Kley, and to them two sons and one 
daughter have been born, namecl, Martha B., a graduate of the 
Dominican Convent Academy of Wisconsin, William R., traveling 
for his father, and Richard, Jr., ofifice man of the firm. Mrs. 
Kolck is the daughter of William and Elizabeth Kley, her father 
having been one of the founders of the old furniture company 
which occupied the quarters now used by the Dubuque Casket Com- 
pany. He and his wife were of German nativity and after commg 
to this country first located at Haverstraw, New York, where they 
engaged in the furniture business. In 1857 they came to Dubuque, 
and here the father died in 1888, aged fifty-three years, and now 
lies at rest in Linwood- cemetery. The mother still survives and 
makes her home with the subject of this sketch. 

Henry L. Dehner, president of the Cascade State Bank, was 
born February 24, 1855. He is a son of Henry and Mary E. 
(Kirner) Dehner, who were natives of Hohenzollern and Baden, 
Germany, respectively. Henry Dehner, the father, viras a son of 
John Dehner, his mother's maiden name being Kanontz, and he was 
one of seven children. He received his education in his native 
country and came with his parents to America, first locating in Ohio, 
where he married. Subsequently he moved to Carroll county, 
Indiana, and there followed farming until his removal to Cascade, 
Iowa, in 1855. He was hard working and frugal, and eventually 
became the owner of a large tract of land which he brought up to 
a high state of cultivation. He was a Democrat in politics but 



532 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

never aspired to office holding. Aside from his love of home and 
the improving of his property, his chief pride and consolation was 
his affiliation with the Roman Catholic church, of which he was a 
devout member. He died in 1883, when seventy years old, fol- 
lowed by his widow in 1894. They were the parents of six chil- 
dren, of whom the subject of this sketch, Mrs. Sophia H. Glynn 
and Miss Mary A. Dehner, survive. Henry L. Dehner was reared 
on his father's farm, attended the local schools and finished his 
education by being graduated at Notre Dame University, South 
Bend, Indiana, in 1876. He started out in life for himself as a 
farmer on the old homestead, but finally purchased a tract of 200 
acres, which he farmed, and on which he engaged in stock raising. 
In 1886 he became an official of the Cascade bank, and upon its 
reorganization as the Cascade State Bank in 1906, he was elected 
its president and lias since served as such. In 1889 he married Miss 
Mary Candy, who was born in November, i860, the daughter of 
Nicholas and Elizabeth (Less) Candy. Mr. and Mrs. Dehner are 
members of the Roman Catholic church. 

Capt. Thomas Levens died in July, 1883. He was early engaged 
in lead mining, but about 1843 located in Dubuque and became the 
owner of some of the best mines of this region. His lode of 1851 
on the first day of hoisting yielded 127,000 pounds of ore and was 
then worth $26 per thousand pounds. He was interested in the old 
ferry company when the boats were Peosta and A. L. Gregoire. 
He was for a time captain of the steamer Franklin No. 2. He left 
a widow, two sons and a daughter. 

CoL. Joseph B. Dorr was born in Erie county. New York, in 
1823. He was educated at the Hamburg Academy and the West- 
field Seminary. In 1847 he came west to Jackson county, Iowa, and 
the following year became editor of the Jackson County Democrat. 
In 1852 he came to Dubuque and secured an interest in the Herald 
and thus continued, associated with D. A. Mahony, until i860, when 
he sold out, and upon the outbreak of the rebellion took an active 
stand in the support of the administration of Mr. Lincoln. He was 
quartermaster in the Twelfth Iowa Regiment, was captured at 
Shiloh, confined at Montgomery, Alabama, but escaped and reached 
the Union lines. He then became colonel of the Eighth Iowa Cav- 
alry and was again captured near Atlanta. On May 28, 1865, he 
died at Macon, Georgia. He was a war Democrat of pronounced 
type. He was brought to Dubuque and buried with great honor 
by the Masons and soldiers. 

Joseph Andrew Rhomberg, deceased, than whom, perhaps, no 
man ever did more toward the growth and development of the city 
of Dubuque, was a native of Austria, his birth occurring January 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 533 

12, 1833, at Dornbirn, Province of Vorarlberg. Early in life, real- 
izing the advantages to be had in America, Mr. Rhomberg immi- 
grated to this country with a view to making it his future home, 
and in 1854 first came to the city of Dubuque. Here he became 
widely known as a builder of railroads and various other large con- 
cerns. He, with J. K. Graves and others, built the Chicago, Du- 
buque & Minnesota, and the Chicago, Clinton & Dubuque lines, 
these two now being known as the Dubuque division of the Chicago, 
Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad, and also constructed the Austin & 
Northwestern line, in Texas, now part of the Houston & Texas 
Central system. He was one of the builders, and for twenty-two 
years half owner and ten 3'ears sole owner (1867-1899), of the 
Dubuque Street Railway, but later sold to Messrs. Linehan and 
Molo, who in turn disposed of it to the Union Electric Company. 
Mr. Rhomberg and Mr. J. K. Graves erected the Chicago, Milwau- 
kee & St. Paul shops in Dubuque, and on the avenue now bearing 
his name Mr. Rhomberg planted the trees leading to Eagle Point. 
In 1866 he built the Dubuque distillery, which in 1873 was con- 
verted into the Iowa Pacific Flour Mill, and which property is now 
occupied by the Dubuque Star Brewery. Mr. Rhomberg, during 
his residence here, was more or less prominently identified with 
various other enterprises, but from the above brief review of his 
achievements it may readily be determined that he was one of the 
most prominent of the pioneer business men and an important factor 
in the advancement and progress of the city of his adoption. On 
May 17, 1897, death halted his career, but he achieved much, and 
with his passing, the city of Dubuque lost a true and loyal citizen. 
His wife, Catherine, who was born May 31, 1831, still survives, 
and is happy at the great age of eighty years. 

James W. Bevan, retired farmer and stock raiser, now residing 
in the village of Cascade, is the only member of his father's family 
living in the United States. He was born in Monmouthshire, Eng- 
land, and is one of ten children born to Thomas and Eliza (Wil- 
liams) Bevan, who were English farmers. His early life was passed 
after the manner of the average boy, and being of an enterprising 
turn of mind he concluded that his opportunities for success in life 
would be greatly enhanced in a new country. When twenty-one 
years old he decided to go to New Zealand, but was persuaded by a 
friend to come to America instead. In company with five others 
he first located in Wisconsin and for twenty-one years was engaged 
in mining in the vicinity of Hazel Green. In 1863 he married Nancy 
Agnes Glascoe, a native of Virginia, and the daughter of William 
and Mary (Ford) Glascoe, who were of revolutionary parentage. 
In 1878 Mr. Bevan and family moved to Hazel Valley, in White 
Water township, Dubuque county, Iowa, and established a home 
upon a farm in section 7, known as the Burr Oak farm. This 



534 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

property, by judicious management, he brought to a high state of 
cultivation and improvement. Tiring of the active work of the 
farm, he moved to Cascade in 1908, where he has since resided. 
Mr. Bevan is liighly regarded by his neighbors as an honest man 
and citizen. Nine children have been born to him and wife, as 
follows: John Williams, died in 1901, aged thirty-seven years; 
Francis, farming in Iowa; Mary Ann, married, and lives in Iowa; 
Virgil Milton, whose home is at Farley, Iowa ; Lula, the widow of 
John Higgs, resides in Cascade; Agnes May, the wife of William 
Severns, of Farley: James T., living at home: Pearl Vivian, now 
Mrs. Frank Inganella : and Leon Odell, who married Mrs. J. C. 
Myers, and resides in Pennsylvania. Mrs. Bevan is a member of 
long standing of the Presbyterian church. 

Alphons L. Rhomberg, president of the Dubuque Star Brew- 
ing Company, and a man whose career has been intimately inter- 
woven with the commercial interests of Dubuque, is a native of this 
city, his birth occurring November 2, 1857, and the eldest of four 
sons born to the old pioneer, Joseph A. Rhomberg, and wife, Cath- 
erina, appropriate mention of whom is made elsewhere in this pub- 
lication. Alphons Rhomberg received his early education in the 
public and parochial schools of Dubuque, and later entered the 
Christian Brothers' College, now known as the Sacred Heart Col- 
lege, at Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. He then went abroad and 
pursued his studies in the institution known as Stella Matutina, at 
Feldkirch, Austria, after which he returned to America and for a 
year had charge of a silver mine in Park county, Colorado. He 
then came back to Dubuque and established himself in the wholesale 
wine business on Main street, manufacturing also an artificial cham- 
pagne, from 1879 to 1881. In 1884 he journeyed south to Texas 
and for three years occupied the position of general superintendent 
of the Austin & Northwestern railroad, built and partly owned by 
his father. In 1887 this road was sold to the Houston & Texas 
Central Railway Company, but Mr. Rhomberg remained in Texas 
until 1895, engaged in the buying and selling of Texas land. He 
platted Aspermont, from which the name Rhomberg is derived, 
and which town is the county seat of Stonewall county, and also laid 
out the village of Clairemont, the county seat of Kent county. 
Upon his subsequent return to Dubuque Mr. Rhomberg associated 
himself with his father in the management of the Dubuque Street 
Railway, remaining thus until it was sold by them. In 1900 he 
became one of the organizers of the Eagle Point bridge, which 
crosses the Mississippi river to Wisconsin, and until 1907 was 
president of same. In March, 1910, he became president of the 
Dubuque Star Brewing Company, and has since been thus con- 
nected. In religious views Mr. Rhomberg is of the Roman Cath- 
olic faith, being a member of St. Mary's church, and socially is 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 535 

identified with the Dubuque Club. He is residing with his mother 
in the old Rhomberg homestead on West Seventh street. 

Alphonse J. Rhomberg, vice-president of the wholesale liquor 
firm of Rhomberg Brothers Company, was born in the city of 
Dornbirn, Province of Vorarlberg, Austria, January, 1872, and is 
the youngest son of Jacob and Rosina Rhomberg. appropriate men- 
tion of whom appears elsewhere in this publication. Our subject 
received his education in the public and high schools of his native 
country, and in 1888, when but sixteen years old. came to America 
and joined his brother. Frank M.. in Dubuque. For about three 
years he was connected with his uncle's furniture establishment in 
St. Paul. Minnesota, but then returned to Dubuque and in partner- 
ship with his brother embarked in the wholesale wine and liquor 
business on Main street. They started out in a small way. but by 
conscientious dealings with the people built up a large and profit- 
able business, and in time were forced, for want of capital, to form 
a company and issue stock. Their concern is now known as Rhom- 
berg Brothers Company, and its remarkable success is due to the 
excellent business management of Messrs. Rhomberg. A goodly 
portion of Mr. Rhomberg's time is spent in traveling throughout 
Europe, as his health requires. He is an active member of the 
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and in religion is an 
adherent of the Roman Catholic faith. In 1900, at Dubuque, he 
was united in marriage with Miss Gebhardina Kopf, daughter of 
John and Catherine Roesch, and to them one son, Armin, has been 
born, now in Europe. 

James L. Conlin, mayor of the village of Cascade, a director 
in the Cascade bank, retired fanner, stock raiser and real estate 
dealer, was born at Lexington, Kentucky. John Conlin, his father, 
was a native of County Leitrim, Ireland, and came to the United 
States when a young man, making the passage across the ocean in 
a sailing vessel. At the time of his arrival the South was holding 
out inducements for the better class of deserving settlers and Mr. 
Conlin was attracted to the Blue Grass region of Kentucky. He 
located at Lexington and was there engaged in contracting many 
years. In 1843 he married Ellen Sherman, and died in 1847 when 
a comparatively young man. Three children were born to this mar- 
riage: Thomas, who died from the effects of gun shot wounds 
received in the Confederate service; James L., the subject of this 
sketch, and John, a resident of Dubuque county. Mrs. Conlin sub- 
sequently married James Lavin, who died in 1863, and they were 
the parents of Sarah, Ella, Margaret and Luke. In 1857 the family 
moved to this county and eventually established a permanent home 
on section 18. in White Water township. Here the mother passed 
away in 1905, at eighty-two years of age. James E. Conlin received 



536 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

his early schooling at Lexington, Kentucky, and when a young man 
learned the saddlery and harness business in Iowa, following this 
occupation in various localities of this state and in Kentucky and 
Tennessee. He then returned to Cascade, Iowa, and embarked in 
the drug trade, and later in general merchandizing. Eventually he 
retired from mercantile pursuits and engaged extensively in buying 
and selling land, at which he had been unusuallv successful. For 
half a century Mr. Conlin has been identified with the growth, 
development and prosperity of Cascade and has witnessed the prog- 
ress of the place from a small hamlet to its present proportions. 
There have been few public enterprises tending toward the general 
good that have not had in him a warm supporter. He was one of 
the original six first directors of the Cascade bank, and since its 
organization has always been on the directory. In politics he is a 
Democrat, and in addition to holding various other positions of 
honor and trust, has served three terms as mayor of the village. 
Mr. Conlin married Miss Ann Finn, whose family is prominently 
mentioned elsewhere in this work, and to them have been born these 
children ; Jenemine ; John Thomas, cashier of the Farmers and 
Merchants' Bank, Cascade: Sabina, the wife of William J. O'Brien; 
Gertrude, now Mrs. John Miller; and Bertha, who married Edward 
Foley, and resides in Jones county, Iowa. The family are of the 
Roman Catholic faith in religion. 

Titus E. Rhomberg, secretary, treasurer, manager and director 
of the Iowa Coffin Company, was born in the city of Dubuque, 
March i8, 1865, the youngest son of Joseph Andrew and Catherina 
Rhomberg, who came to Dubuque in 1852 and did much toward its 
advancement and progress. Appropriate mention of the elder 
Rhomberg appears elsewhere in this work. His son, Titus E., the 
immediate subject of this memoir, was educated in the public and 
parochial schools of this city, also St. Joseph's College, which latter 
institution he left to attend Canisius College, at Buffalo, New York. 
He then went abroad and for five years studied in the Royal Saxon 
School of Mines, Freiburg, Saxony, but in 1891 returned to Du- 
buque and later went to Argentine, Kansas, as assayer and chemist 
for the Kansas City Smelting & Refining Company. There he 
remained but a short time because of ill health, and then came back 
to Dubuque, where after recuperating he became associated with the 
Dubuque Street Railway, controlled by his father, and remained 
thus until same was disposed of. This line has since made several 
changes, but is now being operated by the Union Electric Company. 
In 1899 Mr. Rhomberg acquired by purchase an interest in the 
Iowa Coffin Company and has since been identified with this con- 
cern, the largest of its kind in the state. He is also a director of 
the Citizens' State Bank. Although favoring the policies of the 
Republican partv, his vote is usually independent and cast in favor 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 537 

of good men regardless of party afifiliation. In religious views he 
is of the Roman Catholic faith, being a member of St. Mary's 
church; socially he is identified with the Catholic Order of For- 
esters and the Dubuque Club. January 9, 1899, in Dubuque, he was 
united in marriage with Miss Mamie E. Simones, daughter of 
Joseph and Victoria Simones, the father being the founder of the 
Iowa Cofifin Company. Mr. Simones passed away November 17, 
1893, at the age of forty-seven years, but his widow still survives, 
aged sixty-one, and resides in this city. To Mr. and Mrs. Rhom- 
berg the following named children have been born : Joseph Andrew, 
attending St. Mary's parochial school ; Albin Anthony, attending 
same ; Edward Bideaux ; Ludmilla Athalia ; Victoria Marie, and 
Louis Alphons. The family residence is on Prospect Hill and was 
erected by Mr. Rhomberg. 

William Baird, well-known throughout southwestern Dubuque 
county, was born May 26, 1841, and is a son of William Baird, for 
whom he was named. The elder Baird was born in County Tyrone, 
Ireland, in the year 1800. He emigrated to Canada in 1828, and 
two years later went to Philadelphia, where for a period of thirty 
years he was engaged in cotton manufacturing. Owing to the finan- 
cial panic of 1857 he was compelled to give up that line of endeavor, 
and that year came to Dubuque county, Iowa, and bought a farm 
of 160 acres in section 30, White Water township. He was a man 
of superior intelligence and strong character. For fifty years he 
was a member of the United Presbyterian church, and he was one 
of the prime movers in the establishment of a church of that denom- 
ination in Cascade. He died in 1883. While in Philadelphia, on 
October 24, 1832, he married Jane Buchanan, a native of County 
Tyrone, Ireland, who died in 1882 at the age of seventy-six years. 
Their children were : Ann Jane, born September 4, 1833, ^'^^ Ju"^ 
29, 1834 ; James, born November 3, 1834, noted for his great interest 
in the Masonic fraternity, having been secretary of the local lodge 
thirteen years, served during the Civil war as a member of Com- 
pany I, Twenty-first Iowa Volunteer Infantry, died at Freeport, 
Illinois, in 1904; Margaret, born on Christmas day, 1836, died 
November 4, 1839; William, the subject of this sketch; Robert, 
born January 6, 1843, died October 2, same year; Mary Ann, born 
April 3, 1849, died November 21, 1853; Margaret (2), born Octo- 
ber 12, 1844, now living with her brother, William; Robert, born 
March 6, 1851, died February 2, the following year. William 
Baird, the one whose name heads this sketch, has never inarried, but 
resides with his sister, Margaret. He has always followed farming 
and stock raising as an occupation, but in 1909 moved into the vil- 
lage of Cascade, where he and his sister have since lived retired 
from the more active duties and cares of life. Fifteen years ago, 
when the old United Presbyterian church at Cascade was reorgan- 



538 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

ized as a Presbyterian church, Mr. Baird was one of its chief sup- 
porters. He is a Repubhcan and for twenty-seven years served as 
secretary of the independent school district of East Cascade, and 
since the introduction of the AustraHan ballot system in this coun- 
try has been clerk of election. 

Henry Kiene, president of the C. A. & N. railroad, and secre- 
tary and treasurer of the Glasser Tobacco Company, was born in the 
city of Dubuque, January 21, 1859, a son of the old pioneer, Peter 
Kiene, appropriate mention of whom is made elsewhere in this work. 
After attending the public schools our subject entered and was duly 
graduated from the Bayless Business College, and succeeding this 
was , for a time connected with his father's loan and real estate 
establishment. Later he was associated in business with his brother, 
Peter Kiene, Jr., but in 1878 removed to Sioux City. Iowa, and 
for a period of eleven years successfully followed the live stock 
industr}'. In 1889, however, he disposed of his interests and went 
to Aha Vista, Iowa, where he established the Alta Vista Savings 
Bank. At that place he also operated a lumber yard, a mercantile 
establishment, and engaged in the raising of cattle, spending eleven 
years thus engaged. Mr. Kiene then returned to his native city and 
has ever since been prominently identified with the growth and 
development of Dubuque. Since 1900 he has been engaged in the 
handling of western land, principally throughout Minnesota and 
the Dakotas, in which states he is a heavy holder of real estate. 
Socially he is a member of the Masonic fraternity, being a Knight 
Templar Mason and a member of the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles 
-of the Mystic Shrine, and is also identified with the Dubuque Men's 
and Dubuque Country Clubs. To his marriage with Miss Mary 
Mielke, daughter of Henry and Caroline, solemnized at Sioux City, 
July 17, 1884, two children were born; Frank, who died in 1900 at 
the age of twelve years, and Adeline, now the wife of Frank C. 
Keesecker, a druggist of Dubuque, who has one child, Francis, two 
years old. Mr. Kiene is one of the representative inen of Dubuque, 
takes an active interest in local public affairs of importance, and, 
like his father before him, has made life a success. He resides at 
118 Broadway. 

George W. Craft, retired farmer and a director of the Farm- 
ers & Merchants' Bank at Cascade, is a native of Linn county, Iowa, 
and a son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Schaefifer) Craft. Samuel 
Craft was born in Pennsylvania and was reared, educated and 
married in Ohio. In company with his young wife and brother, 
John, who married Julia Schaeffer, he left Ohio for Iowa on the 
last day of April, 1852, and after innumerable hardships arrived in 
Cascade and established a home on the present site of the City hotel. 
Mr. Craft was a wagon maker and carpenter, an occupation he fol- 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 539 

lowed for a considerable length of time, but later he obtained a 
tract of land in Linn county on which he built a log cabin, the first 
in that locality. He lived there about five years, then moved to 
White Water township, this county, and eventually settled on land 
in section 25, at the junction of the West Liberty and Galena wagon 
roads, about one mile east of Fillmore. He died in 1894, and his 
wife in 1889, aged sixty-eight and sixty-one years, respectively. 
George W. Craft lived with his parents until twenty-two years old, 
during which time he attended the public schools and aided in the 
work of the home place. Having purchased land on section 25 
adjoining that of his father, he continued to reside there, engaged in 
agricultural pursuits until 1899, when he moved to the village of 
Cascade. Here he and his sister, Julia, now make their home. Li 
political views Mr. Craft is independent, believing that the best 
interests of the country can be conserved by voting for men and 
measures regardless of the name of party. He has served as justice 
of the peace, and for twenty-seven years has been a member of the 
Ancient Free and Accepted Masons at Cascade. He is a Baptist in 
religion, and his influence and support are always enlisted for the 
public good. 

John A. Kerper, secretary of the Peter J. Seippel Lumber Com- 
pany since its inception, was born near New Vienna, Dubuque 
county, on December 17, 1873, and is a son of Bernard and Mary 
Magdalena (Steil) Kerper. The father was the son of John and 
Mary Kerper and came with them to America in 1852, when they 
located on a farm near New \'ienna, which he cleared and culti- 
vated ; he is at present residing in New Vienna at the age of sixty- 
four years. After attending tlie district schools John A. Kerper 
entered the Northern Illinois Normal School. He then completed 
his studies with a course in the Dixon Business College, which he 
left in 1 89 1. The following three years he worked on his father's 
farm, then went to Farley and became a bookkeeper and salesman 
for the George McGee Lumber and Farm Implement Company, 
remaining thus employed until 1896. Succeeding this he was 
employed in a like capacity by the Meuser & Seippel Lumber Com- 
pany, East Dubuque, and when Mr. Seippel came to Dubuque Mr. 
Kerper came with him and they have been associated together in 
the lumber business ever since. The Peter J. Seippel Lumber Com- 
pany was incorporated on February 25, 1904, and Mr. Kerper was 
elected secretary thereof, and at present has an interest in the con- 
cern. He is independent in politics and is Grand Knight at the 
present writing of the Knights of Columbus, and a member of St. 
Raphael's Cathedral. To his marriage with Miss Angeline Mar- 
shall, solemnized in East Dubuque. September 26, 1891, three 
daughters, Bernice, Constance and Kathleen, have been born. Mrs. 
Kerper is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Marshall, who 



540 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

were descended from old French families. Mr. Marshall is residing 
in Rock Island, Illinois, is a blacksmith by occupation and a very 
worthy man. The Kerper home in Dubuque is located at 206 Bluff 
street. 

George L. Hein, secretary and treasurer of the Thomas J. Mul- 
grew Coal, Wood and Ice Company since its incorporation in 1904, 
is a native of Dubuque, and the son of Thomas and Dora Hein. 
Thomas Hein primarily worked for a teaming contractor, and upon 
coming to Dubuque in 1854 engaged in that line of business on his 
own account. He also for some time conducted a buffet in this city. 
When civil war threatened the disruption of the Union in the early 
sixties he enlisted in answer to President Lincoln's call for volun- 
teers in the Fifth Iowa Cavalry. During one of his engagements he 
suffered a broken leg and was forced to remain in a hospital until 
again fit for service. At the conclusion of the war he was honor- 
ably discharged, and immediately returned to Dubuque, where he 
followed contracting until his death in December, 1906, aged sixty- 
five years. The Hein family originate from Germany but for gen- 
erations have resided in America. Mrs. Hein is yet living and 
makes her home at 72^2 West Fifth street. George L. Hein, the 
subject of this review, attended the Dubuque public schools and in 
1 89 1 graduated from a course in Bayless Business College. Two 
years later he became a bookkeeper in the Mulgrew & Phillips Ice, 
Coal and Wood concern and held that position until the reorganiza- 
tion of the finn in 1904 as the Thomas J. Mulgrew Coal, Wood and 
Ice Company, at which time he was elected secretary and treasurer. 
He has since been thus associated, being also a director of the con- 
cern. Socially he is a member of the Eagles, Modern Woodmen of 
America and the Dubuque T. & B. M. Association. In February, 
1901, he married Miss Elizabeth Bedenbender, daughter of Freder- 
ick and Mary Bedenbender, and they have one daughter, Juanita, 
and one son, Elwyn, both attending the Irving school, in Dubuque. 
Mr. and Mrs. Bedenbender were pioneer settlers and farmers of 
Mosalem township, and there the former died in 1904. Mrs. Beden- 
bender is yet living and resides with Mr. and Mrs. Hein in their 
home at 492 Delhi street. 

Thomas Kelly died in May, 1867. He had been the owner of 
the beautiful bluff' and grove overlooking the city and bearing his 
name. For many years he had lived something of a hermit's life, 
but all respected him. He was well known by name to thousands 
who never saw him, and yet were his neighbors. He took no part 
in the prosperity of Dubuque, yet all had enjoyed his grove and 
bluff many times. He came here in 1833 and lived until death, a 
bachelor miner. He left several relatives in the county. He first 
came stealthily to Dubuque in 1832, as others did, and built a cabin, 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 541 

but was forced across the river by the soldiers. He first mined soutli 
of the ravine which became called Dodge street, but not meeting 
with success took possession of what became "Kelly's Blufif." It 
was the spot of an old Indian encampment. Alone he opened a 
shaft and in two days at a depth of fourteen feet raised 400 pounds 
of ore and the next day 1,000 pounds. He then staked off this 
"claim." He soon reached the main lode and it was sufficient to 
make him rich. In 1836 he brought his relatives on from Canada 
and in 1837 built a smelting furnace of his own on the bluff. It 
was yet standing in 1844. He lived partly in a cave or rocky shaft 
on his land and partly in one of his tenements. At the time of his 
death his property was variously estimated to be worth from $50,000 
to $200,000. He was exceedingly eccentric, and many extremely 
interesting incidents connected with his life here are recollected by 
very old settlers. Reports that he had buried large sums of gold on 
his property caused the formation of searching parties after his 
death, but their trespassing was ordered stopped by the city authori- 
ties. Later considerable gold was found. 

Nicholas M. Shaffer, the well-known nurseryman and farmer 
on section 27, Cascade township, comes from an ancestry of which 
he may well be proud. He is a son of Christopher and Margaret 
(Widner) Shaffer, and a grandson of Nicholas Shaffer. Nicholas 
Shaffer was a native of France, his birth occurring near the German 
border, and served as a soldier under the great Napoleon and Louis 
XVIII for eighteen years. He married Mary Barbara Kline and 
with her and their three children, Christopher, then seven years of 
age, Nicholas, who died at Cascade, Iowa, twelve years ago, and 
Mary, who died in 1906 in Jones county, Iowa, emigrated to the 
United States by way of New Orleans. He first located in Ohio, 
but later removed to Indiana, where he died in 1850, at the age of 
seventy-two years. Christopher Shaffer grew to manhood in this 
country. In 1856 he came to Dubuque county and located on the 
farm now resided on by the subject of this sketch, and was here 
engaged in general agricultural pursuits until 1873, at which time, 
with the aid of his son, he established also the present nursery busi- 
ness. He became widely known throughout all this section by rea- 
son of his fine farm and nursery, his specialty being the grape. He 
died in 1908, aged eighty-five years, but his widow survives him at 
the age of eighty-three and resides in the village of Cascade. Their 
children were: N. M. ; Hannah B., who married and lives in Kan- 
sas; Mary Jane, married, and resides in Kansas City; George H., a 
resident of Cascade ; Rosanna, married, and residing in Kansas 
City ; and Sarah Ann, married and making her home in Cascade. 
Nicholas M. Shaffer was born in Clinton county, Indiana, in 1848, 
and after attending the public schools in youth, learned paper mak- 
ing, and for five years traveled extensively. He then joined his 



542 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

father in the nursery business, at which he has ever since been 
engaged. In 1874 he married Catherine Moran, born March i, 
1854, at Dunkirk, New York, daughter of Patrick and Margaret 
(Maddigan) Moran, who were natives of Ireland. Patrick Moran 
came to the United States wlien nineteen years old, was a car- 
penter by trade, married at Dunkirk, New York, located at Cascade 
in 1856, and died in 1899. His parents, Dennis and Mary Moran, 
came from Ireland, but because of sickness at the port of New York 
they became separated and Mary Moran was never again heard 
from. Patrick Moran and wife were the parents of Nellie, Cath- 
erine, Mary, Henry, Maggie, James, Patrick, Dennis and John. To 
the marriage of Nicholas M. Shaffer and Catherine Aloran eleven 
children have been born, named, Margaret, Mary, Christopher, Wil- 
liam, Calista, Rose and Caroline (twins), Catherine, Sadie, Nich- 
olas and Isabella. Mr. and Mrs. Shaffer and their children are 
members of the Roman Catholic church. 

Joseph A. Meuser, lumberman, is one of the city's representa- 
tive business men. He is a son of William and Margaret Meuser, 
natives of Germany, and was born at Warren, Illinois, August 16, 
1865. In 1855 the father emigrated to America and located at 
Mineral Point, Wisconsin. In 1875 the family removed to Dubuque, 
the father engaging in business and being active in the affairs of the 
city to the time of his death, December 22, 1882. Hs widow yet 
survives him and resides at 2328 Couler avenue. After coming to 
this country in 1855 the father. William Meuser, became actively 
identified with its institutions and when the disruption of the Union 
was threatened he volunteered his services for its preservation. His 
military career was conspicuous for bravery and strict obedience to 
his superiors. He was a member of Company I. Second Wisconsin 
Infantry, which was a part of the historical "Iron Brigade." A tes- 
timonial of bravery, testifying that at the battle of Gettysburg he 
"advanced beyond any other and captured five prisoners" is prized 
very highly by the family as, indeed, it should be. 

After he removed to Dubuque in 1875, Joseph A. Meuser, th* 
immediate subject of this sketch, attended St. Mary's parochial 
school, continuing his studies at St. Joseph's College, Dubuque, and 
also taking a course at Bayless Business College. 

After leaving school he entered the employ of C. W. Robison, 
the lumberman, as bookkeeper, continuing thus about eight years. 
In 1887, in conjunction with Peter J. Seippel, he established the 
firm of Meuser & Seippel, doing a wholesale and retail lumber busi- 
ness at East Dubuque, Illinois. Prosperity crowned the efforts of 
the proprietors and from a small beginning it developed into one of 
the large lumber concerns along the Mississippi river. 

In 1896 the firm of Ott, Meuser & Co. was established at 
Dubuque, Iowa, doing a wholesale and retail lumber business, and 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 543- 

the firm of Meuser & Seippel, operating at East Dubuque, was 
dissolved. The business was continued under this ownership until 
1906, when Mr. Ott retired from the firm, the business being con- 
tinued by Meuser Brothers, operating, in addition to their Dubuque 
wholesale plant, a string of retail yards. In 1908 the firm consoli- 
dated their wholesale plant at Dubuque with that of the Peter J. 
Seippel Lumber Company and incorporated the Meuser Lumber 
Company, which company continues to operate the retail yards in 
Iowa, Wisconsin and Illinois. Mr. Joseph A. Meuser is president 
of the Meuser Lumber Company, and treasurer of the Peter J. Seip- 
pel Lumber Company. Besides being active in these companies, 
Mr. Meuser is interested in other Dubuque enterprises and his policy 
has been to aid and build them up. He is also one of the organizers 
of the East Dubuque Savings Bank and holds the position of vice 
president. Mr. Meuser is a Democrat but does not take an active 
part in party politics and invariably votes for the man rather than 
the party. 

He is a member of St. Mary's congregation of the Roman Cath- 
olic church and is a member of the Dubuque Club and several benev- 
olent organizations. October 4, 1893, he was united in marriage 
with Rose Mary Beck, daughter of William and Mary A. Beck, 
early settlers in Dubuque. They have three sons, named, William 
Beck, Joseph A., and Alfred Francis. Mr. Meuser is one of the 
open, frank and whole-souled men it is a pleasure to meet. He is 
active in business, of untarnished reputation and a commanding 
figure in the civic and commercial affairs of the city. 

William B. Oneill, a veteran of the Civil war and a farmer 
and stockraiser of Cascade township, was born in New York city 
in 1840. His parents, William and Margaret (Byers) Oneill, were 
natives of County Dublin and County Cavan, Ireland, respectively- 
They came to America separately and were married in New York 
city and there Mr. Oneill worked at his trade of blacksmith for a 
time. He then with his family moved West, going by canal from 
Albany to Buffalo, thence by boat to Milwaukee and Chicago, and 
from there by stage to Galena. After a short stay at the latter 
place in a tavern kept by a Mr. Burns they continued by stage to 
Dubuque, and finally, in June, 1843, located on a farm near Garry 
Owen, in Jackson county, Iowa, where Mr. Oneill died in 1845, 
aged thirty-eight years. Mrs. Oneill married Nahum Green and 
bore him one daughter, Everetta, who married Henry Gill. In 
1852 the family moved to the place in Cascade township, now 
owned by the subject of this sketch. Mr. Green died in 1853, and 
his widow, for her third husband, married James B. Kittler, who 
died in 1869. Mrs. Kittler was born in 1815, and died December 
12, 1886, a Presbyterian in religious belief. William B. Oneill has 
passed the greater part of his life in Dubuque county, where he is 



544 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

universally respected. In 1861 he enlisted in Company H, Four- 
teenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and served until honorably dis- 
charged. He participated in the reduction of Fort Donelson and 
at the battle of Shiloh, on the first day's fight, was captured by the 
enemy and held a prisoner fifty-two days. He was paroled and 
passed to the Union lines at Chattanooga, and upon being exchanged 
rejoined his command July 12, 1862. He received a furlough to 
recuperate, and then was engaged in garrison duty and on detached 
service, mostly in Kentucky, until the beginning of 1864. He took 
part in the Red River expedition under General Banks, and was 
engaged in numerous encounters with the enemy in Louisiana, 
Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee, and on the 17th of November, 
1864, was discharged after serving three years and one month. 
Returning to Dubuque county after his military service, Mr. Oneill 
resumed farming. He married Mary Jane Breakey, daughter of 
John and Martha (Robinson) Breakey, in 1872, and to them have 
been born these children: Eliza (Mrs. George Wall); George: 
Mabel (Mrs. Jesse Green) ; William, married Blanche Sparks and 
resides in Washington, and Samuel, now in the Eighth United 
States Infantry. The parents of Mrs. Oneill were born and mar- 
ried in Ireland and came to the United States in 1846. They had 
these children : James ; Mary ; Andrew, a Civil war veteran ; Sarah ; 
Margaret, and Martha. James Breakey was a Civil war veteran : ht 
enlisted in Company E, First Minnesota Infantry, in 1861. Mr. 
Breakey came to Dubuque at an early period in its history and here 
engaged in lead mining. In 1855 he moved to a farm in Cascade 
township and there died in 1886, and his wife in 1880. He was 
one of thirteen children born to Isaiah and Jane (Hayden) Breakey. 
Martha (Robinson) Breakey was the daughter of James Robinson, 
who, with two brothers, Joseph and George, was engaged in tan- 
ning. William B. Oneill was engaged in farming near Fillmore 
twelve years, but after his marriage moved to his present place in 
1885 and has here resided ever since. He is a Presbyterian in 
religion, a Republican in politics and a member of the Masonic 
fraternity and of the Grand Army of the Republic. 

Richard D. Mullen, extensively engaged with his brother, 
Daniel P. Mullen, in the plumbing business in Dubuque, with offices 
and warehouse at 1036 Alain street, is one of the well known and 
successful business men of this city. Michael and Ellen Mullen, his 
parents, were of Irish ancestry, and the father, who died in 1889, 
at the age of sixty-five years, was a well known railroad contractor. 
His widow died in 1900, aged seventy-five years, and both are 
buried in Mount Olivet cemetery. Richard D. Mullen attended St. 
Patrick's Parochial School until twelve years of age, and at that 
youthful period began learning the plumbing business with !\Ior- 
rison Brothers. After completing his apprenticeship he continued 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 545 

with this firm four years, and with its successor an additional three 
years. In 1892 he organized the firm of Mullen Brothers, four 
brothers constituting the partnership, viz. : Richard D., John, 
Michael and Daniel P., and this continued unchanged until 1899, 
when, owing to the retirement of John and Michael, the present 
arrangement has obtained. The firm furnishes employment for 
about fifteen men and is one of the largest establishments of its 
kind in Dubuque. Mr. Mullen was born in this city January 16, 
1867. His entire life has been passed here and has the commenda- 
tion of all who know him. He is an adherent of St. Patrick's 
Roman Catholic church, is a member of the Benevolent and Pro- 
tective Order of Elks and a Knight of Columbus. In politics he 
is a Democrat. 

August L. Glaser, for the last ten years engaged in the floral 
and nursery business at Dubuque, was born in Stein, near Leipsic, 
Kingdom of Saxony, Germany, on December 15, 1850. Johann 
and Caroline Glaser, his parents, were also natives of that country, 
where they conducted a hotel, and there died in 1885, aged seventy- 
two years and sixty-nine years, respectively. Until his nineteenth 
birthday August L. Glaser attended the German public schools and 
then immigrated to America, landing at New York city. Shortly 
after landing he came West to Chicago and for about four years 
worked on a farm in the vicinity of that city. In 1876 he went to 
Des Moines, Iowa, and took a position in the greenhotise of a Mr. 
Peter Lambert, learning the profession thoroughly with a view to 
entering it on his own account. In 1886 he bought a farm near 
Grinnell, Iowa, but shortly thereafter disposed of same at a price 
far less than he had paid for it, and came to Dubuque, which he 
thought an unusually good commercial town. This was in the year 
1889. He was appointed by the board of directors of Linwood 
cemetery superintendent of the burial grounds, and satisfactorily 
held this position until 1901. He then bought a large tract of land 
in the city, having previously purchased an adjacent lot, and erected 
suitable hothouses and embarked in the nursery and floral business. 
By good management Mr. Glaser has succeeded in making his 
establishment the second largest of its kind in the city, and he 
enjoys a large and profitable local business. Politically he afiiliates 
with no particular party, and socially is identified with the Modern 
Woodmen of z'Xmerica, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the 
Independent Order of Odd Fellows and numerous other organiza- 
tions. May 2, 1879, in Dubuque, he married Miss Clara Riedl. 
daughter of George and Clara Riedl, pioneer settlers of Dubuque. 
Her father died in October, 1890, aged seventy-two years, and the 
mother in 1896, aged sixty-nine. To Mr. and Mrs. Glaser the 
following family of five sons and one daughter have been born : 
Leonora Frances, at home; Charles J., with father; Louis A. J., 



546 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

assisting father; Leo J., same; Julius G., attending Sacred Heart 
Catholic school; Clarence A. The family home is at 817 Windsor 
avenue. 

Henry Mueller, associated with August A. Schilling in car- 
penter contracting, Dubuque, since 1904, was born here on July 14, 
1876, and is a son of Andrew and Christine Mueller. Andrew 
Mueller was a native of Germany and came to America and 
Dubuque about i860, and here for years followed his trade of 
cooper. On April 23, 1909, he passed away and was buried in St. 
John's cemetery, Dubuque. His widow still survives and is at 
present residing in Chicago. Henry Mueller received his scholastic 
training in the Fifth ward (now Audubon) and German public 
schools, leaving in his fifteenth year, and then for a time worked 
with his father at the coopering business. He then learned carpen- 
tering and for ten years worked at the trade as a journeyman and 
was in the employ of F. W. Brunkow, of Dubuque. In 1904, in 
partnership with August A. Schilling, he embarked in the contract- 
ing business on his own account and has met with unusual success. 
He is a Republican in politics and a member of the Modern Brother- 
hood of America and of the German Methodist church. October 
16, 1900, in Dubuque, he was united in marriage with Miss Ella 
May Roschi, daughter of Adam Roschi, and to them have been 
born one daughter and one son, named : Helen, eight years old and 
attending school, and Ralph, five years old, attending kindergarten. 
The family residence in Dubuque is located at 395 Eagle Point 
avenue. 

Moses H. Martin, president of the Martin-Strelau Storage & 
Transfer Company, of Dubuque, is a son of George and Mary 
Martin, who came from Ireland to New York city and to Dubuque 
in the year 1854, at a time when this city was but fairly emerging 
from a small, unpretentious village to the more important position 
as one of the growing and promising cities of the great West. Here 
George Martin started in the teaming business in a small way, pros- 
pering and increasing in importance as time passed, and this was 
the foundation of the present business carried on by his son. He 
died in 1892, when seventy-four years old, followed by his widow 
one year later aged seventy-one years. Moses H. Martin was born 
in New York city on April 10, 1854, and came with his parents to 
Dubuque when an infant. He was here educated in the public 
schools and at the age of nineteen years began clerking in a hard- 
ware store. When free mail delivery was first established in 
Dubuque, Mr. Martin was appointed one of the carriers and this 
position he filled for eight years and four months. In 1881 he 
bought out his father's teaming business which he conducted alone 
until 1889, materially increasing the volume of business and to 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 547 

which he added various other important departments. So extensive 
had the business become that in the year last mentioned Paul E. 
Strelau became a partner under the present firm name and this 
condition has obtained up to the present. Mr. Martin is one of 
Dubuque's active and enterprising business men. He is a Presby- 
terian in religion, a Republican in politics, and a member of the 
Knights of Pythias and the Iowa Legion of Honor. On Christmas 
day, 1880, he married Miss Gussie E. Stelan, daughter of John 
and Emily Stelan, who were among the early settlers of this county. 
Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Martin, as follows : 
Florence A., a high school graduate; Frederick D., the publisher of 
a newspaper in New York city ; Mabel Harriet, a kindergarten 
teacher in the schools of Dubuque, and Harold Paul, now attending 
school. 

John Rankin, who died in Epworth, November 5, 1905, was 
deserving of much credit for the success he achieved in life through 
his own unaided efforts. He was born in 1833, in County Donegal, 
Ireland, the only son of James and Mary Rankin. When twenty 
years of age he immigrated to the United States and for three years 
made his home in Philadelphia. In 1856 he came to Dubuque 
county, Iowa, and engaged in farming and in buying and selling 
stock until August, 1861, when he enlisted in Company I, Second 
Iowa Cavalry. He was an active participant in all the movements 
and engagements of his command, and during his entire service of 
three years was off duty but three weeks, then being in the hospital. 
He was mustered out of service at Davenport, Iowa, in 1864 with 
the rank of corporal. Upon his return home he bought forty acres 
of land in North Dubuque, which he farmed and resided on for 
fifteen years. He then bought 200 acres about three miles east of 
Epworth, known as the Johnson farm, upon which he lived eight 
years. In 1902 he moved to Epworth, where he made his home 
until his demise. Mr. Rankin was a man of strong mentality and 
possessed the happy facult}^ of making and retaining friends. He 
was buried in High view cemetery under the auspices of the Grand 
Army of the Republic and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, 
to both of which orders he belonged. January 25, 1861, he married 
Miss Jessie Miller, who was born April 6, 1844, in Glasgow, Scot- 
land, the youngest of ten children born to Michael and Margaret 
Miller. Michael Miller died in the old country about the year 1848. 
His widow married Robert M. McKinley and in 1849 the family 
came to America. They resided briefly in New York and Chicago, 
and in 185 1 came by wagon to Dubuque county, Iowa. Mrs. 
McKinley died in 1873 at the age of sixty-seven years. To Mr. and 
Mrs. Rankin two children were born : Margaret, single and residing 
at home, educated at and graduating from the Dubuque high school 
in 1884, attended Bayless Business College, and for nine years a 



548 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

teacher in tlie Dubuque schools; David, the second child, attended 
the public schools of Dubuque in boyhood, graduated from Epworth 
Seminary in 1902, graduated from Cornell (Iowa) College in 1906 
with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, then took a two years' course 
in the law department of Harvard University, removed to the state 
of Washington, successfully passed his state bar examination in 
1909, and is now practicing his profession in that state. Mrs. and 
Miss Rankin are memliers of the Methodist Episcopal church at 
Epworth. 

Thomas Smith, now living retired in Farley, was born No- 
vember 4, 1838, in Derbyshire, England, and when ten years old 
came with his parents, Thomas (after whom he was named) and 
Matilda (Hartshorn) Smith, to the United States. The family first 
resided in New Jersey, then moved to Pennsylvania, and from there, 
in 1872, removed to Dubuque county. Iowa, where the parents died. 
They had six children, of whom I'homas, the subject of this sketch, 
was the second. He left home when quite young and began for 
himself as a farm hand. He came to Iowa in 1856 and worked on a 
farm until the breaking out of the Civil war. In 1861 he enlisted 
in Company C, Ninth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and served three 
years, being honorably discharged at East Point, Georgia, Sep- 
tember 24, 1864, by reason of the expiration of his term of enlist- 
ment. Mr. Smith participated in fourteen battles, the more im- 
portant being the siege of Vicksburg, Pea Ridge and Atlanta. Upon 
the conclusion of his military career he returned to Iowa and for 
seventeen years conducted a butcher shop in Farley, finally turning 
the business over to a son-in-law. In many ways Mr. Smith is one 
of the most widely known men in this section of the county. He 
served as township constable several terms, as mayor of Farley at 
different periods, treasurer of the school board, for the last thirty 
years as justice of the peace, and for two years as notary public. 
He is a Republican in politics, an Episcopalian in religion and a 
member of the Grand Army of the Republic. February 11, i860, 
he married Miss Mary Bazeley, who was born in July, 1842, in 
Wisconsin. Three children were born to this marriage, named 
Harriet, the wife of G. W. King, of Maquoketa, Iowa ; Emma B., 
who is principal of the North Platte, Nebraska, high school, and 
Martha Matilda, who married Burton D. Heald, one of the well 
known men of Dubuque county. Mrs. Smith is a member of the 
Methodist Episcopal church. 

Burton D. Heald was bom at Farley, Iowa, February 21, 1867. 
Alonzo K. Heald, his father, was a native of Ohio, came to Iowa in 
1856, and after living near Manchester for a time came to Dubuque 
county and here resided until his death in December, 1909, at the 
age of seventy-five years. For a great many years he was engaged 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 549 

in merchandising here, and in this way became widely known. He 
was a man of unblemished reputation and character. In 1906 he 
retired from active business pursuits. After coming to Iowa he 
married Juliette Heath, a native of Ohio who is yet living, and 
they became the parents of eight children, the subject of this sketch 
being the fourth in order of birth. Burton D. Heald received his 
early education in the public schools and when twelve years old 
began clerking in his father's store. After attaining manhood he 
acquired an interest in the business and the firm name eventually 
became A. K. Heald & Son. After Mr. Heald retired the business 
was carried on under different partnerships until finally Burton D. 
Heald disposed of his interests therein, purchased a tract of land 
and has since followed general farming. He is the owner of the 
160-acre farm known as the Cottonwood farm and here he special- 
izes in dairying and raising Jersey cattle. In August, i88q, he was 
united in marriage with Miss Tillie Smith, daughter of Thomas 
and Mary (Bazeley) Smith, who are appropriately represented else- 
where in this work. Mrs. Heald was born July 28, 1869, ^^^ to 
her marriage with Mr. Heald three children have been born: Ardo, 
born July 17, 1890, a student of the Chicago Veterinary College; 
Glenn, born November 8, 1896, and Imogene, born May 11, 1905. 
Mr. Heald is a Republican, has served in various local positions of 
trust, and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and 
the Modern Woodmen of America. He is a stockholder and vice 
president of the Farley State Bank, and as one of the progressive 
farmers of the county erected the first silo in the community. Mr. 
Heald and family are Presbyterians in religion. 

Joseph L. Meyer, vice president and manager of the Thomas J. 
Mulgrew Company, is a native of Buffalo, New York, and a son of 
George and Mary Magdalena Meyer. George Meyer was a veteran 
of the Civil war, having served as a member of the Thirty-fourth 
New York Volunteer Infantry. He moved to Delaware countv, 
Iowa, when it was a new country, and there farmed for many years, 
subsequently coming to New Vienna, this county, where he lived a 
retired life until his death in 1903, at the age of eighty-three years. 
Mrs. Meyer died in 19 10. Joseph L. Meyer was reared to manhood 
in Delaware county and was there educated in the public schools. 
In 1885 he began clerking in a general store at New Vienna, owned 
by Jacob Kerper, and from 1888 to 1893 was general manager of 
the establishment. In the year last mentioned he came to Dubuque 
and for a number of years represented the H. B. Glover Company 
in northeastern Iowa. In 1904 he became one of the organizers of 
the Thomas J. Mulgrew Company, with which concern he has ever 
since been identified. Besides his interests in this corporation Mr. 
Meyer is the owner of 320 acres of land in Minnesota. He is a 
member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic church, the Knights of 



S50 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Columbus and the Modern Woodmen of America. On May 14, 
1889, he married Sophia H., daughter of Herman and Catherine C. 
Abeln, who were among the early settlers near New Vienna. Three 
children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Meyer, named Anthony 
H., Rosalie and Herman Lewis. 

Colonel D. E. Lyon, bj'^ reason of over half a century in the 
continuous and successful practice of law in Dubuque, and with 
due respect to all other lawyers, easily occupies a seat in the premier 
class of the bar of eastern Iowa. He was born in the state of New 
York in 1834, and, after attending the common schools, completed 
his literary training at Oberlin College. For four years thereafter 
he read law in the office of a practicing attorney, then took the state 
bar examination and stood fourth of nine successful applicants in a 
class of thirty-two, President Cleveland being a member of the 
same class. After visiting various parts of the United States he 
came to Dubuque in 1857, and for a period of fifty-four years has 
maintained offices for the practice of his profession at the corner of 
Fifth and Main streets. While his practice has been general, his 
success has been unusual, his unquestioned honesty, fairness, thor- 
ough knowledge of general law principles, and particular knowledge 
of the legal points involved in every case entrusted to him usually 
bringing a favorable decision to his cause. His energy, industry, 
patience, sagacity and intellectual compass and vitality made him an 
opponent to be both dreaded and respected in any case in which he 
was actively concerned. His legal career is indelibly stamped upon 
the records of Dubuque county, and his name is familiar in legal 
circles of this and neighboring states where he has been identified 
with many of the famous and important cases of the western courts. 

Colonel Lyon has been a consistent Republican in politics, and, 
while in no sense an office seeker, has held the position of surveyor 
of the port of Dubuque. During the Civil war he was recruiting 
officer, and was aide de camp on the staff of Governor Kirkwood. 
Although well past the allotted period of three score years and ten, 
he still retains unimpaired his remarkable mentality, physical vigor 
and keen interest in his profession and public events that have 
characterized his career. 

George T. Lyon, son of Colonel D. E. and Eunice A. Lyon, and 
associated with his father in the practice of law at Dubuque, was 
born in this city February 21, 1873, and is of English ancestry. 
His early education was obtained in the grammar and high schools 
of Dubuque, and his college training in the Upper Iowa University. 
In 1893 he entered the law department of the State University at 
Iowa City, and immediately upon his graduation therefrom, in 
1895, embarked in the practice with his father, confining his work, 
largely, to corporation law. He is a Republican in politics and ib> 
now serving his second term as city attorney. Socially he belongs 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 55.' 

to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Modern 
Woodmen of America. On June 10, 1896, Mr. Lyon wedded Miss 
Sarah J., daughter of John and Magdalena Boleyn, old residents ot 
Dubuque, and to this union five daughters ha\e been born, named 
Eunice T., Ruth B., Abbie, Georgia M. and Lois. 

Harvey Hirons, farmer, residing on his farm of fifty acres on 
section 10, Taylor township, was born in Dubuque county, Iowa, 
August 31, 1S58. His parents, William J. and Nancy J. (Hartley) 
Hirons, were natives of Virginia and Pennsylvania, respectively. 
They were married in the latter state and in the spring of 1858 
moved to Dubuque county, Iowa, and here engaged in farming. 
In 1880 they removed to Sac county, Iowa, where Mr. Hirons died 
in 1 9 10 when in his seventy-seventh year. He was an ardent 
Republican and a charter member of the Epworth Lodge of Odd 
Fellows. Mrs. Hirons survives him in Sac county and is seventy- 
five years old. They were the parents of nine children, of whom 
the subject of this sketch is the oldest. Harvey Hirons received his 
early education in the public schools, supplemented with six terms 
(two years) at Epworth Seminary. August 30, 1882, he married 
Miss Mary H. Briggs, daughter of Thomas and Rebecca (Mann) 
Briggs, of whom appropriate mention is to be found in this publica- 
tion. Succeeding his marriage, Mr. Hirons engaged in fruit grow- 
ing for fifteen years, but since then he has followed general farming 
and stock raising. He is a Republican of the progressive class, has 
served as town recorder and a member of the council, and at the 
present writing is one of the executive board of Epworth Seminary. 
Mr. and Mrs. Hirons are actively identified with the Methodist 
Episcopal church. 

Thomas G. Briggs (deceased) was one of the early pioneers of 
Dubuque county, Iowa, having settled here at the early date of 1844. 
He was born in Maine, March 4, 1817, and during his early career 
was a sailor on the ocean. He married Lois, the daughter of James 
and Annie (Akely) Mann, and after coming to this country when 
it was wild and in a primitive condition, commenced farming and 
continued that occupation throughout the remainder of his life. 
His wife died in 1859, leaving him three children, but one of whom 
is now living. In i860 he married Rebecca Mann, a sister of his 
first wife, who was born in New York state, July 12, 1832, and 
came with her parents to Dubuque county in 1849. Six children 
were born to the second marriage, as follows: Mary H., now Mrs. 
Harvey Hirons; Theodore, died at the age of thirteen years; Laura, 
died aged eleven years; Thomas Howard, see sketch following; 
Otis, died when seven years old, and Edwin, who died in early 
manliood when thirty-one years old. Thomas G. Briggs was one 
of this county's best and most deserving citizens. Honest, indus- 



552 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

trious and a good neighbor in all that the term implies, he died 
June 6, 1893, universally respected. Mrs. Rebecca Briggs, his 
widow, resides in Epworth, and is a member of the Presbyteiian 
church. 

Thomas Howard Briggs, son of the old pioneers, Thomas G. and 
Rebecca (Mann) Briggs, was born in this county April 29, 1868. 
and is now living on his farm of 104 acres on section 10, Taylor 
township. He was educated in the public schools and at Epworth 
Seminar}'. In September, 1891, he married Martha Dell Wilson, 
daughter of James and Margaret (Wilson) Wilson, who were 
natives of Ireland and immigrated to this country and Dubuque 
county in 1839. Mr. Wilson died in November, 1907, aged eighty- 
eight years, and is survived by his widow, seventy-nine years old, 
who makes her home with a daughter in Kansas. Mr. and Mrs. 
Briggs have three sons: Harvey H., George E. and Wilson. They 
have also an adopted daughter, Laura Opal, born October 9, 1903, 
and who joined them in 1906. Mr. Briggs is a Republican and he 
and family are Methodists. 

John E. Maguire, M. D., has been actively and successfully 
engaged in the general practice of his profession in Dubuque since 
1893. ^^ ^^'^^ born in Dunleith, now East Dubuque, Illinois, on 
June I, 1870, and is a son of Thomas and Ellen (Groff) Maguire, 
pioneers of this section of the country. Thomas Maguire was a 
native of Enniskillen, County Fermanagh. Ireland, and came to the 
United States in 1849. Tie located in Dunleith, now East Dubuque, 
in i860 and has since been engaged in the mercantile business, being 
today one of the oldest active business men in that city. His wife 
died on February 21, 1896, aged forty-four years, and was laid at 
rest in East Dubuque. John E. Maguire, the immediate subject of 
this sketch, was educated in the Dubuque public schools, graduating 
from the high school in 1886. In 1893 he was graduated from the 
medical department of the State University of Iowa, at Iowa City, 
with the degree of Doctor of Medicine, and since then has prac- 
ticed his profession in Dubuque with offices at 353 Fifteenth street. 
He is a Democrat in politics and from 1895 to 1900 served as 
county physician. Socially he is a member of the Fraternal Order 
of Eagles, Knights of Columbus, Catholic Order of Foresters, 
Modern Woodmen of America, Modern Woodmen of the World, 
Court of Honor, and Royal Neighbors of America, and in religion 
is a member of St. Patrick's Roman Catholic church. On January 
8, 1901, the doctor was united in marriage with Miss Nellie Dever- 
eaux and they have one daughter, Ellen Marie. Mrs. Maguire is a 
daughter of Michael and Marie (Sullivan) Devereaux, natives of 
Ireland and residents of Iowa for many years. Dr. Maguire is one 
of the progressive members of his profession in Dubuque county. 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 553, 

George W. Stichler was but four j-ears old when his parents 
came to Dubuque county, Iowa, and settled on a farm in Taylor 
township, and has always resided in this locality. He was born 
December 10, 1850. at Sandusky, Ohio, his parents being John N. 
and Mary M. (Dunbar) Stichler, to whom were born three chil- 
dren. The spring of 1854, at the time the family came to Dubuque 
county, the country was for the most part wild and sparsely settled. 
The hardships and privations experienced by these early settlers was 
the common lot of all pioneers. The Stichlers were industrious and 
frugal and gradually prospered. In 1874, during an epidemic of 
typhoid fever, Mr. Stichler, his wife, his wife's mother who came 
with them from Ohio, and one son died from the ravages of this 
disease within six weeks' time. Upon arrival here Mr. Stichler 
bought thirty acres of land, for which he paid $300, but at the time 
of his death had increased his holdings to 320 acres. George W. 
Stichler is the only surviving member of his family, a sister having 
been burned to death when thirteen years old by accidentally catch- 
ing fire at the old fashioned open hearth. He attended school when 
a boy and helped his father in the work of the home farm. He 
continued agricultural pursuits after his father's death, but in 
March, 1910, removed to Epworth where he now resides retired 
from the more active duties of life. September 19, 1872, he mar- 
ried Miss Julia Crane, who was born March 21, 1850, and died June 
19, 1909, a daughter of Oliver Crane, who came to Dubuque county 
about the year 1847. To Mr. and Mrs. Stichler seven children have 
been born: Edith, wife of Frank Woods, of Jackson county, Iowa, 
the mother of two children: Walter, married Hannah Hinde and 
lives in Epworth; John A., died at the age of fifteen years; Harry 
O., killed by lightning when twenty-five years old ; Orphea M., living 
with her parents and whose twin sister, Olive M., died in infancy, 
and George C, single, resides with his parents and is the owner of 
320 acres of land in Dubuque county. Mr. Stichler is a Republican 
and for about thirty years has served as a member of the school 
board. He is a Methodist in religion and his wife is a Baptist. 

Joseph J. Rowan, Jr., since 1905 engaged in the general practice 
of medicine and surgery in Dubuque, is a native of this city, son of 
Joseph J., Sr., and Mary (Keenan) Rowan, and grandson of James 
Rowan. Both sides of the family have been active in the early 
struggles of this country. James Rowan, before coming to Du- 
buque, was a soldier in the Mexican war; the great-grandfather of 
the doctor's mother and six brothers served in one company during 
the War of the Revolution. Joseph J. Rowan, Sr., was born in 
Dub'ique, and here he became a well known clothing and dry goods 
merchant. The early education of Joseph J. Rowan, Jr., who was 
born \ugust 20, 1878. was acquired in the Prescott public and St. 



554 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Patrick's parochial schools, and he later attended Notre Dame 
University, South Bend, Indiana. He decided that he would study 
medicine and surgery and accordingly entered the medical depart- 
ment of the University of Pennsylvania, and in 1902 was duly 
graduated therefrom with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. For 
a tenn he served as resident physician in St. Mary's Hospital, Phila- 
delphia, and for two years was dispensary assistant, then returned 
to Dubuque and has here built up a large and lucrative practice. 
The doctor's offices are located at 11 10 Main street. He is a 
member of the Dubuque County, Iowa State and American Medical 
associations, and of St. Patrick's Roman Catholic church, the 
Knights of Columbus, Catholic Order of Foresters, Modern Wood- 
men of America, Independent Order of Foresters, Mystic Workers 
and the Woodmen of the World. To his marriage June 26, 1907, 
in Dubuque, with Miss Anna Cecelia Harrington, two daughters, 
Mary Virginia Rosanie and Charlotte Cecilia, and one son, George 
Robert, have been born. Mrs. Rowan is the daughter of Patrick 
M. and Anna (Morrow) Harrington, the father being a director of 
the Iowa State Bank and a pioneer settler of Dubuque. 

Prof. Perkins S. Slocum, principal of the Epworth Seminary, 
comes honestly by his profession, his parents, William S. and Ruth 
(Perkins) Slocum. both having had considerable experience in 
school teaching. He was born in Jones county, Iowa, in 1870, and 
aftei attending the public schools in early youth learned telegraphy 
at which he worked two years, and the succeeding three years was 
employed in a creamery at Wyoming. Having by this time s\if- 
ficient money with which to complete his education, he entered 
Epworth Seminary in 1889, from which he was graduated in 1892. 
Succeeding this he at once entered the Upper Iowa Conference of 
the Methodist Episcopal church on probation, and was appointed 
pastor of the Grandview Avenue church of that denomination at 
Dubuque. While here he decided to better his education and accord- 
ingly, in 1893, entered Cornell College, from which he was grad- 
uated with the class of 1896. He then resumed his ministerial 
labors as pastor of the First Methodist Episcopal church, at Clinton, 
Iowa. After about three years thus spent he became vice president 
of Morningside College, Sioux City, Iowa, but two years later and 
for two years thereafter took special educational courses at the 
Boston and Chicago universities. For the next two years he was 
minister of the Methodist Episcopal church, at Monticello, Iowa. 
Since that time he has been principal of Epworth Seminary, which, 
under his management, has sustained the high reputation of learning 
which it has always enjoyed. Prof. Slocum married Miss Amanda 
L. Hosford on January i, 1901, and they have one daughter, 
Sidonia Ruth. 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 555 

Isidore J. Plamcndon, Jr., secretary, treasurer and manager of 
the Dubuque Tanning & Robe Company, with factory and offices at 
32-38 S. Main street, was born in this city August 16, 1875, the son 
of Isidore, Sr., and Emily (Bordeaux) Plamondon. The family 
originally were natives of France and over 200 years ago two 
brothers immigrated to North America and located in Canada. 
Isidore, Sr., was born and reared in Quebec, Canada, and in 1865 
came South to the United States, first locating at Benton, Wis- 
consin, where he met and married Miss Bordeaux. She was a 
native of that place, and in April, 1884, when but thirty-nine years 
old, passed away. The elder Plamondon is a carpenter by trade 
and is at present employed in the Carr, Ryder & Adams sash, door 
and blind factory. Until thirteen years old Isidore J. Plamondon 
attended the Dubuque parochial schools, and then for four years 
worked for the Standard Lumber Company. He then became stock 
clerk m the James Forester overall factory, and succeeding this 
served four years as messenger boy, call boy and assistant book- 
keeper for the Illinois Central railroad. He then took a course in 
bookkeeping in Bayless Business College, and in April, 1898, went 
to Montreal, Canada, and for three years was employed by the 
Dominion Corset Manufacturing Company. About this time he 
returned to Dubuque and became a solicitor for the Chicago Record- 
Herald, later serving as carpenter in the frame department of Carr, 
Ryder & Adams Company. For four years thereafter he was head 
bookkeeper for the Peaslee Brewing Company, and in May, 1905, 
went to Denver, Colorado, and accepted a position as special report 
clerk and solicitor with the Denver Gas & Electric Company. Eight 
months later he returned to Dubuque, because of his wife's ill health, 
experimented in the raising of chickens and also accepted a position 
with the Dubuque Altar Manufacturing Company. In 1906 he 
began traveling for the H. H. Mehlop Cigar & Tea Company, but 
eighteen months later purchased an interest in the Dubuque Tan- 
ning & Robe Company, and has since remained with this concern, 
acting as secretary, treasurer, manager and a director. Mr. 
Plamondon is a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Catholic 
Order of Foresters and St. Columkill's Roman Catholic church. 
To his marriage with Miss Nellie McQuillan, solemnized in Du- 
buque, September 16, 1901, six children have been born, as follows; 
Zita M., born November 18, 1902, attending Visitation Academy ; 
John J., born September 18, 1904; Adjutor J., born October 5, 
1906, died when ten weeks old ; Edward J., born October 12, 1907; 
Charles J., born October 25, 1908, and Eleanor M., born Decem.ber 
14, 1909. The family residence is located at 484 Alta Vista street, 
Dubuque. Mrs. Plamondon is the daughter of John and Margaret 
McQuillan, the mother dying May 26, 1903, aged sixty years. Mi. 
McQuillan is yet living and resides in Dubuque. 



556 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

John S. Smead, for many years actively and prominently iden- 
tified with affairs in and around Epworth, was born just across the 
river from Dubuque in Grant county, Wisconsin, February 14, 1838. 
His parents, Horace and Cornelia (Farley) Smead, were natives of 
Vermont and Tennessee, respecti\'ely. and to their marriage, which 
occurred at Galena, Illinois, thirteen children were born, John S. 
bemg the sixth in the family. Horace Smead was a soldier of the 
War of 1812 and of the Black Hawk war, and was engaged in 
mining and smelting in Grant county. He was a wheelwright by 
trade and in 1868 moved from Grant county, Wisconsin, to 
Dubuque, where he lived eight years. He then bought 240 acres 
of land near Peosta, to which he moved in 1875, ^^'^ there passed 
the remainder of his days, death occurring on December 27, 1876, 
at the advanced age of eighty-two years. He was one of the well 
known and substantial men of his time, a Whig in politics and after 
the disintegration of the party a Republican. His widow died 
August 13, 1884, aged seventy-seven years, and both are buried in 
Linwood cemetery, Dubuque. John S. Smead obtained a liberal 
education in the public schools, Dubuque Academy, Alexandei 
College, Sinsinawa College and was graduated from Plattville 
Academy in 1859. He taught school three winters, then read law 
in the office of Adams & Robinson, Dubuque. In 1872 he married 
Miss Mary Rider, succeeding which he removed to his father's 
estate and engaged in farming for twenty years. In 1895 he moved 
to Epworth, which has since been his home, with the exception of 
a three years' residence in Iowa City, where he had temporarily 
made his home to educate his children. Mr. Smead is a Democrat, 
has served in practically all the offices of the township, has acted as 
a meinber of the common council of Epworth and for thirty years 
has been justice of the peace. He is a member of the Masonic and 
Knights of Pythias fraternities and he and wife attend the Meth- 
odist Episcopal church. Mrs. Smead was born in April, 185 1, the 
youngest of the children of Hubert and Catharine Rider, who were 
born, reared and married in Luxemburg, Germany, and came to 
America and settled in Dubuque county, Iowa, at the early period 
of 1846. Mr. Rider died in 1852, aged forty-two years, and his 
widow in 1894, aged seventy-seven years. To Mr. and Airs. Smead 
four children have been born, as follows: Cornelia B., the wife of 
E. J. Delaney, of Dubuque, and the mother of three children : 
Horace H., who married Celia L. Edwards, is the father of one 
child and resides in Epworth : Helen, who died at the age of sixteen 
years, and John R., single and a practicing lawyer at Boise, Idaho. 

Thomas J. Conlin, president of the Conlin & Kearns Company, 
dealers in ice and fuel, was born in Washington township, Dubuque 
county, Iowa, a son of James and Sarah Conlin. James Conlin was 
a native of Ireland and came to America in 1840, locating for a 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 557 

short time in Kentucky and then coming to Dubuque county. He 
was a farmer by occupation, and an honorable man as was attested 
by his refusal to accept a pension for service during the Mexican 
war on the grounds that he had not actually participated in any 
battles and therefore was not entitled to a pension. On September 
6, 1899, he died, aged seventy-seven years, and was followed by his 
wife on September 16, 1910. aged eighty-six years. They are 
buried in the cemetery at Cascade. Thomas J. Conlin was primarily 
educated in the district schools and during this time also assisted 
his father with the work of the home farm. He completed his 
schooling with a course in Bayless Business College, which he left 
in his twentieth year, and succeeding tliis was for eight years 
employed by the American Express Company. He then bought a 
livery stable, which lie conducted for nine years, and in 1900 was 
elected sheriff of Dubuque county, serving as such two years. Fol- 
lowing this he associated Iiimself with Mr. Kearns in their present 
ice and fuel business and in 1907, owing to the growth of their 
business, was forced to incorporate. Aside from these interests 
Mr. Conlin is a director of the Dubuque Altar Manufacturing Com- 
pany, is a Democrat in politics and a member of the Benevolent and 
Protective Order of Elks, Knights of Columbus, Independent Order 
of Foresters, Modern Woodmen of America and St. Patrick's 
Roman Catholic church. On October 24, 1895, i" Dubuque, he 
married Miss Mary Theis, who died July 16, 1898. Mr. Conlin 
resides at 14 Grove terrace, Dubuque. 

John C. Kehoe, one of the foremost farmers and stock-raisers 
of Dubuque county, was born in Brooklyn, New York, January 14, 
1855, the son of Patrick and Ellen (Kelly) Kehoe, natives of 
Ireland. They came to America in the fifties, first settling at 
Brooklyn, and were there married. In 1853 they first came West 
to Dubuque county, and here the father for about two years was 
foreman in a saw mill, later moving onto and operating a farm in 
Dodge township owned by his former employer. Shortly after- 
wards he purchased eighty acres of partly improved land in Dodge 
township, and this was his home for a period of forty-five years. 
During this time he prospered and increased his holdings until he 
had 300 acres in this county and 320 in Floyd county. He was a 
general farmer and stock-raiser and also dealt extensively in dairy 
products, having some forty fine milch cows. He was a Democrat 
in politics and took a keen and active interest in local affairs of 
importance, and during his long residence here served as justice of 
the peace, assessor, trustee and as a member of the school board. 
He died on the old homestead September 26, 1901, over seventy- 
seven years of age, and was followed by his wife two years later, 
aged seventy-five years They were among the early settlers in this 
part of the country and with their passing Dubuque county lost two 



558 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

true and loyal citizens. Ten children were born to them, of whom 
John C, our subject, was the eldest. He received his education in 
the public schools and remained with his parents on the home jjlace 
until twenty-six years old. For a time he then farmed on rented 
land, after which learned the blacksmith trade at Farley and con- 
tinued that business for about twenty years. He then moved onto 
the place where he now resides, having purchased it some time 
previously, made various improvements in the way of barns, shed, 
outhouses, etc., and in 1908 erected his fine, modern, ten-room 
house, which is furnace heated and thoroughly up-to-date. Since 
taking possession of this property he has cleared the land of nearly 
all standing timber, has fenced in and divided same by strong 
barbed wire, and is thus enabled to carry on stock-raising on a 
large and profitable scale. He specializes in the raising of Aber- 
deen Angus cattle and Poland China and Duroc Jersey hogs, for 
which Dubuque county is noted. Mr. Kehoe is also interested in 
various business and residence properties in Farley, and shortly 
after building his own home erected also one for his son, modern 
and up-to-date in every respect. As a Democrat in politics he has 
taken an active interest in local civic affairs, being for four and 
one-half years mayor of Farley, a member of the city council 
thirteen years, chief of the fire department about six years, a 
member of the school board three years and also of the county 
central committee seven years, and is at present serving as constable. 
Socially he is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America and 
the Catholic Order of Foresters, being for the last seven years 
chief ranger of the latter organization, and Knight of Columbus. 
In religious views he is an adherent of the Roman Catholic faith 
and is a member and trustee of St. Joseph's parish at Farley. On 
October 25, 1881, Mr. Kehoe was united in marriage with Miss 
Mary Locher, daughter of John J. and Mary (Nigg) Locher, who 
were born and married in Switzerland. They came to America in 
1 86 1, locating at Dubuque, and there for six years engaged in the 
furniture business. They then moved onto a farm of eighty acres 
near Monticello which they farmed for about ten years, but then 
sold same and retired from the active duties of life into the city 
of Monticello. There the father died in 1885, at the age of sixty- 
five, and the mother in 1890, also aged sixty-five. Although 
always active in public affairs, the father never aspired to hold 
office. To them were born five children, of whom Mrs. Kehoe was 
the third, her birth occurring April 9, 1855. To Mr. and Mrs. 
Kehoe the following named three children ha\e been born : Frances, 
wife of John Clement, formerly of Farley and now of Savannah, 
Illinois ; John Patrick, married Miss Gertrude Morgan, of this 
county, now residing in Farley, the parents of one child, and Joseph 
W., married Miss Rose Schwendinger, residing in this county. 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 559. 

The Kehoe family are among the first in the locahty where they 
reside and are highly respected by all who know them. 

Emil Kiene, proprietor of the Dubuque Rubber & Belting Com- 
pany, with offices and warehouse at 422 Main street, Dubuque, was- 
born in this city October 12, 1869, the son of Peter Kiene, Sr., 
appropriate mention of whom is made elsewhere in this publica- 
tion. He received liis scholaf^ic training in the local ward and 
high schools, leaving the latter in his seventeenth year. He then 
entered the concern of which he is now head, which was founded 
by his father and brother Paul, and thoroughly mastered the details 
of the rubber and belting business. In 1900 he bought out all 
interests in the company and has since conducted it alone. Aside 
from this he is interested in various other local enterprises. He is 
a member of the Dubuque Club and the Masonic fraternity, in 
which order he has attained the rank of Knight Templar. To his 
marriage with Miss Allye K. Knight, solemnized in Dubuque 
March 22, 1897, two daughters and two sons have been born, 
named Mabel A., Watkins K., Martha A. and George, all attending 
Fulton school in Dubuque. Mrs. Kiene is the daughter of the 
late W. J. and Mary Knight, the father at that time being district 
attorney for the Illinois Central Railroad Company. He died in 
February, 1908, preceded by his wife in 1888, and both are buried 
in Key West cemetery. Mr. Kiene and family reside at y^ Broad- 
way, the home in which he was born. 

Arthur D. Schiek, of the Dubuque Advertising Company. 
with offices in the Bank and Insurance building, Dubuque, is a 
native of Tioga county, Pennsylvania, and the son of Peter W. 
and Mary A. (Daniels) Schiek, who were of German and Scotch 
descent, respectively. The paternal grandfather came to America 
in 1820, and the mother's people have been residents of this country 
for many generations. Peter W. Schiek served the Union cause 
during the struggle between the North and South and was honor- 
ably discharged at the conclusion of the war with the rank of 
corporal in the One Hundred and Sixth Regiment, Pennsylvania 
Volunteers, Company D, which regiment under Generals Hancock, 
Howard, Sedgwick and others participated in most of the famous 
battles of the war, among them, 2nd Bull Run, Antietam, Fred- 
ericksburg, first and second Spottsylvania, Gettysburg and Appo- 
mattox. Arthur Daniels, a brother of Mrs. Schiek, also partici- 
pated in the Civil war as a northern soldier, acting as secretary and 
aide de camp to General Sibley during the Indian uprising in 
Minnesota and Dakota and afterwards was sent south to Memphis, 
Tennessee, where he died from the fever. Arthur D. Schiek was 
educated in the public schools of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and in 
his nineteenth year graduated from high school there. Shortly 



56o HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

thereaitei he entered the Pillsbury Flour Mills, serving a three and 
a half 3'ears' apprenticeship to the miller's trade, and then removed 
to Eau Claire, Wisconsin, as a representative for the International 
Correspondence Schools of Scranton, Pennsylvania, remaining in 
that territory about a year. He was then transferred to Dubuque. 
Iowa, where he continued his connection with the above named 
concern some two and a half years. In 1903 he established himself 
in the advertising business, with ofifices in the Bank and Insurance 
building, and has since been thus successfully engaged. On June 
28, 1899, in Minneapolis, Mr. Schick was united in marriage with 
Miss Ora B. Harter, daughter of H. D. and Marietta Harter. Her 
father was a decorative painter for the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. 
Paul road and was accidentally killed on August 24, 1908, in a train 
collision. Mrs. Harter is yet living and resides in Minneapolis. 
To Mr. and Mrs. Schick two daughters have been born, as follows: 
Dorothy M., September 7, 1903, attending Lincoln School, and 
Josephine M., born June 28, 1907. The family are communicants 
of the First Congregational church. 

James E. Redding, bom May 10, 1866, in Somersetshire, Eng- 
land, and now living in Farley, Dubuque county, Iowa, is the son 
of John and Sarah (Toomer) Redding. When six years of age 
his father died and three years later he was compelled to go to 
work to earn a livelihood. Upon attaining his majority he came 
to the United States, and the same year as his arrival (1887) 
located at Dyersville, Iowa, and for a time worked at various 
employments. In 1892 he was united in marriage with Miss Anna 
Maria Walter, who was born September 29, 1866, the daughter of 
Joseph Walter, one of the well-known men of Dubuque county, 
whose biographical sketch is given elsewhere in this work. Suc- 
ceeding his marriage Mr. Redding farmed for eleven years on 
rented land, belonging to Mr. Walter, then purchased eight acres 
within the corporate limits of Farley. Four years later he ex- 
changed this property as party payment on a tract of 480 acres in 
Brown county. South Dakota, which he sold in 1910. Mr. Red- 
ding is one of the progressive and enterprising men of Dubuque 
county. He is a Republican in politics, and he and wife are mem- 
bers of the Episcopal church. To them have been born the follow- 
ing named children: Albert J., Frederick J., Myrtle Florence and 
Frank Leroy. John B. Walter is a brother of Anna M. Redding. 

Dr. E. Lincoln Clarke, who died in Dubuque on October 7, 
1903, was a man of more than ordinary learning, intelligence and 
prominence. Born at Conway, Franklin county, Massachusetts, 
November 2, 1822, he was a son of Eben and Sally (Grififith) 
Clarke, who died when he was but a small lad. His early life was 
passed on a farm. Possessing natural mechanical qualifications. 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 561 

he learned the jewelry trade of a Mr. Cook, but abandoned this to 
take up the study of dentistry and medicine under the tutelage of 
Dr. Walker, an old-school, old-time physician. He practiced den- 
tistry at Westfield and Springfield, Massachusetts, but in 1861 came 
to Dubuque, Iowa, first being associated in partnership with Dr. 
J. L. Porter, then with his brother Rodolphus, and finally with his 
son. Dr. Frank B. Clarke, who survives him in the practice here. 
He was twice married, first in 1845, to Emily Canfield, who died 
in 1863, and second, in 1865, to Sarah Walker, sister of M. M. 
Walker, and yet living. While in the East, Dr. Clarke formed the 
acquaintance of the noted author, John G. Holland, which ripened 
into a warm friendship. Together they took up the study of mes- 
merism, then in its early stages, for scientific purposes, and in 
which Dr. Clarke became wonderfully proficient. As this was at 
a time when chloroform and ether were but little used by surgeons 
to produce anjesthesia, he performed many minor operations after 
having subjected the patients to hypnotic influence. In his later 
years, owing to the extreme nervous strain of practicing hypnotism, 
he gave up that custom. In connection with Mr. Holland he also 
went into the old daguerreotype business, not as a means of 
livelihood, but for scientific purposes, when it was first brought to 
the attention of the public. When young, he contracted tubercu- 
losis, the scourge of New England, which progressed so rapidly 
that his life was despaired of by physicians. He treated his ailment 
himself on hydropathic principles and with a specially devised 
breathing tube, and in this way attained sound health and lived to 
the ripe old age of eighty-one years. This remarkable discovery 
and recovery attracted wide attention, and he was urged by his 
old friend, Dr. Holland, Dr. Graham (of graham bread fame), and 
others to specialize his practice on consumption and to lecture on the 
cure of that dread disease. He declined to do so, however, owing to 
the fact that nurses and physicians generally were insistently opposed 
to such a new innovation in the accepted theory of practice. As a 
dentist he not only attained renown, but had many students under 
his direction. Three of his pupils at the same time were presidents 
of the dental societies of Wisconsin, Illinois and Missouri. Three 
brothers of Dr. Clarke, Asa and Albert, of Independence, and 
Rodolphus, preceded him to Iowa. Asa made the trip to California 
in 1849, ^"d so entertainingly wrote of his journey that these let- 
ters are valued as family keepsakes by his descendants. Half a 
century later Dr. Clarke also made this trip to the Pacific and his 
letters are prized by his relatives as a supplement to those of his 
brother. Dr. Clarke possessed great nervous energy, vitality and 
endurance. He was of medium size, spare, alert, and was always 
abreast of the times. He was a great lover of home, nature, flowers 
and animals, and was one of the first to introduce Jersey cattle in this 
locality. His scientific studies and his habits of life filled his mind 



562 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

with the great truths of Christianity, and for many decades he 
was a member and a deacon of the First Congregational church. 
His mind was unclouded up to the time of his death, and he was 
fond of recalling the events of his early days. In politics he was 
a Republican in principle and an ardent supporter of Senator Alli- 
son from the time the latter entered poliitcs. His widow and chil- 
dren are all living, the latter being : Hattie A. and Mrs. Emma 
Hanna. of Chicago; Dr. Albert L., of Brooklyn; Dr. Frank B., Mrs. 
NeUie Lieben, Jessie A., and Fred M., of Dubuque. 

Samuel L. Strief, one of Dubuque county's most progressive 
and up-to-date farmers, was born in this locality November 19, 
1863, son of Peter and Fredericka (Strief) Strief, both of whom 
were natives of Switzerland. They came to America in 1854, and 
for seven years the father was engaged at various occupations in 
different parts of the country. In 1861, however, they came to 
Dubuque county, settled on a tract of land in Taylor township, 
and followed farming and stock-raising until their respective deaths. 
The father was a Republican in politics, and, although always taking 
an active interest in public affairs, he never was an office-seeker. 
He passed away in 1903, at the age of seventy-two years, being 
preceded by his wife January 5, 1892, aged fifty-eight years. Both 
now lie at rest in Farley cemetery. Their son, Samuel L. Strief, the 
immediate subject of this memoir, attended the public schools dur- 
ing boyhood and remained with his parents until twenty-one years 
old. For three years he rented 160 acres of his father and then 
purchased same and continued to farm it two years longer. He 
rented his farm for one year and then sold it. also disposing of forty 
acres which he had improved just west of Farley, after which he 
removed to the Sioux valley. South Dakota, and farmed 320 acres 
which he had purchased there. After seven years spent there, he 
disposed of his property and rented land one year near Coffey- 
ville, in Montgomery county, Kansas, after which he went west 
and resided about nine months in the State of Washington. He 
then spent four months at Sioux City, Iowa, after which he re- 
turned to Dubuque county, purchased 140 acres in section 7, Tay- 
lor township, and has remained here ever since. 

Mr. Strief has improved his land, fenced it in, and erected various 
outhouses, and in 1904 built his present fine, modern, brick resi- 
dence. He bears the reputation of having one of the finest of the 
modem farms in the entire county, and also owns several other 
larger tracts in Iowa township, which he improved. He is well 
known as a breeder of fine Herefordshire cattle, Duroc-Jersey hogs 
and Norman and Clyde horses, and also engages extensively in 
dairv'ing. He has thirty-two fine milch cows and a separator on 
each farm, separating his own milk and cream, and sends the cream 
to the Co-operative Creamery at Farley, of which concern he is a 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 563 

stockholder. He is also a stockholder in the Farley State Bank. 
Mr. Strief is a Republican in his political views, but, like his father 
before him. has never aspired to hold office. In 1886 he was united 
in marriage with Miss Mary Durst, the second of a family of four- 
teen children born to Gabriel and Christina (Hosli) Durst, who were 
both natives of Switzerland. Her parents immigrated to America 
in the spring of 1870, settling in Tennessee, and in 1875 came to 
Dubuque county. In 1893 they removed to Blackhawk county, 
Iowa, where they resided five years, and then went to Cofifeyville, 
Kansas, where they passed away, the mother in 1899, aged fifty- 
five, and the father in 1907, aged sixty-three. Both are buried at 
that place. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Strief twelve children have been bom, named 
as follows : Peter, unmarried, operating one of his father's farms 
in Iowa township; Emma, wife of Christopher Bartmann, of Du- 
buque county ; Ida ; Laura ; Rosa ; Glenn ; Mabel ; Bert, who died 
in infancy, aged twenty months ; Lawrence, who died at the age 
of six ; Samuel ; Robert ; and Mary. Mr. Strief is a member of 
the Modern Woodmen of America, and he and family are com- 
municants of the Presbyterian church at Farley. They are highly 
respected in the community where they reside. 

Marshall M. Walker was one of the noteworthy characters of 
Dubuque half a century ago. He was a native of Dummerston, 
Windham county, Vermont, born on a farm in 1832, a son of 
Reuben Walker. When eighteen years old he went to Boston, but 
in the early fifties came west and operated a sailing barge on the 
river north of Dubuque, transporting and trading. His father and 
brothers. Horatio and Chester H., and sisters, Mrs. Lucretia Mar- 
tin, Mrs. Julia Taft and Mrs. E. L. Clarke, came to Dubuque sub- 
sequently, and all became well known throughout this locality. Mr. 
Walker was of striking personality, over six feet tall, broad in pro- 
portion, genial, easily approached, optimistic and enthusiastic, sym- 
pathetic, a staunch friend of the deserving regardless of politics, 
religion, wealth or official position, a liberal contributor to all 
deserving projects, a profound student of men, and a great lover 
of home and country. Such is the pen picture of Marshall M. 
Walker. In i860 he organized the M. M. Walker Company, pio- 
neers in the oil, produce, grain and fruit business, operating as far 
west as Sioux City, and north into Minnesota, and of this Mr. 
Walker was president. His activities, however, were not confined 
to this line of endeavor. For years and until his death he was a 
director of the First National Bank, and in a like manner was con- 
nected with the Dubuque & Sioux City Railroad. He served as 
president of the Dubuque Board of Trade, and as an official of 
the Young Men's Library Association, which has since become the 
Carnegie- Stout Library. In politics he was a Republican, was active 



564 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

in the ranks of his party, served as alderman from the Fourth ward, 
and a number of years ago was part owner of the Dubuque Times. 
To itemize his connection with the various commercial, industrial and 
social affairs of the city would alone fill a volume. It can be briefly 
stated that he was the original operator of the Dubuque Tank Line, 
handling light oils, which was later sold to the Standard Oil Com- 
pany; a member of the Dubuque Jobbers' and Manufacturers' 
Union, of which he was vice-president in 1901 ; operated the Key 
City Barrel Factory in the days of heavy pork packing; for years 
was the ruling factor of the feed and flour mill, occupying the 
present site of Armour & Company; was one of the organizers, 
vice-president and a director of the Western Fruit Jobbers' Asso- 
ciation; a member of the National Credit Men's Association, and 
a member of the advisory committee of the National Business 
League ; was one of the organizers and vice-president of the first 
Upper Mississippi River Improvement Association ; was one of the 
promoters and officials of the Dubuque & Northwestern Railroad, 
now the Chicago & Great Western ; an honorary member of the 
Dubuque Traveling Business Men's Association; a member and 
one of the founders of the Dubuque Club; an active promoter of 
the old Dubuque county fairs and encampments, so successful in 
past years; for years an official and director of the Linwood Ceme- 
tery Association ; a trustee, supporter and tenor singer in the choir 
of the First Congregational church from its inception. It is thus 
shown that Mr. Walker was one of the most active men ever in 
Dubuque. In 1858 he married Cornelia Fairbanks, of Worcester, 
Massachusetts, daughter of Josiah E. Fairbanks, who moved to 
Dubuque about the time of his daughter's marriage, and died at 
the advanced age of ninety-five years. Mrs. Walker was a bril- 
liant woman of striking appearance and carriage; of great vivacity 
and energy; a leader in social and church circles, and a charming 
entertainer in her beautiful home on Grove Terrace. They had no 
children. Both Mr. Walker and wife were so well preserved and 
full of energy and interest in the affairs of the day that when they 
died, Mr. Walker in 1904, and Mrs. Walker in 1908, at very 
advanced ages, they seemed to be stricken prematurely, and their 
many friends and the entire community felt their loss with a keen 
sense that their places might never be filled. 

John A. Pitman, engaged in the retail furniture business in 
Farley, is of English parentage. Samuel Pitman, his father, was 
a native of Somersetshire, as was also his mother, whose maiden 
name was Eleanor Wilkins. They each came to the United States 
when young, were married at Buffalo, New York, and the spring 
of 1852 came from Freeport. Illinois, to Dubuque, Iowa, the former 
place then being the terminus of the Illinois Central Railroad. They 
had arranged for a friend at Dubuque to meet them with a con- 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 565 

veyance, expecting to go with him to their new home in Dodge 
township, where Mr. Pitman had entered eighty acres of govern- 
ment land. They were disappointed in the appointment, however, 
and therefore walked the remainder of the distance — twenty-five 
miles. The courage and fortitude thus displayed is typical of the 
character of the early settlers of Dubuque county. Mr. Pitman 
was a farmer by occupation and followed that vocation throughout 
life. He died in 1881, preceded by his wife in 1864, both when 
comparatively young in years, and are buried in Johns Creek ceme- 
tery in Cascade township. John A. Pitman, the subject of this 
sketch, was born in Dubuque county, March 12, 1853, the eldest 
of four children. He was educated in the public schools and at 
Bayless Business College, Dubuque, and resided with his parents 
until twenty- four years old. He inherited 100 acres of fine farm 
land from his father, bought an additional 220 acres adjoining and 
on this resided and engaged in agricultural pursuits and the raising 
of Percheron horses, short-horned Durham cattle and Poland-China 
hogs until he was forty- four years of age. In 1897 he leased his 
farm for a term of years, and, moving into Farley, has since made 
this place his home. Mr. Pitman is a Republican and has served in 
the town council and is the present president of the town board. 
He is a member of Iowa Lodge, No. 324, I. O. O. F., of Epworth, 
and Catalpa Camp, No. 179, M. W. of A., at Farley. March 12, 
1889, he married Miss Cora Heald, daughter of A. K. and Juliette 
(Heath) Heald, who was born in October, 1865, and died January 
5, 1898, without issue. On May 15, 1901, Mr. Pitman married Miss 
Edith J. Wall, who was born in November, 1875, the fifth in a fam- 
ily of twelve born to Arthur and Mary (Wall) Wall. They have 
one daughter, Florence Mary. Mr. and Mrs. Pitman are Episco- 
palians in religion, but owing to the infrequency of the services of 
their church, they attend the Methodist Episcopal church. 

Frederick M. Clarke, secretary and treasurer of the wholesale 
produce and commission house of the M. M. Walker Company, with 
offices at the corner of Main and Jones streets, Dubuque, was born 
in this city, December 17, 1866. His parents were Dr. E. L. and 
Sarah (Walker) Clarke, the former practicing dentistry and medi- 
cine here from 1863 to the time of his death, October 7, 1903. 
Appropriate mention of both is made elsewhere in this publication. 
It was in the grammar and high schools of Dubuque that Frederick 
M. Clarke received his early scholastic training. He subsequently 
took a special electrical course in the State University of Michigan, 
and succeeding this for five years worked at electrical engineering 
with the Hyde Park Electric Light Company, Sperry Electric Man- 
ufacturing Company and the Standard Electric Company. He then 
embarked in the produce and commission business and has been 
identified with this line of endeavor ever since. In religion Mr. 



566 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Clarke is a member of the First Congregational church of Dubuque ; 
in politics he is independent, voting for the men regardless of party 
affiliation; and socially is identified with the Beta Theta Pi col- 
lege fraternity, and for years has been a member and supporter of 
the Dubuque Choral Association, which made excellent records at 
the Omaha and St. Louis expositions. The M. M. Walker Com- 
pany, of which Mr. Clarke is secretary and treasurer and a director, 
was founded in i860 by his mother's brother, M. M. Walker, who 
was one of the foremost men of his day in Dubuque county. This 
firm for over fifty years has been one of the successful establish- 
ments of the city, and at no time has its credit and fair dealing with 
the public been questioned. On November 12, 1895, Mr. Clarke 
was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Hutchinson, daughter 
of J. H. and Eleanor Hutchinson, of Streator, Illinois, and to them 
have been born two sons, named Walker H. and Frederick Lincoln. 

JuDSON Keith Deming, since 1901 president of the Second Na- 
tional Bank of Dubuque, is a native of the State of Vermont, his 
birth occurring September 18, 1858, at Sheldon, and the son of 
Anson H. and Hannah Keith (Judson) Deming. Upon the death 
of her husband, Mrs. Deming remarried and later came to Dubuque 
in 1867. Here our subject was educated in the public schools and 
upon the organization of the Second National Bank in 1876 he 
became connected in a minor capacity with that institution, and 
after filling various positions, was elected, in igoi, the president 
of that institution. He is also vice-president of the Dubuque Sav- 
ings Bank and of the Dubuque Casket Company. He was for six 
years a member of the Board of Education, being its president dur- 
ing 1903-4, and for many years has served as vestryman of St. 
John's Episcopal church. Socially he is identified with the Dubuque 
Club, the Dubuque Country Club, and the Shawondasee Club, and 
also of various patriotic and historical societies. He is treasurer 
also of the following associations and societies : Memorial Associa- 
tion, Humane Society, Boys' Welfare Association, American Red 
Cross in Iowa, Iowa Episcopate Fund. He is the compiler of the 
Deming genealogy and has made various other contributions to 
literature. On January 10, 1884, at Winona, Minnesota, he was 
united in marriage with Miss Mary Colebrook Worthington, daugh- 
ter of Edward and Jane Maria (Shepard) Worthington, and to 
them two children have been born, named Elsa Louise, born Decem- 
ber 6, 1885, and Keith Worthington, born June 29, 1887, and died 
November 13. 1909, being a student in the Amherst College class of 
1912. Mr. Deming bears an enviable reputation among banking 
circles and in Dubuque county. 

Charles W. Connell was born in Dubuque county, Iowa, July 
26, 1861, and is the second in a family of seven children born to 




fi, %, C^^-pte^ 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 567 

the marriage of Michael Connell and Catharine Seery. both of 
whom were natives of Ireland. Michael Connell came to the United 
States in 1850. He married in Dubuque county, followed agricul- 
tural pursuits, was a Democrat in politics, a Roman Catholic in 
religion, and died in May, 1907, at the age of seventy-six vears, 
preceded by his wife in January, 1890, when sixty-one years of age. 
Charles W. Connell is one of the best known stock-raisers and 
farmers in Dubuque county. He was reared to farm life, received 
a practical education in youth and at the age of twenty-four years 
was employed by the government carrying the mail between Farley 
and Cascacle. After two years he opened a buffet in Farley which, 
in addition to his other enterprises, he has since operated. In 1902 
he became the owner of 358 acres of land in Dubuque countv which 
he has brought to a high state of impro\'ement. He devotes a great 
deal of his time to stock-raising, Percheron horses. Short Horn 
cattle, Poland China and Duroc Jersey hogs being his specialty. 
To his marriage with Miss Martha J. Keefe, which occurred ii> 
1891, six children have been born, named Walter J., Pauline E., 
Harold J., Charles W., Jr., Francis M. and Florence M. Mrs. 
Connell was born February 4, 1870, the fourth in a family of eleven 
children born to Daniel and Ellen (Hogan) Keefe. Her parents 
were natives of Ireland, but came to America and Dubuque county, 
Iowa, in 1850. For a number of years Mr. Keefe was employed 
on the Illinois Central railway as section foreman, then was engaged 
in farming. In 1904 he moved to Farley, where he died in August, 
1907, aged seventy-five years, and is sur\'ived by his wife. Mr. 
Connell is a Democrat in politics, has been treasurer of the Catholic 
Order of Foresters for a number of years and he and family are 
members of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic church of Farley. 

Adolph M. Trexler, secretary and treasurer of Rhomberg 
Brothers Company, dealers in wines and liquors, was born in the 
city of Dubuque, September 7, 1865, the son of John and Katherine 
Trexler, who came to this country from Bavaria, Germany, in 1855. 
The father was a contractor, which trade he followed many years 
in Dubuque, and passed away in 1908 at the great age of eighty- 
three years. His wife died August 9, 1892, aged sixty-four, and 
both now lie at rest in the family lot in Mount Calvary cemetery. 
To them were born six children, as follows: Caroline (Kriebs), 
John, Emma (Pancratz), Louis, Kate (Shannon) and Adolph, the 
subject of this memoir. After attending the parochial schools of 
this city Mr. Trexler further pursued his studies in St. Joseph's 
College, but left same in his seventeenth year and started out in 
life for himself. He secured employment in the retail grocery 
establishment of his brother, and in 1888 bought a half interest in 
same, and remained thus occupied until he acquired by purchase 
his present interest in Rhomberg Brothers Company. He was 



S68 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

elected secretary and treasurer of this concern, in which capacity 
he has officiated ever since. Previous to this last association, he 
sold his interest in the grocery business to his brother, who has 
since continued alone. Mr. Trexler is also vice president of the 
Trexler Livery Company and secretary and treasurer of the Du- 
buque Tanning and Robe Company. In religion he is a Roman 
Catholic, being identified with St. Mary's Catholic church, and 
socially holds membership in the Benevolent and Protective Order 
of Elks, the Catholic Order of Foresters and the Pius Alphonsius 
Society. He is also a member of the Dubuque Traveling and 
Business Men's Association and of the United Commercial Trav- 
elers. June 19, 1892, he was married at Dubuque to Miss Lucie F. 
Altman, daughter of Theodore and Mary Altman, pioneer residents 
of Dubuque, and they have one son and one daughter, named 
Walter A., attending the St. Joseph's College, of this city, and 
Dorothy K., now a student at the Immaculate Conception Academy. 
The family residence is located at 11 14 Clay street. 

Curtis D. Benton, of Farley, Iowa, was born in the state of 
New York on September 18, 1843, ^'^d is a son of the old pioneers, 
Abner and Abigail Benton, appropriate mention of whom is made 
in connection with the biographical sketch of Charles Benton, 
appearing elsewhere in this work. When a boy he attended the 
district schools which were then of a primitive kind, and assisted 
his father in the work of the farm. He remained on the home 
farm until twenty-six years old, then engaged in farming for him- 
self on rented property. In 1866 he bought forty acres of land 
just west of Farley on which he moved and where he resided about 
ten years. Having purchased a tract of 1 10 acres in Dodge town- 
ship from his brother, Charles, he operated this farm for eighteen 
years, but in February, 1909, moved into Farley, which has since 
been his home. Like the other members of tlie Benton family, 
Curtis D. has worked hard, has aided in all good movements tend- 
ing toward the betterment of the community and is considered one 
of the substantial and progressive citizens of the county. Besides 
his residential property in Farley he is the owner of 218 acres of 
choice land on which, in addition to farming, he has raised stock 
for dairying purposes. December 2, 1866, Mr. Benton married 
Miss Martha Thompson, who was born November 10, 1847. Willis 
and Elizabeth (Clouse) Thompson, her parents, were natives of 
South Carolina and Tennessee, respectively, and were married in 
Dubuque county. Their children were : William, married Mary 
Anderson, who died in 1907 leaving eight children and lives at 
Wolbach, Nebraska; Martha, the wife of Curtis D. Benton: Willis 
S., a farmer of Montgomery county, Iowa, married Ann Thomas, 
who died in 1902 leaving two children, and Oliver S., who married 
Clara Ward, of Farley, Iowa, the father of one child and lives at 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 569 

Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The father was a soldier of the War of 181 2 
and of the Black Hawk war. He followed farming all his life and 
died in 1875 at the age of seventy-eight years, followed by his 
widow in January, 1881, aged sixty-nine years. To Curtis D. 
Benton and wife there have been born two children: Frank O.. 
married Alta Glaw and resides on his father's farm, and Curtis H.. 
who married Mabel Gebhardt, is the father of two children and also 
makes his home in Dubuque county. Curtis D. Benton is a Re- 
publican, served as a member of the school board about five years 
and he and wife are members of the home church. 

Isaac L. McGee was born in Iowa township, Dubuque county, 
Iowa, August 19, 1855, and is a son of James and Martha A 
(Anderson) McGee, who were natives of County Armagh, Ireland, 
and Barren county, Kentucky, respectively. James McGee came 
to America the spring of 1831, and until 1834 resided in Phila- 
delphia. He then moved to Clinton county, Illinois, and engaged in 
farming, but three years later went to Iowa county, Wisconsin, 
bought a tract of land near Mineral Point and for two years fol- 
lowed the prevailing occupation of mining. In 1836 he came to 
Dubuque county, Iowa, and in 1839 entered government land on 
section 15, Iowa township. A few years later he obtained govern- 
ment land on section 31, upon which he made his home until his 
death in 1893, when eighty-four years old. He was a man of 
unusual force of character and was elected to almost every office in 
the gift of his township. August 10, 1844, he married the daughter 
of John and Elizabeth (Haggard) Anderson, natives of Virginia, 
who settled in Barren county, Kentucky, when the name of Daniel 
Boone was at its zenith. Isaac L. McGee was the fifth in a family 
of eight children. He and his sister are the only members of this 
family residing in Iowa ; a brother, G. H. McGee, resides in Ne- 
braska ; another, D. W. McGee, resides in Louisiana, and another, 
W. J. McGee, is in the employ of the government at Washington, 
D. C. ; three brothers died while young. His education was obtained 
in the public schools and his home was with his parents until he 
attained manhood. In 1885 he married Minnie E. Van Ostrand, 
whose parents were George E. and Georgianna (Stewart) Van 
Ostrand, natives of the state of New York. Mrs. McGee was born 
February i, 1865, and moved with her parents to Nebraska when 
the tide of emigration was toward that new country. She died 
October 21, 1892, and was buried in Bethel cemetery in Iowa town- 
ship (see elsewhere for cemetery record). Three children were 
born to this marriage, viz. : George L., Milo J. and Cora Belle. 
George L. is at present employed on a farm in Dodge township; 
Milo J. is in Wayne, Nebraska, and Cora Belle is teaching near 
Wayne, Nebraska. In 1894 Mr. McGee married Mrs. Ada Glew, 
widow of John Glew, of Dubuque county, and daughter of Francis 



570 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

M. and Sarah H. (Kephart) Allen, who were old settlers in Iowa 
and are now li\ing in Farley. The present Mrs. McGee was born 
February 5, 1861, and by her first husband had one daughter, 
Addie, who married Bert Snodgrass and lives in Buchanan county. 
Four children have been born to the second marriage of Mr. and 
Mrs. McGee : Nancy W. ; Sarah Gladys, who died when five years 
old; Henry F., died at the age of eighteen months, and Mary J. 
After his marriage Mr. McGee began farming for himself, raising 
stock and giving especial attention to dairying. In 1908 he moved 
to Farley, where he now lives practically retired from the active 
work of farming. He belongs to the Odd Fellows and Modern 
Woodmen of America, is a Republican, has served as township 
supervisor several terms and as a member of the school board many 
years. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church 
at Farley. 

Harry E. Tredway, president of the John Ernsdorfif Iron Com- 
pany, is a son of the old pioneers, Alfred and Elizabeth (Taft) 
Tredway, who first came to Dubuque in 1849, ^I'lfl permanently 
settled here in 185 1. The family, originally, came from Bristol, 
England, three brothers crossing in 1638, the direct ancestor of the 
subject of this sketch locating in the colony of Sudbury, Con- 
necticut. Alfred Tredway was born in New York city in 18 17 and 
was reared and educated at Salem, Connecticut. Upon his perma- 
nent location in Dubuque he opened an iron foundry, which after- 
wards became the Iowa Iron Works. In partnership with William 
Andrew, under the firm name ®f Andrew & Tredway, he embarked 
in the hardware business in 1853, and this business has been carried 
on during the intervening fifty-eight years by members of the Tred- 
way family, the firm now being styled the A. Tredway & Sons 
Hardware Company. The great length of time in active business, 
the unvarying honesty with which its afifairs have been conducted 
and the unwavering stability of the credit of the house during the 
various financial panics have made the name of Tredway a synonym 
for commercial honor throughout Dubuque and the surrounding 
community. Elizabeth (Taft) Tredway is a second cousin of 
President William H. Taft and a descendant of Robert Taft, of 
Mendon, Massachusetts. Alfred Tredway was one of the foremost 
characters of his day in Dubuque and in addition to being financially 
interested in numerous public and private enterprises was one of the 
foremost men in the upbuilding of the city. 

Harry E. Tredway was born in Dubuque, June 30, 1861, attended 
the public schools in early youth, was graduated from the high 
school m 1S78, and immediately thereafter entered the employ of 
Andrew & Tredway, and the succeeding firm of A. Tredway & 
Sons Hardware Company. For eleven years he was a traveling 
salesman for the firm, but upon its reorganization and incorporation 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 571 

in 1889 he was elected secretary, serving as such until 1902, since 
which date he has been its president. Mr. Tredway is also vice 
president of the Metz Manufacturing Company, president of the 
Dubuque Shippers' Association, president of the board of education, 
member of the Dubuque Club and of the Dubuque Golf Club; he 
is a Republican in politics. To his marriage with Miss Marion 
McConnel, daughter of Major George Murray McConnel, at one 
time financial and literary editor of the Chicago Chronicle, which 
was solemnized June 22, 1887, three daughters have been born: 
Margaret, Helen and Mary Leslie. 

Franklin Adelbert Ransom, hardware merchant at Farley, 
was born at Binghamton, New York, August 24, 1854. His father 
was Elisha Ransom and his mother's maiden name was Minkler, 
the latter dying when he was not yet three years old. His father 
was twice remarried, seven children being born to his first marriage 
and none to the last two. He was a farmer by occupation and 
moved to Dubuque county in 1866, and to Farley about the year 
1888, where he died ten years later at the advanced age of eighty- 
four years. Franklin A. Ransom attended the public schools in 
youth and completed his education with one term at the Epworth 
Seminary. When eighteen years old he began clerking in a general 
store in Farley, continuing thus five years. Associated with his 
brother Albert he then embarked in the hardware business, at which 
he has since continued. Mr. Ransom is a Republican, has been a 
member of the town council a number of years, belongs to the 
Modern Woodmen of America, and he and wife are members of 
the Methodist Episcopal church at Farley, of which ]\Ir. Ransom is 
secretary and treasurer of the board of trustees. In 1883 he mar- 
ried Miss Anna Newton, who was born January 4, 1863, a daugh- 
ter of Rev. Isaac and Mary (Baker) Newton. Three children have 
been born to this union : Vere I.eroy, who married Elvira L. 
Redcrus, assistant bookkeeper for Ransom Brothers.; Ralph Newton, 
practicing dentistry at Plattsmouth, Nebraska, and Alice Lucile. 

Rev. Isaac Newton, widely known in Methodist communities in 
Iowa, was born in England and there married Ann Mapstone, who 
died leaving him one child. Following his wife's death he came to 
America in 1849, and two years later married Mary Baker, who 
was also of English nativity. Seven children were born to this 
marriage, four dying in infancy, and one, Anna, being the wife of 
Franklin A. Ransom, of Farley, Iowa. He was a man of superior 
education and attainments, and early espoused the cause of Chris- 
tianity, allying himself with the Methodist Episcopal church. He 
was ordained to the ministry and attained fame as an exhorter and 
an expounder of Methodism. At one time he had twelve congrega- 
tions in his circuit and was aided in his work by only one other 
pastor. He is well remembered and loved at Cascade, where he 



572 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

resided for a time, as well as at numerous other places. He was a 
member of the Upper Iowa Conference and died in 1904 when 
eighty-eight years old. 

John Kapp, president of the Dubuque IMattress Factory since 
its oiganization in 1894. is a native of Germany, born near the city 
of Trier, and the son of Mathias and Susan (Herber) Kapp. The 
family came to America and settled at Palenville, Green county, 
New York, in 185 1, and eight years later moved to Iowa, locating 
first on a farm in Jackson county and later in the city of Dubuque. 
Subsequently the parents moved to Rockdale, near Dubuque, and 
here the fatlier, who was a gardener by occupation, lived a retired 
life until his death in 1880, aged eighty-one years. Two years later 
his wife died, aged eighty-one, and both are buried in the German 
Catholic cemetery now known as Mount Olivet. John Kapp, the 
subject of this sketch, was born on September 15, 1845, and until 
his fourteenth year attended the district schools. For a time he 
worked on his father's farm, but in i86r began a two years' 
apprenticeship to the upholsterer's and mattress maker's trades. 
From 1863 to 1876 he tra\eled extensively as a journeyman, then 
returned to Dubuque and established the mattress business of which 
he has been the active head ever since. This concern started in a 
small way and through excellent management has become one of 
the solid and substantial business houses of the county. The busi- 
ness was incorporated in 1894 and its trade extends over the states 
of Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois and South Dakota and the 
employes number about fifty persons. Mr. Kapp is a Mason and 
Knight Templar and has attained to the thirty-second degree in 
the Scottish rite. In politics he is a Republican. He was married 
to Miss Margaret Zimpelmann at Cincinnati, Oliio, May 12, 1869. 
To this union two sons and two daughters have been born, as fol- 
lows: Rosa, graduate of Dubuque high school and now a book- 
keeper for the Dubuque Mattress Factory; Kate, a graduate of the 
University of Minnesota, at home ; Walter E., graduate of Michigan 
University, and Charles L., now farming, both owners of a ranch 
in the state of Washington. Mrs. Kapp's parents were George and 
Margaret (Stock) Zimpelmann, who came to America about 1825 
and were among the earliest pioneer farmers in Shelby county, 
Indiana. The home of the Kapp family in Dubucjue is located at 
130 AVillow street. 

Ch.'Vrles Benton, living retired in Farley, is one of the repre- 
sentative men of Dubuque county and is an integral part of the 
citizenship that has placed this among the foremost counties of the 
state. His parents were Abner and Abigail Benton, who moved 
from New York state to Dubuque county in 1846 and were partici- 
pants in the events of pioneer life in this locality. Abner Benton 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 573 

farmeu and developed his property and here he and wife passed 
the remainder of their days. Charles Benton was horn November 
7, 1832, in Allegheny county, New York, and is the oldest of a 
family of eleven children. When fourteen years of age he was 
brought to Dubuque county by his parents and here he has lived 
sixty-fi\'e years — nearly the allotted period of man's life. He 
remained under the parental roof until eighteen years old, attend- 
ing the public schools and assisting in the work of the home farm, 
and then began working for wages. When twenty-three years old 
he bought eighty acres of raw prairie land and thereupon built a 
home and resided five years. He then disposed of it and purchased 
120 acres of improved land, which he successfully farmed for 
eighteen years. He again sold his property and bought forty acres 
just west of Farley and 160 acres in Clierokee county, disposing of 
the former some time later, but still retaining the Ciierokee county 
property. In April, 1900, he moved to Farley, which has since been 
his home. March 25, 1858, he married Miss Ella Merriman, who 
was born September 17, 1841, and together they have lived happily 
fifty-three years, celebrating their golden wedding in 1908. The 
parents of Mrs. Benton were Myron and Adeline (Pilgrim) Merri- 
man, natives of Connecticut. Her father died when she was three 
years old and her mother then married Stephen F. Squires. They 
came to Dubuque county, Iowa, in 1855, and here Mrs. Squires 
died March 27, 1898, when eighty-three years old. To Mr. and 
Mrs. Benton there have been born three children. The eldest, 
Adeline Lilian, married James Ray and resides in Cherokee county, 
the mother of two children; the second, Florence A., became the 
wife of John Finn and died in 1891 at the age of twenty-five years; 
the youngest, Albert Leroy, died when eighteen years old. Mr. 
Benton is a Republican in politics. He is a member of Julien Lodge, 
No. 551, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and he and wife are 
old time members of the Methodist Episcopal church. 

George McGee, resident of Farley, Iowa, was born January 14, 
1841, in Iowa township, this county, and is the fourth in order of 
birth of ten children born to Joseph and Jane (McKinley) McGee, 
who were natives of Ireland. The family came to Dubuque county, 
Iowa, in 1836 and settled on a farm in Iowa township. They were 
thus among the very first settlers in Dubuque county, and their 
respective deaths occurred in 1885 and 1884. George McGee 
attained his majority under the parental roof. He made his start 
in life by breaking prairie land with ox teams, and later operated a 
saw mill. In 1865 he came to Farley and embarked in mercantile 
pursuits at which he continued for twenty years. He is now 
engaged in handling lumber and coal. To his marriage with Miss 
Jane Armstrong, which occurred in 1869, four children have been 
born: Elsie M., now Mrs. Edward Ellis, of Farley; Joseph H., 



574 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

married Mabel Owen and resides in Pueblo, Colorado; Bertha M., 
the wife of Clark Goodale, of Epworth, and Raymond, who mar- 
ried Irene James and resides in Farley. Mr. McGee is a member 
of Julien Lodge, No. 551, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, of 
Farley, is a Democrat in politics, has served as town councilman 
and treasurer and he and family are members of the Methodist 
Episcopal church. 

Frank M. Rhomberg, president of the wholesale wine and 
liquor firm of Rhomberg Brothers Company, is one of those men 
who came to America and Dubuque early in life and have had 
honorable and successful business careers. Born in the city of 
Dornbirn, near Lake Constance, Austria, on January 25, 1869, he 
is the oldest son born to the union of Jacob and Rosina Rhomberg, 
both natives of that country. The father first immigrated to the 
United States in 1861, but in 1867 returned to Austria, and there 
conducted a hotel and brewery until his death in 1896, at the age 
of fifty-eight years. Flis wife passed away in 1887, aged forty-six 
years. After attending the public schools of his native country 
Frank M. Rhomberg came to America and Dubuque, at which time 
he was but eighteen years old. Shortly thereafter he went to St. 
Paul and for two years was shipping clerk in tlie furniture estab- 
lishment of his uncle, Mr. John Luger. In the winter of 1889 he 
returned to Dubuque, and for nine years traveled for the wholesale 
liquor establishment of L. A. Rhomberg, another uncle. In the fall 
of that year, however, in partnership with his brother, Alphonse J., 
Mr. Rhomberg embarked in the same line of business on his own 
account, and through shrewd business management their concern 
prospered until in time they were forced to organize a company, 
which later became known as the Rhomberg Brothers Company. 
This has since become one of the solid commercial houses of 
Dubuque and is one of the largest of its kind in the county. Mr. 
Rhomberg is also president and manager of the Dubuque Tanning 
& Robe Company, vice president and director of the Union Transfer 
Company, and is identified with various other local concerns of 
importance. He is a Democrat in politics and for some years has 
been secretary of the Dubuque County Democratic Central Com- 
mittee. Socially he is a member of the Benevolent and Protective 
Order of Elks. In 1894 he was united in marriage with Miss Mary 
H. Altman, daughter of Theodore Altman; she died February 16, 
1907, aged thirty-seven years, leaving two children, Karl and 
Eleanor. On August 10, 1910, Mr. Rhomberg married Miss Mary, 
daughter of Charles and May Kruse, and they are at present resid- 
ing in the Dellenfundt flats. 

Joseph H. Rhomberg, general manager of the Dubuque Star 
Brewing Company, was born in this city July 31, 1863, and the 



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HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 575 

greater part of his life has been spent here. He was the third in 
order of birth in a family of four sons and one daughter born to 
Joseph Andrew and Catherina Rhomberg, an account of whom 
appears elsewhere in this publication. His early schooling was 
acquired in the public and parochial institutions of this city and 
later he entered the old Cliristian Brothers' College, at Prairie du 
Chien, Wisconsin. Desiring to take up the study of engineering, 
he went to St. Louis, Missouri, and in 1881 was graduated from 
the Washington University. He then went to Texas and for a time 
was master mechanic of his father's railroad, the Austin & North- 
western line, but in 1885 returned to Dubuque to assume the posi- 
tion of general manager and superintendent of frhe Dubuque street 
railway, then controlled and operated by his father. In 1898, how- 
ever, he built and was one of the organizers of the Dubuque Star 
Brewing Company, one of the largest concerns of its kind in the 
state, and has been the general manager of same ever since. Aside 
from the above, Mr. Rhomberg deals somewhat extensively in real 
estate. He is an independent Republican in politics, voting for the 
man rather than the party, and socially is identified with the Benevo- 
lent and Protective Order of Elks. In religious views he is a 
Roman Catholic and a member of the Sacred Heart church of this 
city. On May 17, 1891, at Dubuque, he was united in marriage with 
Miss Elizabeth H. Meuser, daughter of William and Margaret Meu- 
ser, and to them three children have been bom, named : Joseph W., 
attending St. Mary's High School ; Marie and John, each attending 
Sacred Heart School. 

Jacob Kerper, general merchant at New Vienna, was born 
August 26, 1848, in Rheinish Prussia, Germany. When four years 
old he came with his parents, John and Anna Maria Kerper, to the 
United States and, locating at the then frontier settlement of New 
Vienna, Iowa, the father bought an eighty-acre tract of land and 
engaged in farming. By hard work and economy he gradually 
increased his real estate holdings until he at one time owned 240 
acres. He was one of the thrifty, upright men of Dubuque county 
and died with the high esteem of all who knew him, in 1899, at the 
age of seventy-nine years. His wife died in 1896, aged seventy- 
eight years. Jacob Kerper received a liberal education in the public 
schools and the Epworth Seminary. He taught school for a time 
and clerked in the store of A. C. XValker Company, at Farley, until 
June, 1872, then came to New Vienna as salesman for George Mein- 
hart. Eventually Mr. Kerper, by purchase, succeeded to the busi- 
ness of Mr. Meinhart, and rebuilding the premises, now conducts 
one of the best equipped mercantile establishments in the surround- 
ing community. Mr. Kerper inherits the thrift and industry of his 
parents, and aside from his mercantile interests is the owner of 
valuable real estate in North Dakota, Washington, Nebraska, Iowa 



576 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

and Minnesota. He is also president of the German State Bank at 
Dyersville, and as an independent Republican in politics has served 
as mayor of New Vienna six years, trustee many years and school 
treasurer for twenty-five years. He is a member of the Catholic 
church, of which, for sixteen years, he has been secretary. June 30, 
1873, he married Miss Mary Ann Meyer, daughter of George and 
Magdalena Meyer, old pioneers of this locality, and to this union 
have been born twelve children: Mathias, who died in 1890, when 
eight years old ; George L. ; Bernard V. ; Otto N. ; Edmund M. ; 
Alver H. ; Eugene P. ; Annie G. (Mrs. E. H. Willging) ; Agnes C. 
(Mrs. Dr. F. X. Lang); and three who died in infancy. Mr. 
Kerper and family are among the best known people of western 
Dubuque county. 

Herbert C. Kretschmer, president of the Kretschmer Manu- 
facturing Company, was born in the city of Dubuque, August 2, 
1866, a son of Charles G. and Anna (Fangler) Kretschmer, pio- 
neer residents here. The father was a native of Breslau, Prussian 
Province of Silesia, Germany, but in 1849 immigrated to America 
and two years later located at Dubuque. For a time he conducted 
a private school, after which, from 1857 to 1897, he taught in the 
Fifth Ward (Audubon) School. He was widely known as an 
able instructor, and passed away at the age of seventy-six years. 
His widow still sur\'ives him. Their son, Herbert C. Kretschmer, 
received his education in the school where his father taught for so 
many years, and at the age of fifteen started out in life for himself 
as a plumber's helper for Morrison Brothers, and later secured 
employment with Mr. A. Y. McDonald, starting as shipping boy 
and being promoted as occasion warranted until reaching the posi- 
tion of shipping clerk. For a time he then traveled as salesman 
for this firm, but in 1907, in partnership with his brother, Frederick 
N., established their present concern and embarked in the manufac- 
ture of plumbing specialties and supplies. Through their able man- 
agement the business prospered and the establishment now occupies 
a four-story building of 100 by 150 feet dimensions. Mr. Kretsch- 
mer is a member of the Knights of Pythias and of the Benevolent 
and Protective Order of Elks. November 14, 1907, he was united 
in marriage with Miss Tenie Essmann, daughter of one of Du- 
buque's pioneer manufacturers, and they now reside at 256 Thir- 
teenth street. 

Adam J. Hoefer, well-known resident of New Vienna, is a native 
of Dubuque county, and the son of Christian and Anna Maria. 
Christian Hoefer was born in the Prussian Province of Nassau, 
Germany, in the year 181 2, and in 1844 emigrated to the United 
States, landing at New York City. He decided to come west in 
search of a home, and made the journey partly by canal to Sandusky, 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 577 

Ohio ; Christian Hoefer Hved three years at Sandusky, Ohio, before 
he came to Chicago and West, thence by lakes to Chicago, thence by 
stage to Galena, Illinois, and a year later came to Dubuque county 
and with a soldier's warrant for 160 acres settled on a farm in New 
Wine township. He was one of the pioneer settlers in this section 
of the county and experienced the trials and hardships incident to 
early times. He died on November i, 1892, aged eighty years, and 
was followed by his wife in 1893, ^t the age of seventy-five. Both 
are buried in St. Boniface cemetery at New Vienna. Adam J. 
Hoefer received his early education in the local public schools. The 
date of his birth was August 7, 1856. He also attended St. Francis 
College, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, succeeding which for five years he 
taught in the district schools of Dubuque county. He then con- 
ducted a hotel at New Vienna for fifteen years, and in 1895 em- 
barked in his present business — real estate and insurance. Mr. Hoe- 
fer is a Democrat in politics, is serving as town mayor at the present 
time, and for thirty years has been a justice of the peace. In relig- 
ious views he is a Roman Catholic, being a member of St. Boniface 
church. November 23, 1879, at New Vienna, he married Miss 
Josephine Kokenge, daughter of John B. and Marianna Kokenge. 
Her father followed the sea as first officer for years, and later con- 
ducted a hotel at Cincinnati, Ohio. In about 1850 he came to Du- 
buque county, Iowa, and engaged in farming until his death in about 
1866. His wife died in 1898 and both are buried at New Vienna. 
To Mr. and Mrs. Hoefer the following children have been bom : 
Mary C, Catherine J.. Adam H., Regina S., Eugene H., and three 
who died in infancy. 

Frederick N. Kretschmer, vice-president and treasurer of the 
Kretschmer Manufacturing Company, with offices and plant on 
Washington street, was born in Dubuque, October 19, 1869, and is 
a son of Charles G. and Anna (Fengler) Kretschmer. For forty 
years the father taught in the public schools of this city, and with 
his passing Dubuque lost a strong advocate of education and a man 
highly respected by all who knew him. A more appropriate sketch 
of the elder Kretschmer appears in connection with that of his son, 
Herbert C. Our subject received his early scholastic training in the 
Fifth Ward (Audubon) School, with which his father was identi- 
fied for so many years, and after graduating therefrom entered a 
bank with a view to taking up that line of business later in life. 
He relinquished this idea, however, and in partnership with his 
brother, founded the Kretschmer Manufacturing Company and em- 
barked in the manufacture of plumbing specialties and supplies. 
They started out in a small way, but by shrewd business manage- 
ment prospered until today their establishment is regarded as one 
of the solid and substantial houses of the city. These two men 
started out in life without any especial advantages, and by their 



578 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

own unaided efforts have accumulated a competency and attained a 
position of honor and respect among their fellowmen. 

Samuel T. Swift, present recorder for Dubuque county, Iowa, 
was bom at Benton, Lafayette county, Wisconsin, October 15, 1876, 
the son of John P. and Ellen Swift. Both parents were also natives 
of Lafayette county and descended from the oldest settlers of that 
locality. John P. Swift was a farmer by occupation, but is now 
living retired from the active cares of life. Samuel T. Swift, the 
immediate subject of this memoir, primarily attended the public 
schools and later the Plattsville Normal School. Succeeding his 
graduation from the latter he learned the barber trade, and after 
finishing his apprenticeship purchased a shop at 540 Main street, 
Dubuque, in 1898, which he still conducts. He is a director of the 
Eagle Building Association and was chairman of the building com- 
mittee which had charge of the remodeling of the association build- 
ing. As a Democrat in politics Mr. Swift was elected county re- 
corder in 1906 and is a candidate for re-election. Socially he is a 
member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, is past 
president of the local Order of Eagles, and secretary of the Iowa 
State Eagles, and a member of the Knights of Columbus. In re- 
ligious views he is identified with St. Anthony's Roman Catholic 
church. On January i, 1902, in Dubuque, he married Miss Dor- 
othea Baule, daughter of William and Caroline Baule. William 
Baule served his country during the Civil war and died from the ef- 
fects of injuries received in an engagement. His widow yet survives 
and resides with the subject of this sketch. To Mr. and Mrs. 
Swift the following named four children have been born ; Dorothea, 
died in infancy; Carolyn, six years old, attending school; Aileen, 
four years old; and Nell, two years of age. The family home is 
located at 330 Grandview avenue. 

Cornelius Daniel Harrington, the present clerk of the Dis- 
trict Court, to which position he was first elected in the fall of 1908, 
was born in Springfield, Illinois, March 20, 1861, the son of Jere- 
miah and Catherine Harrington. The parents were natives of 
County Cork, Ireland, but immigrated to America in or about the 
year 1840^ and located at Springfield, Illinois, where they remained 
until 1862. They then came to Dubuque county, Iowa, and settled 
on a farm in Jefferson township, where they lived happily together 
until their respective deaths. The father was a good and honest 
man, having many friends and no enemies, and when he passed away 
on December 20, 1873, at the age of seventy years, his loss was 
mourned generally throughout the county. His widow survived 
him until June, 1904, when, at the age of eighty- four, she, too, was 
summoned to the great unknown. Both now lie at rest in the ceme- 
tery at Rickardsville. 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 579 

The boyhood days of Cornelius Daniel Harrington were spent in 
attending the public schools and assisting his father on the farm. 
He has resided on the old homestead all his life, remodeling and 
improving same, and for fourteen years has been secretary of the 
Balltown Co-operative Creamery, in which he is also a stockholder. 
At the age of twenty-one years he was elected a member of the board 
of directors of his school district. As he seemed specially suited to 
public life, he bent his energies in that direction. For five years he 
serx'ed as assessor of Jefferson township, which position he resigned 
to become county supervisor, holding same for six years. Mr. Har- 
rington then returned to his farm and engaged in agricultural pur- 
suits until the fall election of 1908, at which time he was elected to 
the position of clerk of the District Court, which position he has 
filled with honor and credit. He is a Democrat in politics, and in 
religious views an adherent of the Roman Catholic faith, affiliating 
with the Sacred Heart church. Socially he is a member of the 
Knights of Columbus, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, 
the Modern Woodmen of America, the Eagles, and the Modern 
Woodmen of the World. To his marriage with Miss Lucie Herkes, 
solemnized December 3, 1892, at Balltown, there have been born 
three children : Adeline, John D., and Margaret. John P. Herkes, 
father of Mrs. Harrington, came to Dubuque county at an early 
date with his wife, Margaretta, and served the Union cause during 
the Civil war. 

John Glab, one of Dubuque county's highly respected citizens, is 
a native of Germany, his birth occurring in the village of Gueges- 
heim, of Hesse-Darmstadt, November 11, 1834. He was one of 
a family of six children born to Christoph and Elizabeth Glab, both 
of whom were descended from old German families, and who in 
1854 immigrated to the United States and located on a farm in 
Dubuque county. The father was an honest, conscientious man, a 
credit to any community, and after a long and useful life of eighty- 
eight years passed away on the old Iromestead in 1888. His wife 
died ten years before, at the age of seventy-eight. Their son, 
John, the immediate subject of this review, received his schooling 
in the public institutions of his native country, and after coming to 
America worked for a time in a lead mine in this county. He then 
followed teaming for a while, and subsequently freighted wood on 
the Mississippi river until 1865. He then bought a distillery and 
a flour mill, but disposed of same after successfully operating them 
five years, and in 1870 established himself in the manufacture of 
vinegar and pickles, which industry he continued for a period of 
thirty-six years. The building he occupied is now one of Dubuque's 
hostelries, known as the Glab House. Mr. Glab has always taken 
an active interest in local affairs of importance, and served as alder- 
man from his ward during 1883 and 1884, and as mayor of Dubuque 



58o HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

in 1885 and 1886. In religion he is an adherent of the Roman Cath- 
olic faith and is a member of St. Mary's church. On December 7, 

186 1, at Dubuque, he was united in marriage with Miss Louise Wag- 
ner, daughter of Peter Wagner, who died on the voyage from Ger- 
many to this country. To Mr. and Mrs. Glab four sons and two 
daughters have been born, as follows : John Nicholas, who died in 
1897, aged thirty-seven; Lena, wife of B. D. Heeb, capitalist, resid- 
ing in California; Henry, of St. Louis; Lulu, who married F. K. 
Matterson, deceased, and now resides with her father; Leo F., a 
plumber of this city; and Morris P., a news agent. Mr. Glab's resi- 
dence is at 846 West Fifth street, his home for the past forty years. 
For the past eight years Mr. Glab has been justice of the peace in 
Dubuque. 

Prof. George F. Gerken, in charge of the parochial school at 
New Vienna, is a native of Dubuque County, Iowa, a son of Henry 
and Anna (Winter) Gerken and a grandson of Herman Gerken. 
The latter came from the Prussian Province of Westphalia, Ger- 
many, to America and Dubuque county in 1850, and for a time fol- 
lowed carpentering. He later engaged in farming near Dyers- 
ville, and died in 1878, aged fifty-six years, preceded by his wife in 

1862, and both are buried at Dyersville. Mrs. Anna Gerken's father, 
John Peter Winter, was born in the year 1816 at Niedersain, Nassau, 
Germany. He came to America in 1854, settling first at Dubuque, 
and in 1865 at New Vienna, following the trade of masonry. He 
died in the year 1896, preceded by his wife in 1888. They are both 
buried at New Vienna. 

Henry Gerken was born on his father's farm near New Vienna 
on September 2, 1855, and after attending the public schools, learned 
the carpenter's trade. In 1878 he married Miss Anna Winter, and 
to them were born the following named children : Aloysius, a car- 
penter at Dyersville ; Mary, wife of Joseph Fritz, farming at Adrian, 
Minnesota ; George F. ; Hubert, a carpenter at Adrian ; Wilhel- 
mina, wife of Peter Winter, farming at Adrian; Irma, residing with 
her brother George ; Alphons, a carpenter ; Ewald, presently a farm- 
hand ; and Zita, attending school. George F. Gerken, the immediate 
subject of this sketch, was born on October 28, 1884, attended the 
parochial school at New Vienna during boyhood days, and for a 
time was employed as painter by Jacob Summer. In 1907, he went 
to St. Francis, AX'isconsin, and entered the Catholic Normal School, 
from which he was graduated in 1909 with his diploma as teacher. 
He then returned to New Vienna and the following year was ap- 
pointed in charge of the parochial school in that village, and also 
to fill the position as organist at the St. Boniface Church. Prof. 
Gerken is a Democrat in his political views, and a Roman Catholic 
in religion. Both his parents are yet living, making their home in 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 581 

New Vienna, and bear the respect and esteem of all who know 
them. 

Adam Glab, pioneer business man of Dubuque, now deceased, 
was born in the Grand Duchy of Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, No- 
vember 17, 1828. He acquired a practical education in his native 
country and there first learned that success was to be obtained only 
through industry and economy. In 1852 he immigrated to the 
United States and the same year located in Dubuque, Iowa, which 
was ever afterwards his home. For a number of years he followed 
mining, as was the usual custom of the early settlers, but in 1866, 
at a cost of $50,000, he built the Northern Brewery and was there- 
after actively identified with the brewing interests of Dubuque until 
his death. Mr. Glab was a fine example of the self-made man. He 
started out in life for himself without a dollar. A stranger in a 
strange land, unacquainted with the ways and customs of a people 
speaking an unknown tongue, his efforts were in many ways im- 
peded. He possessed natural qualities of shrewdness and sound 
business ideas, and gradually prospered until he had accumulated a 
competency. He was a close observer of human nature, generous 
in his relations with his fellow men and was a liberal contributor to 
charitable and deserving objects. In 1850 he married Katharina 
Werner, by whom he became the father of eight children, the fol- 
lowing named six now living : Louise, Nicholas, Margaret, Alois, 
Frank and Kathrina. Mr. Glab and family were adherents of the 
Roman Catholic faith. He died November 26, 1880, and his widow 
on February 7, 1903. They were among the best people of this 
locality. 

Nicholas Glab, the eldest son of Adam Glab, was born in the city 
of Dubuque, April 10, 1857, and was here reared to manhood and 
received his education. He has, all his life, made this place his 
home. He was associated with his father in the management of the 
Glab Brewery until his father's death, after which he and his broth- 
ers, Alois and Frank, conducted the business under the name of The 
Glab Brothers until the consolidation of several brewing interests 
in 1892, and from that time until May, 1910, was president and 
general manager of the new organization. At the latter date he re- 
tired from the more active duties and business cares of life, devot- 
ing the time to looking after his extensive property interests in and 
around Dubuque. He belongs to the Holy Ghost Roman Catholic 
Church, and in politics is a Democrat. On May 4, 1880, he was 
united in marriage with Miss Mary Homan. daughter of Mathias 
Homan, who died September 5, 1905, leaving one daughter and 
three sons, as follows: Mary K., the wife of Karl Ziepprecht, of 
Dubuque; William M., a member of the Board of Supervising En- 
gineers of the Chicago Street Railway Company : Edward ; and John 
Irwin, a student at the Northwestern Military Academy. For his 



582 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

second wife Mr. Glab married, on February 7, 1910, Miss Sarah 
E. Deggendorfif, daughter of the old settlers, John and Sarah Deg- 
gendorff. Their home is at 3216 Couler Avenue, Dubuque. 

Dr. Frank X. Lange, well-known dental practitioner at New 
Vienna, was born in that village February 20, 1880, and is a son of 
Andrew and Magdalena Lange. The father, a native of Prussia, 
came to America and New Vienna, Iowa, about 1870, and here 
engaged in the tailoring business. He is now retired from active 
participation in business affairs and resides in Dyersville, Iowa. 
Dr. Frank X. Lange, the immediate subject of this memoir, was 
educated in the local parochial school, graduating in 1897. He 
early decided to take up the study and practice of dentistry and 
accordingly in the fall of 1897 entered the College of Dentistry, 
State University of Iowa, at Iowa City, and in June, 1901, was 
duly graduated therefrom with the degree of D. D. S. He then 
returned to New Vienna and immediately embarked in the practice 
of his profession, and has since been thus successfully engaged. He 
is a member of the Dubuque District Dental Society, the State 
Dental Society and the Knights of Columbus, In religious views 
he is a Roman Catholic and is identified with St. Boniface church. 
On November 25, 1908, at New Vienna, he was united in marriage 
with Miss Agnes C. Kerper, daughter of Jacob Kerper, who is 
appropriately represented elsewhere in this publication. Dr. Lange 
has been very successful in his work at New Vienna, and is one of 
the county's younger generation of professional men. 

John C. Broell, senior partner of the Dubuque Statuary and 
Ornamental Company, is identified with a branch of industry com- 
paratively new to this locality, but which, from present indications, 
promises to attain high rank among the commercial houses of the 
county. This, in the main, is the manufacture of religious statuary. 
Mr. Broell was born in the village of Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria, on 
March 9, 1879, and is a son of John and Mary Broell, both natives 
of that country. The father, a machinist by occupation, died there 
in 1880, aged thirty-six, but the mother still survives him. Their 
son, John C, attended the public schools of his native city during 
boyhood, and when thirteen years old attended the Vienna, Austria, 
School of Arts. In 1894 he went to Mannheim, Bavaria, where 
he attended the Academy of Arts, and subsequently also attended 
the art schools of Berlin, receiving various diplomas from these 
institutions. Like many young men of foreign birth he early in 
life decided that the greatest chances for success could be found in 
America, and accordingly in 1896 emigrated to this country, and 
after a short time spent in the Southern states came to Dubuque. 
Here for a time he worked as frescoer for Mr. Brielmeyer, one of 
the leading church decorators, and then for a period of ten years 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 583 

was employed as artist by the Dubuque Altar Company, having' 
charge of tlie statuary department. On May 5, 1909, he established 
himself in business on Nineteenth street, later removing to Jackson 
and Sixteenth streets. His business grew and prospered and he 
was later forced to remove to his present quarters. On October i. 
1910, he associated himself with John Kohler and this partnership 
has since continued. The firm makes a specialty of religious statu- 
ary of life and half life size, and they also manufacture consider- 
able ornamental building work in the way of cornices, mouldings, 
etc. They market their products in Iowa, Kansas, Illinois, Wiscon- 
sin, Minnesota, Nebraska, the Dakotas and even as far as Arizona. 
The remarkable success of the concern in such a short space of time 
is due m no small degree to the efforts of Mr. Broell and the fact 
that the firm employs none but the very best of artists in the mould- 
ing line. To his marriage with Miss Mary Nesen, solemnized in 
Dubuque, October 26. 1905, one daughter, Katherine Marie, now 
four years old, has been born. Mrs. Broell, who was a daughter of 
John and Katherine Nesen, of this city, passed away on December 
10, 1908. 

John G. Ovel, now retired and residing in the village of New 
Vienna, is a native of Dubuque county, Iowa, and a son of Gerhard 
Herman and Anna Mary Ovel. The father was born in Germany in 
the year 1800 and emigrated to the United States in 1840, settling 
on a tract of land near New Vienna, Iowa. This consisted of 200 
acres of raw and unbroken prairie land, but he carefully improved 
same, bringing it to a high state of cultivation, and later also pur- 
chased another farm of 160 acres. At his death, which occurred 
in 1880, at the age of eighty years, his property was divided among 
his children. Mrs. Ovel survived her husband until April, 1886, 
when she passed away at the age of seventy-three years ; he was 
buried at Petersburg. Iowa, and she at New Vienna. John G. Ovel 
was born on the old home farm August 22, 1850, and received his 
early education in the public schools of Bremer township, Delaware 
county, Iowa. He later, until fifteen years old, attended the paro- 
chial school at New Vienna, and then helped his father on the farm. 
When the father died Mr. Ovel received the old home place as his 
share of the estate, and thereon he erected a new house, barn, suit- 
able outbuildings, etc., and today this is regarded as one of the 
foremost farms in the community. Mr. Ovel continued farming 
and general stock raising until his retirement from the more active 
duties of life in 19 10. He has since made his home in the village 
of New Vienna. He is a Democrat in politics, a Roman Catholic in 
religion, has served as a director on the board of education and is a 
member of the Roman Catholic Mutual Protective Association. On 
January 25, 1876, at New Vienna, he was united in marriage with 
Miss Margaretha Catherina Johanning, daughter of Werner and 



584 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Cathenna Johanning. Her father died in Germany, and tlie mother, 
buried in St. Boniface Cemetery, passed away in April. 1909, at 
the age of se\enty-three years. To ^Ir. and Mrs. Ovel liave been 
born the following named children: Mary C. residing at home; 
Johan Gerhard, farming in Bremer township, Delaware county, 
Iowa; Johanna, married William Vaska, farming near Dyersville; 
Christina Josephine, the wife of Andrew Recker, farming the old 
Ovel homestead ; Amelia Francisca, residing with Mrs. Recker ; 
George, attending parochial schools ; and Leonada, also in school. 
Mr. Ovel has always taken an active interest in any movement that 
tends toward the growth and development of his county, and is 
highly respected by all who know him. 

Walter G. Co.x, of the Myers, Co.x & Co. tobacco manufactur- 
ing concern, is one of the oldest of Dubuque's active and successful 
business men. He was born here on March 28. 1847, the son of 
Richard and Elizabeth Cox, at a time when Dubucjue was little more 
than an Indian trading post and Indians were to be found in far 
greater numbers than whites. Mr. Cox remembers Dubuque as an 
old Indian trail and has seen as many as 1,500 half civilized mem- 
bers of that race in a single gathering. The average man of the 
present business generation has no conception of the strange sights 
that met the eye of an early pioneer like Mr. Co.x. He attended the 
public schools until sixteen years old, and then for three years was a 
clerk for Stuart & Emerson, pioneer tobacco merchants. Succeed- 
ing this he went to Dunleith, now East Dubuque, Illinois, and 
engaged in the buying and selling of grain up to 1869. The follow- 
ing year, in partnership with Mr. D. D. Myers, he embarked in the 
manufacture of tobacco, and this association has continued verv suc- 
cessfully down to the present time and has become one of the solid 
and substantial commercial institutions of the county. Mr. Cox is 
also a director of the High Bridge Company and is interested as a 
stockholder in various other enterprises. He is a Democrat in 
National political afifairs, but in local matters is independent, voting 
for the best man regardless of party afifiliation. Sociallv he has 
long been a member of the Benevolent and Protecti\-e Order of 
Elks and in religious views is a member of the Episcopal church. 
On September 19, 1872, in Dubuque, he was united in marriage 
with Miss Hattie Myers, and to them the following named five 
daughters have been born ; Maud, who married Clark J. Boynton 
and resides in Kansas City, Missouri; Mabel; Elizabeth, the wife 
of R. C. Holmes, of Newburgh, New York; Ethel, a graduate of 
the Dubuque High school residing at home; and Louise, the wife 
of C. D. Connolly, of Kansas City. Mr. Co.x is one of Dubuque's 
best and oldest citizens and is highly respected and esteemed by all 
who know him. He and family reside at 152 Eenelon Place. 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 585 

Bernard A. Nabor. cashier of the Luxemburg Savings Bank at 
Luxemburg, Dubuque county, Iowa, was born at Guttenburg, Iowa, 
June 26, 1 87 1, and is the son of Frank and EHzabeth Nabor. The 
father, a native of the Prussian Province of Westphalia, Germany, 
immigrated to America in 1868, and located at Guttenburg, Iowa, 
until the fall of 1872. He then removed with his family to New 
Vienna, this county, and with his brother, John Nabor, embarked 
in the manufacture of wagons and also operated a blacksmith shop. 
In 1882 he disposed of his interests and in partnership with Jacob 
Kerper of Dubuque embarked in the creamery business, which at 
that time was a comparatively new undertaking in Dubuque county. 
This business was continued very successfully until 1892, when, 
because of ill health, Mr. Nabor retired from all active participa- 
tion in business affairs. He died August 24, 1909, after a long and 
honorable life, preceded by his wife on October 16, 1876, aged 
twenty-eight years, and both are buried in St. Boniface Cemetery 
at New Vienna. Until fourteen years old Bernard A. Nabor 
attended the parochial school at New Vienna, then was employed in 
his father's creamery and also drove a cream route for fi\e years 
In 1890 he went to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and there for three years 
attended St. Francis Normal school. Succeeding this he went to 
South Dakota and until 1905 taught in the district schools. He 
then returned to New Vienna and served as a rural mail carrier 
until the organization of the Luxemburg Savings Bank, of which 
he was elected cashier. He has since retained this position and is 
also a stockholder in the institution. He is a Democrat in politics, 
a Catholic in religion, and a member of the Roman Catholic Mutual 
Protective Association of the state of Iowa. On June 2, 1903, at 
New Vienna, Mr. Nabor was united in marriage with Miss Anna 
M. Burlage, daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Burlage, pioneers of 
this locality, and to them five children ha\'e been born, as follows : 
Hilarius, born May 13, 1904; Elizabetli Dorothea, September 22, 
1905; Bernard L., November 16, 1906; Dolorus M.. October 2, 
1908; and Alvina Louisa, April 24, 1910. Mr. Nabor is the owner 
of 320 acres of fine farm land, and is regarded as one of the repre- 
sentative men of the community. 

Benjamin F. Stedman, superintendent of the City Waterworks, 
and bookkeeper since May, 1907, with offices in the city hall, was 
born in Lake county, Illinois, in November, 1845, the son of Benja- 
min F. and Hannah Stedman. The father, a farmer by occupation, 
was a native of Massachusetts, but in 1842 came West to Lake 
county, Illinois, where he passed the remainder of his days. He was 
a strong and prominent Republican in politics, and died in 1880 at 
the age of sixty-eight years, followed by his wife in 1884, when 
sixty-five years old ; both are buried in the cemetery at Millburn. 
Benjamin F. Stedman received his early education in the publi'- 



586 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

schools of his native county, then attended the Waukegan High 
school, and later a commercial college in St. Louis, Missouri. Foi 
about six years thereafter he followed bookkeeping in Edwardsville 
and Chicago, Illinois, and then for a period of twenty-seven years 
traveled as a commercial salesman. He came to Dubuque in 1887, 
five years before he relinquished his road work. He then accepted 
a position as bookkeeper with the Ryan Packing Company, remain- 
ing until the plant burned down six years later, and then traveled 
for Parlm & Orendorff, of Canton, Illinois, and in other lines. This 
he continued until Jacob Haudenshield was appointed county auditor 
for Dubuque county, at which time Mr. Stedman was appointed 
deputy auditor and continued as such from 1905 to 1907. In May 
of the latter year he was appointed superintendent and bookkeeper 
of the city water works by the board of trustees, and this position he 
has since held. He is a Republican in politics and a member of the 
Masonic fraternity. On February 24, 1869, at Millburn, Lake 
county, Illinois, he was united in marriage with Miss Bessie Lewin, 
and two daughters have been born to them, named, Cora, whc^ mar- 
ried Charles P. Skemp, a contractor of Woodward, Oklahoma, and 
Bessie, chief operator for the Cedar Rapids & Marion Telephone 
Company. Mrs. Stedman was the daughter of Henry and Jane 
Lewin, who came from Oxfordshire, England, to this country in or 
about 183 1 ; both died in Lake county, Illinois, at the respective 
ages of 78 and 70 years. Mr. and Mrs. Stedman and family reside 
at 1 6 10 Rhomberg avenue. 

Henry Evers, engaged in general farming and stock raising, was 
born in Dubuque county and is a son of Gerhard and Maria (Bruns) 
Evers. The parents were natives of Germany and came to America 
and Dubuque county, Iowa, at a very early date. They were poor 
but possessed the sturdy thrift characteristic of the German people 
and eventually honorably settled debts incurred during their early 
life in this country, and accumulated a competency. When they 
arrived here Dyersville had not yet been founded. New Vienna was 
scarcely more than a few log cabins clustered together, and their 
farm was rough and unbroken. Dubuque was their nearest market 
place. They set to work with a will, clearing and improving, and 
when Mr. Evers died on August 7. 1888, he was the owner of 148 
acres of fine, improved farm land. His wife survived him until 
February 19, 1901, and both are now buried at New Vienna. Henry 
Evers was born on the old home farm near New Vienna on Sep- 
tember 15, 1855, and during boyhood days assisted his father and 
attended the public schools. He has always followed farming and is 
at present operating the old home tract. He also owns 170 acres, of 
which but seventeen are in Dubuque county, but this he rents. Mr. 
Evers is a Democrat in his political views, is a director of the board 
of education and a member of the Catholic church. He is also a 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 587 

director of the Golden Star Cooperative Creamery at Dyersville. 
February 19, 1878, he was married at New Vienna to Miss Eliza- 
beth Luehrsman, a sister of Dr. Luehrsman, and to them these chil- 
dren have been born: Rose, who died in infancy; Mary, wife of 
Joseph Gloden, merchant at Cedar Rapids, Iowa ; Annie, married 
John Freyman, lumber dealer, at Dyersville ; Herman, farming in 
Dubuque county ; Katie, married Harrj' Westmann ; Bernhard, 
assisting his father : Josephine, at home; Lilly, also at home; Henry, 
student at St. Francis Academy, Dyersville; and Edward, attending 
school. 

John B. Heles, engaged in the general practice of medicine and 
surgery at 21 14 Couler avenue, Dubuque, Iowa, since 1903. was 
born in the village of Wortliington of this county, June 25, 1874. 
the son of John and Paulina Heles. After attending the public 
schools, John B. Heles entered and in 1895 was graduated from St. 
John's University, of Minnesota. He then entered the College of 
Physicians and Surgeons, at St. Louis, Missouri, and in 1899 was 
granted the degree of Doctor of Medicine from that institution. 
Immediately after his graduation, he was appointed interne to the 
Jefferson Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri, a dispensary of the college. 
After serving as interne for one year he was appointed assistant 
superintendent for the same institution. During this time lie also 
held the chair of Experimental and Imperative Surgery and was one 
of the physicians to the free dispensary of the college. Owing to 
other business interests in his home state and a desire to practice 
medicine there, he resigned his positions at the college and hospital 
in 1902, and in 1903 he located in Dubuque and has here been 
actively engaged in the general practice of his profession. Dr. Heles 
is a member of the Dubuque county, Iowa State and American Med- 
ical Associations. On January 11, 1910, at Chicago, he was united 
in marriage with Miss Clara Tschudi, daughter of Frederick and 
Lillian Tschudi of Dubuque. 

Joseph Schemmel, for many years one of the foremost men in 
the western portion of Dubuque county, was a native of Munster, 
Province of Westphalia, Germany. He came to America in 1842 
and for six years, in partnership with his three brothers, Henry, 
Anton and Christopher, operated a woolen mill at Hamilton, Ohio. 
In 1848 he came to Dubuque county, and with his brothers engaged 
in flour and woolen goods manufacturing. Here he was joined in 
wedlock with Miss Elisabeth Vente, a native of Oldenburg, Ger- 
many. To them were born ten children, three daughters and seven 
sons. Subsequently the flour mill burned, but the woolen mill con- 
tinued to be operated many years and was a notable institution in 
the western part of the county. Joseph Schemmel was well known 
for his activity, his upright life, and the prominence he attained in 



588 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

local affairs. He conducted the postoffice at New Vienna for a 
number of years, served as a member of the board of supervisors, 
also as township assessor and as a justice of the peace. He died in 
1898, at the age of seventy-one years, and his wife in 1907, aged 
seventy-one years. Both are buried at New Vienna. 

William Schemmel, son of Joseph Schemmel, whose biography 
immediately precedes this, was born at New Vienna, New Wine 
Township, Dubuque county, on January 16, 1858. He was here 
brought up to manhood, educated in the public schools, worked in 
his father's mills and at various other occupations, and for the most 
part has always resided in the county of his nativity. For a num- 
ber of years past he has lived in Dyersville, where he is at present 
engaged in business. On May 5, 1891, Mr. Schemmel married Miss 
Margaret Fromm. daughter of the old settler, Dr. L. Fromm, and 
to this mariage have been born five children, as follows : George, 
manager of a coal mine at Red Lodge, Montana ; Alvina, a graduate 
of St. Francis Academy for Teachers; Alfred, a graduate of the 
Brothers of Mary College, of Dyersville, and Atala and Martha, the 
last two named being students at St. Francis Academy. In addition 
to his business premises and residence in Dyersville, Mr. Schem- 
mel is the owner of a well improved farm of 160 acres. He is a 
Democrat and one of the enterprising men of Dyersville. 

Dr. Lawrence Fromm (father of Mrs. Wm. Schemmel), a 
prominent physician and surgeon of Dubuque county, was born in 
Prussia, Germany, in the year 1826. He came to America in 1856, 
settling at Jamestown, Wisconsin, where he practiced for twelve 
years. Here he married a practical nurse. Miss Margaret Gaebel. 
also a native of Prussia, Germany. To this union were born four- 
teen children, seven daughters and seven sons. They then journeyed 
to Dyersville, Iowa, where they resided up to the time of their 
deaths. Dr. Fromm was known far and wide, for not only his 
practice but also his honesty and intelligence. His wife preceded 
him to the grave on July 26, 1894, at the age of sixty-one, he 
dying on October 20, 1903, at the age of seventy-six years. Both 
are buried at Dyersville, Iowa. 

James Levi, president of the James Levi & Company department 
store, one of Dubuque's solid and substantial business houses, was 
born near the village of Saar Union, Province of Alsace (Elsass), 
Germany, March 24, 1841. His parents, Solomon H. and Minette 
Levi, both natives of that country, brought our subject to America 
and Dubuque at an early date and here he was educated in the Third 
Ward (now Prescott) School. Upon the completion of his educa- 
tion Mr. Levi entered the dry goods store of C. W. Arthur and 
here remained for a period of two years. He attended strictly to 
business and carefully mastered the details of the dry goods line. 
The succeeding three years he acted as salesman for his uncle. 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY '.^n 

Alexander Levi, and in 1862 embarked in the dry goods business 
on his own account at the corner of Eighth and Main streets. Later 
he changed his location and organized the firm of James Levi & 
Company which, under his able management, has become one of the 
largest and best of its kind in the city. The concern occupies five 
spacious floors and has a separate basement of large dimensions for 
storerooms. Mr. Levi is a Republican in his political views and is 
recognized as one of the progressive and successful business men of 
the county. 

James M. Walsh, principal of the Irving School, Dubuque, 
Iowa, was born a subject of the British Crown, his birth occurring 
in Lancashire, and was reared and educated in his native country. 
He came to the United States in the early seventies and for a time 
taught in the rural schools of Dubuque county, Iowa. About five 
years later he was appointed principal of one of the local institu- 
tions, and has been thus engaged ever since, being at present prin- 
cipal of the Irving School. Mr. Walsh was united in marriage with 
Miss Betsey Jane Leaver, and to them nine children have been bom, 
two deceased and seven yet living. Those living are: Joseph L., 
painter and decorator, married and residing in Dubuque; Emma, 
making her home with her parents; Daniel W., married, the father 
of one child, a fresco painter by occupation and residing in Chicago, 
Illinois ; Ford Cooper, married, a physician and surgeon residing 
and practicing his profession in Chicago; Sydney H., unmarried, 
real estate dealer, residing in Dubuque; Harriet M., at home; and 
William Thomas, single, and living in Chicago. William Thomas 
Walsh is an associate-editor of the Technical World, a well known 
magazine, and is also the author of the "Mirage of the Many," pub- 
lished by Henry Holt & Company, of New York, which has re- 
ceived favorable criticism from many prominent authors and book- 
men and which has had a very successful sale. James M. Walsh is 
independent in his political affiliation, voting for the man rather than 
the party, and is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fel- 
lows. He and family attend the Congregational Church, Dubuque, 
and reside at 560 Julien Avenue. 

Milton F. Willner was born at Burlington, Iowa, November 
3, 1874, and is the youngest of seven children born to the marriage 
of Bernard Willner and Pauline Blahd, both of whom were natives 
of Germany. The parents came to America when young, and were 
married at Cleveland, Ohio. When our subject was four years old 
his father died ; his mother is yet living and resides at Burlington, 
Iowa, aged seventy-eight years. Milton F. Willner was educated 
in the public schools of his native city and at Elliott's Business Col- 
lege. When fifteen years old he began clerking at Cedar Rapids in 
a clothing store, which was one of a chain of stores owned and oper- 



590 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

ated by Stem & Willner, the junior member of the firm being his 
brother. After seven years thus employed he was sent to take 
charge of the concern's branch at Freeport, Ilhnois, and thus con- 
tinued three years. Stem & Willner dissolved partnership in 1892, 
and Willner Brothers continued the business at Freeport. Mr. 
Willner became a member of this firm in 1896, and three years later 
came to Dubuque as resident manager of the store at this place, the 
business being established here in 1889. He has since been located 
in Dubuque and under his management the local concern has be- 
come one of the leading establishments of its kind in the city. The 
firm is composed of three brothers: Louis J., Otto F. and Milton 
F. The latter, since making his home in Dubuque, has become 
actively identified with the commercial welfare of the city. He is 
a member of the Dubuque Club, the Dubuque Motor Boat Club, the 
Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks and is independent in his 
political affiliation. 

Charles Van Horn, deceased, was the only child born to the 
marriage of John Van Horn and Mary Van Winkle, who were 
natives of New Jersey, and, as indicated by the name, of Holland 
descent. Charles Van Horn was born July 27, 1857, and died 
March 13, 1906, at Dubuque, Iowa, when in the prime of life. In 
youth he received a good, practical education, and by trade was a 
blacksmith. For some considerable time he was engaged in the 
buying, selling and repairing of bicycles, but the last eight years of 
his life was employed as a traveling salesman. He was a man of 
excellent judgment, moral and upright in life, a loving husband and 
father and commanded the respect and confidence of all who knew 
him. He was a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, 
the sad rites of his burial being conducted by this organization. In 
1883, at Downers Grove, Illinois, he married Miss Adel Cole, who 
was born February 22, 1863, the third in a family of seven chil- 
dren bom to David and Susan (Nash) Cole, who were natives of 
New York State. Mr. and Mrs. Cole moved to Illinois about the 
year i860, and from which state Mr. Cole enlisted and serv^ed two 
years for the suppression of the rebellion. He died in August, 
1893, at the age of sixty-six years, but his widow survives him and 
resides in Illinois. The following named five children were bom to 
Mr. and Mrs. Van Horn: Roy, who attended the public schools 
and for three years the high school at Dubuque, the Bayless Busi- 
ness College, married, and is now a ranchman at Port Angeles, 
Washington ; Clara, who was educated in the Dubuque schools, then 
learned dressmaking and is successfully following that occupation 
at the present time and is living at home ; Helen, a graduate of the 
Dubuque High School in the class of 1905, and now a teacher in the 
public schools of this city; Mabel, educated in the Dubuque schools 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 591 

and with special courses in the normal schools at Cedar Falls, Iowa, 
and Plattville, Wisconsin, and is now a school teacher at Hazel 
Green, Wisconsin; and Elmer, who, like his brother, attended the 
public and high schools of Dubuque and the Bayless Business Col- 
lege, and now resides in Seattle, Washington. Mrs. Van Horn is a 
member of the Shiloh Circle, and of the Eastern Star, the ladies' 
auxiliary order of the Masonic fraternity, and the Congregational 
Church, as is also each member of the family. 

J. J. LiNEHAN was born June 24, 1842, in Ireland. When a lad 
eight years old his parents immigrated to the United States and 
settled in Dubuque, Iowa. Here J. J. Linehan grew to manhood, 
attending the public and parochial schools and working at any hon- 
orable employment that presented itself. He became a contractor 
and followed that occupation a number of years; subsequently, in 
January, 1876, he purchased a half interest in the Dubuque Street 
Railway Company and acted as superintendent until his death in 
1888. He was active in civic affairs and served in the official po- 
sition of city alderman, two terms as mayor, and a member of the 
Iowa State Legislature for several terms. In May, 1871, he was 
united in marriage with Miss Margaret O'Hare, daughter of Ed- 
ward O'Hare, one of the early settlers of Dubuque county, and the 
names of the six children born to them who grew to years of ma- 
turity are Edward, John, Mary M., Charles M., James and Clara. 

Dr. Charles M. Linehan, one of the foregoing named children, 
and the present city health physician, was born in Dubuque, No- 
vember 4, 1876. Until twelve years of age he attended the paro- 
chial schools of this city, then entered the Christian Brothers' Col- 
lege at St. Louis, where, in addition to completing the academical 
and collegiate courses of that institution and receiving the degrees 
of Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts, he achieved distinction as 
one of the foremost athletes of the school. Succeeding this, he en- 
tered the Medical Department of the University of Michigan, but 
subsequently completed his medical training at Rush Medical Col- 
lege, Chicago, from which institute he was graduated June 21, 190 1. 
Through successful competitive examination he was then appointed 
interne at St. Elizabeth Hospital, and served as such two years. He 
then returned to Dubuque, where he has since been engaged in the 
active and successful practice of his profession. Dr. Linehan is a 
member of the Dubuque County Medical Society, the Jo Daviess 
(Illinois) County Medical Society and the American Medical Asso- 
ciation. He belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of 
Elks, the Dubuque Club, the Golf Club, the Dubuque Gun Club 
and a number of fraternal and insurance organizations of which, 
in many instances, he is medical examiner. He is a member of St. 
Patrick's Roman Catholic church. 



592 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Nicholas J. Schrup, since 1883 secretary and general manager 
of the Dubuque Fire & Marine Insurance Company, is a member 
of one of the old pioneer German families of the county. John 
Schrup, his father, was a native of Luxemburg, Germany, and 
there married Maria Palen. In 1852 they immigrated to the United 
States, and, coming to Dubuque county, Iowa, located on a tract of 
land in Mosalem Township and engaged in farming after the prim- 
itive manner of the time. In the old country they were reared to 
habits of industry, honesty and sobriety, and these exemplary char- 
acteristics they carried with them to their new home in America. 
They participated in the hardships of the transitory period from 
pioneer times and commanded the respect and esteem of all with 
whom they came in contact. Here Mr. Schrup died February 21, 
1868, when fifty-eight years old, and Mrs. Schrup on August 10, 
1897, aged seventy-six years. They were devout members of the 
Catholic church and reared their children in the same religious 
faith. 

Nicholas J. Schrup was born on the home farm in Dubuque 
county, August 23, 1853. His education was acquired in the dis- 
trict and city schools and at the Wisconsin Normal School, from 
which latter institution he was graduated in 1870. For a time 
thereafter he followed the profession of school teaching and was 
stationed in this work at Mattoon, Illinois, and Cascade, Iowa. He 
became deputy auditor of Dubuque county in 1880, a position he 
relinquished in 1883 to accept the position of secretary and manager 
of the Dubuque Fire & Marine Insurance Company, organized in 
that year. He has ever since occupied this position. Through hard 
work and intelligence Mr. Schrup has been more than ordinarily 
successful in business. In religion he is a Catholic, in politics a 
Democrat. He has served as a member and president of the Board 
of Education, is the present president of the German Savings 
Bank, and is otherwise identified with the civic and commercial in- 
terests of the city and county. In 19 10 he was elected state senator 
from Dubuque county by the largest majority ever given a candi- 
date for that office in Dubuque county. Socially he belongs to the 
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Columbus 
and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. 

At Chicago, on October 14, 1884, he married Miss Mary A. 
Kranz, daughter of Nicholas Kranz, a pioneer of the North Side of 
that city, and four children have been born to this union : Charles 
J., a graduate of tlie Dubuque High School and manager of a local 
department of the Dubuque Fire & Marine Insurance Company; 
Oliver G.. a student at St. Joseph's College, Dubuque; Lillian M. 
and Rosalyn, both graduates of St. Joseph's Academy. 

James Armstrong, who founded the Armstrong Lumber Com- 
pany at Dyersville in 1882. is a native of County Down, Ireland, 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 593 

his birth occurring January 22, 1842. When but a small lad his 
parents, David and Jane Armstrong, came to the United States and 
for a time resided in New York. In 1854, at a time when this 
section of the country was in a primitive condition, they came to 
Dubuque, Iowa, where the father figured as the largest contractor 
of his day. He built, among other important structures, the present 
county jail and the sheriff's house,'and also up to the beginning of 
the Civil war all the principal bridges contiguous to Dubuque. In 
i860 he removed to Taylor Township, where he owned and operated 
a splendid farm of some 600 acres, subsequently going to Inde- 
pendence, Iowa, where he was engaged in contracting until his 
death in July, 1894, at the age of eighty-four years. His wife died 
in February, 1864, when sixty-four years old. Mr. Armstrong was 
a man of unusual force and character, of great vitality and activity, 
and by reason of his upright life commanded the respect of all who 
knew him. 

In the Third Ward School of Dubuque James Armstrong re- 
ceived his primary education. When fifteen years old he was left in 
charge of his father's large farm in Taylor Township, and in 1865 
was deeded a tract of 160 acres, continuing farming until 1872. 
In the latter year, in partnership with George McGee, he embarked 
in mercantile pursuits at Farley, but in 1880 removed to Dyers- 
ville and engaged in the hardware and implement business, con- 
tinuing this alone and in partnership with others, until he founded 
the present Armstrong Lumber Company. Mr. Armstrong has 
lived practically his entire life in Dubuque county and is uni- 
versally conceded to be one of its best citizens. He is a member of 
the Methodist Episcopal church, and in politics is a Democrat. He 
served one term as mayor of Dyersville, and from 1884 to 1890 
was a member of the Board of Aldermen. June 7, 1865, he mar- 
ried Miss Martha Dick, a native of Philadelphia, the daughter of 
James and Eliza Dick. James Dick died in Philadelphia March 9, 
1868, and his wife, who was a relative of President James Bu- 
chanan, came to Dubuque and here died October 9, 1889. To Mr. 
and Mrs. Armstrong twelve children have been bom : David Ray- 
mond and Roy Harold, dying in infancy; Geo. G. and Jas. E., 
president, and Chas. L., secretary and treasurer of the Armstrong 
Manufacturing Company, manufacturers of well drilling machinery 
and gas engines, Waterloo, Iowa; David W., for three terms 
mayor of Dyersville, and secretary and treasurer of the Jas. 
Armstrong Lumber Co.; Clara M., now Mrs. Dr. John Muel- 
ler, of Dyersville, this county; Emily M., married T. R. Bell, who 
is manager of a large concern at Minneapolis, Minnesota; Margaret 
E., the wife of Elmer E. Carty, a farmer near Earlville, Iowa; 
Eliza J., now Mrs. E. C. Heriing, Illinois Central station agent at 
Charles City, Iowa; and Mary J. and Martha L., residing under 
the parental roof at Dyersville. 



594 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Dr. Emil F. Mueller, of Dyers\ille, was born at New Vienna, 
this county, on April 22, 1880, and is a son of Dr. Nicholas J. A. 
and Theresa Mueller, the former a native of Luxemburg and the 
latter of the state of Ohio. Dr. Emil F. Mueller received his early 
education in the parochial school of Dyersville, subsequently taking 
a two years' special course in the Iowa State University at Iowa 
City. Having read medicine under the tutelage of his father, he 
entered the medical department of the Northwestern University at 
Chicago, was graduated therefrom in June, 1904, and then was 
associated in practice with his father at Dyersville until Februaiy, 
1905. For a time succeeding this he was resident surgeon in the 
Lying-in Hospital and Dispensary, city of Chicago, where also he 
took a post-graduate course in the Electro Therapeutic College, 
and was emergency surgeon in the Deering branch of the Inter- 
national Har\-ester Company. From 1907 to October, 1908, Dr. 
Mueller practiced his profession alone in Dyersville, then joined 
with his brother, who had been located at New Vienna, and has 
attained high rank among the medical practitioners of the county. 
He is a Republican in politics, belongs to the Dubuque Lodge of the 
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and is identified with the 
Dubuque County and American Medical Societies. He is the local 
surgeon for the Chicago & Great Western Railroad Company, the 
Illinois Central Railroad Company and the Aetna Accident Insur- 
ance Company, and is medical examiner for the New York Life, 
New York Alutual, Germania Life, Bankers' Life, Penn. Mutual, 
Mutual Benefit, of Newark, N. J., Aetna Life, Pacific Mutual, 
Northwestern Mutual and Equitable insurance companies. Dr. 
Mueller is also local examiner for the Modern Woodmen of Amer- 
ica, and is among the highly respected residents of the community. 

Joseph Frederick Stampfer, active head of the long established 
dry goods firm of J. F. Stampfer S: Co., was born in Louisville, 
Kentucky, November 9, 1855. His parents, J. F. and Barbara 
Stampfer, were natives of Germany, their home being in West- 
phalia, but in 1849 they emigrated to America and located at St. 
Louis, Missouri. They lived happily together in this country until 
1887, when the mother passed away at the age of sixty-six years, 
fc'llowed by the father in 1891 at the age of eighty-three. Shortly 
after emigrating to the United States the family came North to 
Fort Madison, Iowa, and there our subject received his early school- 
ing in the public institutions. Upon the removal of his parents to 
Dallas City, Illinois, in 1865, Mr. Stampfer continued his studies 
in the common schools, and then came alone to Dubuque. For 
thirteen years he was connected with the dry goods establishment of 
J. & A. Christman, starting as clerk and in time becoming salesman 
and buyer for several departments. While thus employed he became 
th.orr'ughly familiar with every department of the dry goods busi- 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 595 

ness, and subsequently went to Waverly, Iowa, and bought the store 
owned by H. L. Ware. One year later, however, he disposed of his 
holdings, returned to Dubuque, and by purchase acquired the inter- 
est of Mr. Kees in the firm of Kees & Sullivan, the style of the 
association being then changed to Sullivan & Stampfer. They con- 
tinued in partnership until 1901, when Mr. Stampfer bought iiis 
partner's share, and under the name of J. F. Stampfer continued 
alone. In 1908 the concern was incorporated, and has since coii- 
ducted its affairs under the firm name of the J. F. Stampfer Com- 
pany. By shrewd and careful business management they have 
grown and prospered and today are credited with having one of the 
most complete and up-to-date establishments in the city. Aside from 
tlie abo\e interests, Mr. Stampfer is president of the Security 
Building Company and a director of the Dubuque Building and 
Loan Association. He is a Republican in politics and a member and 
trustee of St. Luke's Methodist Episcopal church. To his marriage 
with Miss Belle Meredith, solemnized June 5. 1889, at Dell Rapids, 
South Dakota, three children have been born, as follows: MiUlred 
M., J. F., Jr., and Thomas M. 

Dr. Hubert Anton Sumpmann, since 1907 engaged in the 
practice of medicine and surgery at 969 Iowa street, Dubuque, was 
born in Telgte, Province of Westphalia, Germany, September 26, 
1864, the son of C. J. and Elizabeth Sumpmann. The father died 
in the old country, December 21, 1882, and the mother on July 7, 
1907. After attending the German public schools Hubert A. Sump- 
mann entered the Home University and upon coming to America 
pursued his studies in the Epworth Seminary and the Upper Iowa 
University. He then taught for a time in the public schools of 
Delaware county, Iowa, later entering the Chicago Homeopathic 
College and graduating therefrom in 1890 with the degree of Doctor 
of Medicine. Until 1896 he practiced his profession at New Vienna, 
Dubuque county, then returned to Chicago and took a one year's 
course in the College of Physicians and Surgeons. In 1900 he spent 
a number of months in Europe, doing hospital work. He located 
for eleven years at Dyersville and then took a post-graduate course 
in the Post-Graduate School, Chicago, and afterwards came to 
Dubuque and located in his present offices. Here Dr. Sumpmann 
has built up a large and lucrative practice and has attained prom- 
inence among local medical practitioners. He is local physician for 
the Orioles and is a member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic church. 
At Petersburg, Iowa, on September 30, 1890, he was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Maria Agnes Woerdeshoff, daughter of William 
Woerdeshoft', a pioneer settler of that locality, and to them two 
sons and two daughters have been born, named as follows : Wil- 
liam C, clerk for the Standard Oil Company ; Emma, graduate of 
the Immaculate Conception Academy, and now teaching music; 



596 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Clarence H.. attending St. Mary's High school; and Henrietta, 
attending St. Mary's Parochial school. 

Dr. Bernard H. Luchrsmann^ engaged in the general practice 
of medicine and surgery at Dyersville, is a native of Dubuque 
county, Iowa, born on a farm in New Wine township, May 8, 1874, 
and is a son of the old pioneers, Bernard and Margaret Luchrsmann. 
The parents were natives of Germany and came to America and 
Dubuque county, Iowa, in 1848, locating on a farm in New Wine 
township. The father became active in local affairs of importance, 
was a Democrat in politics, served as mayor of Dyersville and during 
the Civil war he assisted in the enrollment of troops for the Union 
army. He died in January, 1906, aged eighty-eight years, and was 
followed by his wife in September, 1907, and both are buried in .St. 
Francis cemeter3% at Dyersville. Dr. Bernard H. Luchrsmann 
received his early education in the parochial school at Dyersville, and 
later attended St. Francis College, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and St. 
Joseph's College, Dubuque. He also took a course in the State 
University of Iowa. He determined to take up the study and prac- 
tice of medicine and surgery, and in 1900 was graduated from the 
medical department of the State University of Illinois, with the 
degree of Doctor of Medicine. For a time he practiced at Norway, 
Benton county, then came to Dyersville, where he has been very 
successful in the accumulation of a large and lucrative practice. Dr. 
Luchrsmann is a member of Dubuque Lodge of the Benevolent and 
Protective Order of Elks, Catholic Order of Foresters, American 
and Dubuque County Medical Associations and the Roman Catholic 
church. May 14, 1902, at Norway, Iowa, he was united in marriage 
with Miss Mary Schulte, daughter of Charles and Mary Schulte, 
who came to this country from Germany in 1870. To Dr. and Mrs. 
Luchrsmann one daughter and one son have been born, named, 
Dorothea, born February 6, 1903, and Bernard, born February 7, 
1906. 

Joseph H. Limbach, of Dyersville, Iowa, is one of the old and 
highly respected residents of Dubuque county. He is a native of the 
state of West Virginia, his birth occurring at Wheeling in May, 
1842, and was a son of John and Barbara Limbach, who were born 
in Germany and came to the United States in or about 1830. The 
family first located in Pennsylvania, where the father followed 
merchandizing, but in 1858 came west to Delaware county. Iowa, 
and purchased 200 acres of land at $25 an acre. They experienced 
all the trials and hardships incident to pioneer life, but gradually 
improved their land until it became one of the best farms in the 
community. In 1869 John Limbach retired from the active cares of 
life, and with his wife removed to Dyersville, where he passed 
away in 1873 at the age of seventy years. Mr. Limbach died as he 





^^-^ 



^ 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 597 

liad lived, a good and honorable citizen, and his loss was keenly 
felt throughout the entire county. In 1886, when eighty years of 
age. his wife followed him. and both now lie at rest in the Catholic 
cemetery at T^yersville. After attending the public schools, Joseph 
H. Limbach, the immediate subject of this review, took a course in 
St. Francis College, Loretta, Cambria county, Pennsylvania, and 
subsequently spent two years under the instruction of the Dominican 
Brothers, at Sinsinawa Mound, Grant county. Wisconsin. When 
nineteen years old he came to Dyersville, Iowa, and with his broth- 
ers, Anthon and John, embarked in the general merchandise busi- 
ness, continuing thus from 1862 to 1898. John Limbach died in 
1881, but the partnership was continued by the two remaining broth- 
ers up to the abo\'e date, and their establishment became one of the 
largest of its kind in this section of the county. Subsequently Mr. 
Limbach disposed of his interests to his nephews, John A., Harry 
and Joseph Limbach, and embarked in the live stock, grain and 
flour business. He has been unusually successful in this line and is 
recognized as one of the large dealers in this part of the state. He 
is a Democrat in his political affiliations, and has served as mayor 
of Dyersville two terms, treasurer three terms and city alderman 
for ten years. He is a charter member of the St. Francis Mutual 
Society of Dyersville, and for a period of forty-nine years has been 
identified with the church of that place. On September 3. 1866. at 
Dyersville, he was united in marriage with Miss Anna Dyer, daugh- 
ter of Judge Dyer, who was the founder of the city of Dyersville. 
To Mr. and Mrs. Limbach two children have been born, Edith and 
Florence. Edith married Thomas McGrath, a druggist of Keokuk, 
Iowa, and Florence became the wife of George Ham, a real estate 
dealer of her home city. Mr. Limbach has always taken an interest 
in any movement toward the betterment of local conditions and has 
contributed liberally from his means toward the support of churches, 
schools and colleges. During his administration as mayor he was 
one of the advocates of the Chicago & Great Western Railway 
enterprise and was instrumental in bringing that road to Dyersville. 

Fridolin Joseph Heer, Sr., was born July 30, 1834, in Wallen- 
stadt. Canton St. Gallen, Switzerland. His father was a lifelong 
builder and overseer of buildings in his native town, and his son 
followed his occupation. After leaving school he became an appren- 
tice to a master stone cutter and builder in Rapperswil. Canton St. 
Gallen, with whom he studied and worked until he rose to the posi- 
tion of foreman, when his master entrusted him with the overseeing 
of important works in Switzerland and Germany. For six years 
he traveled on foot into northern Germany, working at his trade, 
after which he studied art in Munich, for two years, under the 
renowned sculptor. Professor Riedmuller. 

Thus equipped, Fridolin Heer established himself as steinmetz- 



598 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

meister (master stone cutter ) in Chur, Canton Graubundten, in i860, 
and soon had a well established business. It was here his mind and 
hand planned and erected the monumental fountain, in front of the 
cathedral, for the great Pater Theodosius (one of Switzerland's 
greatest men ). which was made special mention of by the Society of 
Alt m Munich, as "A work of art, worthy of special mention," as 
was also the Bischof Haller monument in St. Gallen. On April 26, 
i860, Mr. Heer married Miss Lisette Breitler, of Basadingen, Can- 
ton Thurgau. Four children blessed the union, one infant son dying 
in Chur, the remaining three still residing in the parental home. 

After five years of prosperous labors, sudden financial reverses 
caused by the sudden death of his friend, Pater Theodosius, over- 
came him, which forced him to leave home and countr3^ At once 
he wended his way to the United States, in July, 1865. His des- 
tination was Belleville, Illinois, where he had relatives. He soon 
became acquainted and made friends who assisted him in finding 
work, which enabled him, after six months' residence there, to send 
for his family. The climate. howe\er, was not favorable to Mrs. 
Heer's health, and they were thus compelled to seek a more northerly 
location. Chicago was their destination, where they resided two 
years, when Mr. Heer heard of the glowing accounts of the pros- 
pects of that growing western town, Dubuque, Iowa, on the Missis- 
sippi, whither they repaired, and which was henceforth to be their 
home and field of labors ; it was in 1868. 

The first years of Mr. Heer's labors were given to stone cutting, 
after which he made architecture his line of work to the end of his 
life. His work and buildings everywhere, are living proofs of his 
ability and skill, and attest the solidity of their construction. The 
first buildings planned and erected by him were the A. Hubert cut 
stone porch and fence to residence on Main street, then followed 
successively the James Levi store. Town Clock building, Globe build- 
ing. Rider and Jacob Michel buildings: the residences of William 
Bradley, Colonel Henderson, Mr. Vanduzee, W. J. Knight, J. T. 
Hancock, Andrew Tredway, Alexander Yound, James Levi, the 
Eagle building. County Poor House, first building of Mount St. 
Joseph's Academy, St. Francis Con\ent and Orplians' Home, in this 
city, public school at Dyersville, Catholic churches at Luxemburg, 
Fort Dodge, Westphalia ; Feeble Minded Institution at Glenwood, 
and many others too numerous to mention. 

Upon the return of his son. Fridolin Joseph, Jr.. from the School 
of Architecture in Stuttgart, Europe, father and son associated into 
the firm of Frid. Heer & Son. which has since planned and erected 
the following well-known buildings: Dubuque County Court House; 
Jackson, Irving, Fulton and Morse public schools, superintended the 
large plant of the Dubuque Brewing and Malting Company's build- 
ings, and ha\e done all their designing since, for buildings in 
and out of the city; also designed the addition to St. Joseph's Acad- 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 599 

emy, Tliirteentli and Main street, the First Security building, M. M. 
Hoffman store and flat building. John Olinger's buildings, German 
Presbyterian church. Seventeenth and Iowa street; the residences of 
H. L. Stout, William Molo, Alf. Mathews, F. A. Rumpf, A. F. 
Heeb, John Schwind, Aloys Glab, Nickolas Glab, Peabody double 
flats, N. J. Schrup, Lawrence Gonner, and many others. Among 
the churches. St. Francis Catholic church at Dyersville. Sacred 
Heart at Fort Madison ; Sacred Heart at Pomeroy. Ohio : St. An- 
thony's, Milwaukee ; Catholic churches at Oregon, Illinois, Savanna. 
Illinois, North Washington, Iowa. New Hampton Catholic school 
and Lutheran church, also Lutheran church alterations at Bellevue, 
Iowa ; St. Felix Catholic church, school and Orphans' Home at 
Wabasha. Minnesota: the first addition to Sacred Heart (Jesuit) 
College at Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, also the residence of Charles 
Grelle, Jr., at this place, and the different buildings of St. Mary's 
Academy, since 1886. The larger addition to the latter, erected 
during the past two years, with the Marquette monument, and the 
shrine of Lourdes on the Academy grounds, terminated the work 
of his life. 

Could he have closed his life more nobly? How noble it was of 
his devoted friends in St. Mary's Academy to show their appre- 
ciation of his efiforts in the erection of the Marquette monument, in 
his lifetime — while yet he could rejoice at these beautiful marks of 
grateful appreciation — after the unveiling of the monument on that 
memorable 17th day of June, 1910, the -237th anniversary of the 
discovery of the Mississippi at the mouth of the Wisconsin river, a 
short distance south of the academy grounds. These are their words 
of appreciation : 

"To Mr. Frid. Heer. Sr.. the architect of the monument, the 
sturdy old Swiss patriot, the American so true to his adopted coun- 
try, the indefatigable worker in this cause so dear to his heart — to 
him, indeed, is owed a word of appreciation and tribute of praise. 
May his work and his success be an example and an inspiration to 
the younger generation of American citizens." 

Active and ambitious, he toiled early and late, the last weeks 
called for more traveling and strain than his nervous but robust 
nature could endure ; he contracted a cold on one of these trips, with 
seemingly no serious symptoms, which despite the medical attend- 
ance, rapidly developed into pneumonia, which had such firm hold 
of him that left no hope for recovery, and surrounded by his sorrow- 
ing children and their prayers and those of the Reverend Father 
who administered the last sacred sacraments of the dying, he 
breathed his soul into the hands of his Maker, in his home, on Mon- 
day night, September 19, 1910. The news of his death came with 
startling abruptness to his many friends in this and other cities, 
wherever he was known, and caused universal sorrow, especially 



6oo HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

in Prairie du Chien, where he spent most of the past two years, and 
had said farewell only the day before he passed away. 

Those who knew him best valued him most. He was the soul of 
good-heartedness, liberal and liberal-minded as only men can be who 
come from the Swiss Alps ; Dubuque never harbored within her 
borders a more unselfish, disinterested man than Fridolin Heer. 
Ever ready to extend a helping hand to the sorrow and welfare of 
his fellow men, his last work of charity was for his flood-stricken 
countrymen in Switzerland, his beloved native land, to which he was 
attached with every fibre of his heart. For these he — with other 
Swiss citizens, collected the snug little sum of two hundred dollars — - 
which he himself presented to the Swiss consul in Chicago, the 
Thursday evening before death claimed him. Throughout his life 
courses the bent of disinterested charitableness, meaning well 
towards all ; but as the world's run, he, too, had to sufifer most from 
those he served most. However, he has closed his life, and took 
with him a life full of kindly deeds which alone will be a lasting 
monument to his memory. 

Mr. Heer leaves to mourn his death three children, Fridolin 
Joseph, Jr., who for years has been his faithful associate; Elise M., 
teacher of German in the Fulton public school and St. Anthony's 
Catholic school; and Pauline M., who besides giving piano instruc- 
tion, has long been her father's and brother's assistant in their office 
work. His good, devoted wife preceded him in death five years and 
four months ago. Besides his family there are left to mourn his 
loss, four grandchildren and one elder brother, Hauptmann A. Heer, 
in Wallenstadt, who has been president of his town since i860, (and 
last 25th October celebrated his diamond wedding, while on January 
12, 191 1, his wife celebrated her looth birthday, both in the enjoy- 
ment of good health and spirits). 

Mr. Heer was a faithful adherent of the Catholic faith, in which 
he lived and died. He was the founder of the Swiss Helvetia Masn- 
nerchor, and its president at the time of his death. He was also a 
member of the Dubuque Schutzen Gesellschaft, the Veteran Fire- 
men, Old Settlers' Association and the Dubuque Sasngerbund, who 
very touchingly rendered two appropriate numbers at the home of 
their departed Saengerbruder, before the remains were conveyed to 
the Sacred Heart church, Thursday morning at 9 o'clock, Septem- 
ber 22, 1910, where requiem mass was celebrated, and a most con- 
soling funeral sermon preached by the celebrant of the mass. Rev. 
A. Boeding, who also prepared him for death ; after which all that 
was mortal of Fridolin Heer was conveyed to his last resting place 
in Mount Calvary. A man of honor has departed from us, may his 
soul rest in peace. Many came from far and near to view for the 
last time the face of one they loved in life, and beautiful were the 
floral offerings that kind-hearted friends had tendered him. 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 6oi 

Tribute to Fridolin Heer, Sr. 

He cared not what the world might say, 
When duty's voice was heard — • 
Fearless of man, fearful alone of God, 
He kindled at its word. 
Like dauntless warrior, read in legends old, 
Encountless dangers only made him bold. 
His was the soul to bear. 
His was the soul to dare. 
In doing right. 

A grand old man, "tis well and truly said, 
A man whose early life was gently bred ; 
A patriot through and through. 
A man whose friendship was a thing to prize, 
A man whose motives suffered no disguise. 
But more — a Christian, too. 

True to his country, true to his home and God, 
His useful course is run. 
The weary years of waiting now are o'er, 
His task in life is done. 
He is not lost to us, but only gone before. 
Prairie du Chien, Wis., Sept. 21, 1910. A Friend. 

Tribute to the Late Frid. Heer, Sr. 

True son of old Helvetia thou ! 

Yet thy adopted land. 
Claimed as her own, that generous heart. 

And strong, courageous hand. 

Her future was thy anxious care. 

Her history, thy pride, 
Her heroes, beacon lights, whose flame 

Should flash forth far and wide. 

Still for the Hero of the Cross 

And Mary, Mother sweet. 
Was thy most strong endeavor spent. 

Thy effort most complete. 

Farewell, true-hearted, noble friend! 

And may thy service loyal 
In Heav'n, thy soul's own country find 

Its recompense right royal. 
Prairie du Chien, Wis., Sept. 22, 1910. A Friend. 



6o2 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

DoRRANCE Dixon Myers, Sr., is one of the oldest native born 
citizens of Dubuque now living, his birth having occurred Novem- 
ber 3, 1 84 1. So closely intervi^oven is the history of the Myers 
family with the early history of this locality that a record of one 
could scarcely be made without that of the other. William and 
Susan L. Myers, the parents of the subject of this sketch, came to 
Dubuque at the early period of 1832 through the solicitation of the 
wife of General George W. Jones, who was an intimate friend of 
Mrs. Myers. William Myers was a native of Missouri, his people 
having moved there from Pennsylvania. He was engaged in buy- 
ing furs from the Indians in the early days, and when the present 
Kansas City was but an Indian trading post he was stationed there 
for that purpose. Upon coming to Dubuque he followed mercan- 
tile pursuits for six years, then retired to a farm, where he passed 
the remainder of his life. He was a notable character, a man of 
strong will and iron determination. During the troublesome times 
with the Indians, fully set forth in other departments of this pub- 
lication, he bore a conspicuous part and attained the rank of major. 

The early life of Dorrance D. Myers was passed on his father's 
farm, assisting in the general work during the summer months and 
in winters attending the district schools provided at that early day. 
The meagre education thus procured has since been greatly ampli- 
fied by extensive readings and careful study of selected subjects. 
When nineteen years old he left the farm and for two years was 
clerk in the office of William G. Stewart, who at that time was 
county treasurer and county recorder. He then became a clerk in 
the office of the master mechanic of the old Dubuque & Sioux City 
Railway, now the Illinois Central, a position he held until 1867, 
when he organized the Dubuque Tobacco Works. This concern 
first started in a small way on Main street, between Third and 
Fourth, occupying a back room on the second floor as a factory 
and the front room as an office. From this unpropitious beginning, 
and under the wise and careful management of Mr. Myers, the con- 
cern gradually prospered and grew in commercial strength until it 
is now recognized as one of the substantial business houses of Du- 
buque. It now owns and occupies a one hundred foot front on Iowa 
street, on which is erected a substantial four-story factory, and, 
aside from the clerical help, furnishes employment for nearly three 
score hands. Mr. Myers, by careful and good business manage- 
ment, has prospered and become one of the foremost citizens of 
the city. He is president of the Dubuque National Bank, vice-presi- 
dent of the German State Bank of Dyersville, a director of the Cas- 
cade State Bank, director and chairman of the Board of Managers 
of the Dubuque Bridge Company, director of the Julien House 
Hotel Company, and trustee and director of Mount Olivet Cemetery. 
He is a member of St. Patrick's Roman Catholic church, and in 
his political views is a Democrat, having served as chairman of the 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 603 

Democi-atic County Central Committee. May 17, 1865, Matilda 
Pratte became his wife, and ten children have been born to this 
marriage, the following named seven now living: Mary, George 
W., Emily I., Dorrance D., William B., Joseph and Nathalie. The 
names of those deceased are Louise, Charles and Josephine. 

Charles E. Loizeaux, M. D., practicing his profession at 975 
Locust street, Dubuque, since 1904, was born at Vinton, Iowa, De- 
cember 2, 1874, the son of Charles J. and Olive A. (Roberts) Loi- 
zeaux. The father was a native of France and immigrated to 
America in 1849, locating first at Milwaukee, Wisconsin, two years, 
and later removing to Des Moines, Iowa, where for many years he 
practiced medicine and surgery. Charles E. Loizeaux received his 
early schooling at Dysart, Iowa, and later graduated from the East 
Des Moines High School. He then decided to take up the study of 
medicine and accordingly entered the State University of Iowa, 
from which institution he graduated in 1904 with the degree of Doc- 
tor of Medicine. His expenses in acquiring an education were de- 
frayed by working in the advertising department of the Des Moines 
Daily Capital. On June 29, 1904, Dr. Loizeaux came to Dubuque 
and has here since been actively and successfully engaged in the 
general practice of his profession. He is a member of the Iowa 
State and American medical associations, the Dubuque County 
Medical Society, the Knights of Pythias, the Benevolent and Pro- 
tective Order of Elks, the American Institute of Homeopathy, and 
in politics is a Republican. On October 8, 1908, he was united in 
marriage with Miss Retta Mullany, daughter of John I. and Agnes 
MuIIany, her father being a prominent lawyer and historian in Du- 
buque. Dr. and Mrs. Loizeaux are members of St. Raphael's Ca- 
thedral. 

Thomas Henry Heffernan, M. D., has for the past fifteen 
years been actively and successfully engaged in the general practice 
of medicine in Dubuque. He is a native of the State of Wisconsin, 
his birth occurring April 15, 1868. and is the son of Maurice and 
Elizabeth Heffernan. The family came originally from Ireland, 
the doctor's grandfather leaving that country and settling in Canada 
at an early date, and there Maurice Heffernan was born and reared. 
Later he came to Wisconsin and there followed farming for many 
years. His wife was of English nativity and was brought to this 
country by her parents when but three years old. After attending 
the public schools Dr. Thomas H. Heffernan entered and in 1891 
was duly graduated from the State Normal School at Platteville, 
Wisconsin. He was then for two years principal of the Mount 
Hope (Wisconsin) High School, but at that time decided to take 
up the study and practice of medicine and accordingly entered the 
Northwestern Medical School at Chicago, from which institution he 



6o4 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

was granted the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1896. He then 
came to Dubuque and has since been actively identified with the 
medical profession in this city. He enjoys a large and lucrative 
practice and has attained prominence as a surgeon among local prac- 
titioners. Socially he is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and 
in religious views affiliates with the St. Luke's Methodist Episcopal 
church of this city. On December 17, 1902, the doctor was united 
in marriage with Miss Bernie A. Hogan, daughter of Dennis and 
Ann Hogan, pioneer settlers and farmers of Grant county, Wis- 
consin, both of whom are now deceased. Dr. and Mrs. Hefifernan 
reside at 850 Locust street. 

Frank Faha, vice president and manager of the Emporium, at 
Dyersville, is a native of Germany, born January 8. 1843, ^t Trier, 
and a son of Peter and Margaret Faha, both of whom lived and 
died in that country. Frank Faha attended the German National 
schools until thirteen years old. then for three years worked on his 
father's farm and afterwards learned tailoring, which he followed 
until his twenty-third year. In 1867 he immigrated to America 
with a view to making this country his future home, and for a 
short time was located in Dubuque. The same year he came west to 
Dyersville, Iowa, where for two years he was employed by Adam 
Wunibacher. He then returned to his old profession, the tailoring 
trade, and opened a small establishment in Dyersville. From the 
start, due to Mr. Faha's hard work, the business prospered, and he 
was forced to seek larger quarters. He erected a building 25x80 
feet, later enlarging it to no feet, and in 1894 the corporation, of 
which he is now vice president and manager, was organized. The 
Emporium employs a working force of seventeen people and is re- 
garded as one of the best of its kind in the county. Mr. Faha is a 
Democrat in politics and has served as alderman and as president 
of the board of education. Socially he is identified with the 
Knights of Columbus, and since coming to Dyersville has been a 
member of the Catholic church. On September 2, 1873, he married 
Miss Elizabeth Knippling, daughter of John and Margaret Knipp- 
ling, pioneer settlers and farmers of the county. Three sons and 
two daughters have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Faha, as follows : 
Fred C, secretary of the Emporium; Frank, Jr., stockholder and 
director of the corporation; Henry, clerk and director of same; 
Fanny, who married Edward Krapfl, who is treasurer of the con- 
cern ; and Clara, a graduate of St. Francis Academy and resides at 
home. Mr. Faha has taken an active part in local matters of im- 
portance and is the oldest active merchant in the city of Dyersville. 

Edward Brueckner, engaged in the drug business at Dyersville, 
is a native of the State of Michigan and a son of Herman and 
Sophia Brueckner. Edward Brueckner was born at Lexington, 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 605 

Michigan, February 21, 1875, '^"d received his primary and high 
school education at Derinda Center, Jo Daviess county, Ilhnios, 
graduating from the latter in 1891. He then took a course in Wart- 
burg Cohege, and succeeding this, from 1892 to 1894, served an 
apprenticeship to the drug business at Bellevue. He then entered 
Highland Park College. Des Moines, Iowa, from which he was 
graduated in 1895 as a registered pharmacist. For a time thereafter 
he had charge of a branch drug establishment of his former Belle- 
vue employers at Andrew, Iowa, and then, in partnership with J. C. 
McGee. bought out the business of G. A. Holbrook, which they con- 
ducted until 1898. At that date the association was dissolved and 
Mr. Brueckner has since continued alone at Dyersville, where he 
has been very successful. He is a Republican in his political views 
and has served as alderman of the city for two years. Mr. Brueck- 
ner has always taken an interest in athletic sports and was instru- 
mental in the organization of the local ball club. June i, 1904, at 
Dyersville, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Agnes Cun- 
ningham, daughter of the late Dan and Barbara Cunningham. To 
Mr. and Mrs. Brueckner three children have been born, named, 
Charles Edward, born December 27, 1905; Colleta Elise, born 
March 7, 1907; and George William, born September 10, 1908. 

Peter Even, one of Dubuque's well known business men, has 
been engaged in the fuel and implement business in this city, with 
a main office at 57 West Main street, and a branch office at 446 
Garfield avenue, for the past sixteen years. He was born in Prairie 
Spring Township, Jackson county, Iowa, August 4, 1856, and is a 
son of Mathias and Anna Hingtgen Even, natives of the Province 
of Luxemburg, Germany. Peter Even received but a fair country 
school education during boyhood. In 1878 he came to Dubuque 
and embarked in the grocery business for about three years. After 
disposing of his grocery business he became salesman and book- 
keeper for Pat McCullough, dealer in farm implements, and re- 
mained with him for thirteen years. Then in partnership with H. J. 
Fuchs, under the firm name of Even & Fuchs, he engaged in the 
coal and wood business, three years later buying out the implement 
business of Pat McCullough, which they added to their own par- 
ticular line. 

In 1904 Mr. Even acquired, by purchase, Mr. Fuch's interest 
in the establishment and has since continued alone. He is interested 
in different manufacturing concerns of the city. His implement 
house is one of the largest in the state, and the large patronage he 
is enjoying, both in the fuel and implement business, was acquired 
by honest and fair dealings. 

Dr. Edw.\ru R. Jackson, of Dubuque, has been actively engaged 
m the practice of medicine and surgery at 855 Locust street since 



6o6 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

1S74. He is a native of Iowa, born at Hopkinton, October 29, 
1848, and a son of Leroy and Jerusha M. Jackson. So far as known 
the family came originally from Virginia, later removing to Ken- 
tucky, where Leroy Jackson was born, and in 1833 came to Du- 
buque. It is said of Leroy Jackson that he was the first to erect 
a brick house in the city of Dubuque. From 1833 to 1840 he 
engaged in the real estate business here, then went to Hopkinton, 
Iowa, to trade merchandise to the Indians for furs. He later bought 
a farm near that village, where he remained until his death in 1885, 
aged eighty-one years. His widow followed him in 1901, at the age 
of eighty-three. To them eleven children were born, eight living and 
three dying in infancy, as follows : Harve}', burned to death in 
Dubuque when fifteen months old; William H., who died at Vicks- 
burg during the Civil war, as sergeant of Company K, Twenty-first 
Iowa Volunteers; Mary Louise, wife of Professor Calvin, of the 
State University of Iowa ; Henry C, residing in California ; Martha 
A., who married Grant Crawford of Hopkinton, Iowa; Susan C, 
wife of H. C. Salsbury, of Cresco, Iowa; Charles, who died in 
infancy; Frank L., of Redland. California; Fred C, residing in 
Sioux City, Iowa ; Robert Louis, of Oldham, South Dakota ; and 
Edward R., our subject. After attending the public schools, Dr. 
Edward R. Jackson entered Lenox College, Hopkinton, Iowa, later 
taking a course in the Cincinnati College of Aledicine and Surgery, 
where he graduated in 1874 with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. 
He subsequently attended and in 1881 was graduated from the 
Hahnemann Medical College at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He 
then came to Dubuque, where he had already practiced seven years, 
and has since been actively engaged in the general practice of his 
profession. Dr. Jackson is a Knight Templar Mason, an Odd Fel- 
low, and a member of the Hahnemann Medical Society of Iowa, the 
American Institute of Homeopathy, the American Association of 
Orificial Surgeons and the Westminster Presbyterian church. Aside 
from his practice he is interested in the Tobasco, Chapias Trading 
and Transportation Company, of Mexico, is a director in the Amer- 
ican Peat and Fertilizer Company, Farnham, Province of Quebec, 
Canada, and is secretary and treasurer of the Western Land Com- 
pany. On November 29, 1881, in Dubuque, he married Miss Etta J. 
Hancock, daughter of Edwin and Ellen Hancock. Edwin Hancock 
was a pioneer shoe merchant and died in March, 1906, aged eighty- 
five years, and his wife died April 2, 191 1, aged ninety years. One 
daughter, Edith Lucile, a graduate of the Dubuque High school and 
of Bradford Academy, has been born to Dr. and Mrs. Jackson. 

Caleb C. Chesterman has been a resident of Dubuque county 
for over sixty years, coming here in the year 1850. He was born 
at Burford, Oxfordshire, England, August 11, 1828, and is a son 
of William and Harriet Chesterman. The father was a civil 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 607 

engineer by occupation and came to America and Dubuque county, 
Iowa, in 1850, settling on a farm near Peosta. He died in 1875, 
aged seventy years, from a stroke of apoplexy. His wife died many 
years before in ber native country. Mr. Chesterman was prominent 
in the early history of this county, and with Judge Dyer founded 
the city of Manchester, which was named after him. Caleb C. 
Chesterman received his early education in England and there 
learned the trade of tinner. In 1848 he immigrated to America, 
working for a time at his trade in the East, and then came to Du- 
buqtie county. For two years he worked in the city of Dubuque, 
then came to Dyersville and for several years was employed by 
Judge Dyar. In 1854 he engaged in business on his own account, 
and a few years later, under the firm name of Trick & Chesterinan, 
established a hardware and farm implement concern. After many 
years of successful operation Mr. Chesterman disposed of his inter- 
ests to Mr. Clark, and bought a small farm near Dyersville, where 
he followed gardening until his retirement in 1896. Mr.- Chester- 
man is one of the county's best and most deserving citizens. He 
is a Republican in National politics, but locally cast his vote for the 
best man regardless of party affiliation. In religion he is an Episco- 
palian and has helped to build several churches throughout the 
county. December 27, 1852, at Galena, Illinois, he was united in 
marriage with Miss Jane Denby, and to them these children have 
been born : Frank, died when twenty-eight years old ; Polly, who 
married William ]\IcFadden. of Leverne, Minnesota ; Carrie, the 
wife of J. P. Kendall, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and Cornelius Chris- 
topher, residing at Waterloo. Mr. Chesterman was the first post- 
master of Dyersville. 

Stanley Morgan Taylor, born at La Crosse, Wisconsin, No- 
vember 21, 1887, and now residing at 30 Chestnut street, Dubuque, 
is one of four children born to Landon Francis and Anna Bertha 
(Schwind ) Taylor, who were natives of Dubuque county, Iowa, and 
there married. On the paternal side he is descended from Scotch- 
English ancestry, the advent of this family in America being about 
Revolutionary war times. For generations many of its members 
were prominently identified with the Wesleyan Methodists, the 
grandfather of the subject of this sketch having helped as a car- 
penter to build the church of this denomination at Asbury, Dubuque 
county, in 1876, and of which he served as pastor. Landon F. 
Taylor was a contractor by occupation; he married in 1883 and is 
now living in Dubuque. Mrs. Taylor, the mother of Stanley M., 
was born in 1862, the daughter of Jacob Schwind, the old pioneer of 
whom extended notice is given elsewhere in this work. The chil- 
dren of Mr. and Mrs. Taylor are: Blanche L., Stanley M., Li/a L., 
and Clifford Benjamin. Stanley M. Taylor was graduated in the 
class of 1906 from the Dubuque High school, since which time he 



6o8 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

has been in the employ of Carr, Ryder & Adams Company, serving 
at the present in the capacity of estimator. He is a Repubhcan in 
poHtics, as is also his father, and socially is identified with the 
Masonic fraternity, being a member of Mosaic Lodge No. 125, 
Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and Dubuque Chapter No. 3, 
Royal Arch Masons. The family belongs to St. Luke's Methodist 
Episcopal church. 

Charles W. Skemp, engaged in the bricklaying and contracting 
business at Dubuque, was born September i, 1848, in County Dor- 
set, England, the fifth in a family of seven children born to John 
and Harriet (Bennett) Skemp. John Skemp removed with his 
family to the United States in 1859, locating in Chicago, and in 
1876 he moved to Dubuque, Iowa, where he died in 1894 at seventy- 
nine years of age, followed by his widow in 1898, aged eighty-four 
years. He was a mason by trade and followed that occupation, and 
contracting, all his life. Charles W. Skemp, at the age of fourteen 
years, began learning his trade under his father's instruction, and 
from that time until 1897 worked as a journeyman. For the last 
fourteen years he has operated extensively as a contractor, the 
Mercy Hospital, new Presbyterian Seminary, Lawther's candy 
factory, one part of the Fourteenth Street St. Joseph's Catholic 
College, Couler Avenue school house, Burlington freight house, an 
addition for the McDonald Manufacturing Company at Thirteenth 
street, St. Anthony's Catholic church at West Dubuque, an addition 
to the Orphan's Home north of Linwood, the power house at Fin- 
ley Hospital, an addition for the Carr, Ryder & Adams Company 
and numerous residences having been erected by him. In 1873, Mr. 
Skemp married Miss Laura C. Cain, daughter of Col. Paul and 
Maria (Price) Cain, who were among the very first settlers of 
Dubuque county. Colonel Cain was a native of the state of New 
York and of Holland ancestry. He married at Cincinnati, Ohio, 
his wife being a native of that state and of English lineage. He 
first came to Dubuque alone in 1834, and being impressed with the 
future possibilities of the place, permanently settled here with his 
family in 1835. He engaged in mining to some extent, but was 
chiefly employed at farming. He died in 1867, aged sixty-two 
years, and his widow in 1880, when seventy years old. They were 
the parents of nine children, Mrs. Skemp being the youngest, her 
birth occurring March 22, 1851. Another daughter. Miss Louisa 
Hanson, aged eighty-two years, is the oldest living settler in Du- 
buque at the present time, and one son, Orrin R. Cain, is a veteran 
of the Civil war. To Mr. and Mrs. Skemp eleven children have 
been born, as follows: Eva Luella, died in infancy; Charles P., 
married Cora Steadman, the father of one child, was a corporal 
in Company A, Iowa National Guard and served in Cuba during the 
Spanish-American war, is a member of the Masonic fraternity and 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 609 

resides at Woodward, Oklahoma ; Hattie May, married Charles H. 
Agard, has three children, home in Dubuque; Edwin John, single, 
living with his parents; Jessie Eugenia, the wife of Alfred R. 
Staufenbiel, has one child, home in Dubuque; Ivy Laura and Frank 
Garfield, single and living with their parents; Robert, died in in- 
fancy; Clarence, living at home; Newton, died in childhood; and 
Nellie Louise, living with her parents in Dubuque. Mr. Skemp is a 
member of the Methodist Episcopal church, a Republican in politics 
and a member of Dubuque Lodge No. 41, Knights of Pythias. Mrs. 
Skemp belongs to the Baptist church, the Shiloh Circle, the Pythian 
Sisters and is the present president of Fitzhugh Lee Camp, the ladies' 
auxiliary of the Spanish-American War Veterans. 

John and Annie M. Vorwald were early pioneers of Johnson 
county, Iowa, and likewise of Dubuque county. They came here 
at the early date of 1850, a period when the country was but fairly 
awakening from primitive conditions, and here Mr. Vorwald began 
operating a flour mill. He also bought 365 acres of land, for the 
most part fresh from the fashioning hand of the Creator, which he 
gradually improved by cultivation and the erection of buildings. It 
was but a comparatively short time until he became one of the fore- 
most men of his day in this section of the community. His sym- 
pathy, helpfulness and liberality were noteworthy, his public spirit 
proverbial and the respect accorded him was universal. He served 
as alderman and mayor and his record as a public official was above 
reproach. After a residence of fifty-six years in Dubuque county 
he died in the faith of the Roman Catholic church on December 13, 
1906. His widow yet survives him, and they were the parents of 
ten children, as follows : Frank, a farmer near Bloomington, Wis- 
consin ; John, who resides at Dyersville ; Fred, farming in Delaware 
county, this state ; Frances, residing at home ; Joseph and George, 
operating the home farm ; Harry Vorwald, operating a meat mar- 
ket in New Vienna; Lizzie, who married John T. Meyers, and re- 
sides in South Dakota; Annie, the wife of Otto Kerper, of New 
Vienna; Mary, residing at home; and Alvina, who died in infancy 
in 1888. While much can be said of the high character of Mr. Vor- 
wald, a great deal can also be said in praise of Mrs. Vorwald, who 
faithfully and ably assisted her husband in all his endeavors, who 
brought ten children into the world, giving to them a mother's lov- 
ing care, rearing nine of them to useful and praiseworthy citizen- 
ship and instilling into all their hearts the sublime religious faith of 
the Roman Catholic religion. 

John Vorwald, of the above children, was born at New Vienna 
on November 6, 1871, and there received his early schooling. When 
fourteen years old he quit school and for three years assisted his 
father in the care of the home farm. He then helped to operate the 
flour mill about twelve years. In the meantime he had given con- 



6io HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

siderable attention to public affairs and local needs, and his practical 
knowledge and sound judgment led to his election on the Demo- 
cratic ticket in 1907 as a member of the Board of Supervisors of 
Dubuque county, a position he has since occupied with signal ability. 
His first election was by a majority of 280 votes, his second, in 
1908. by 2,100 votes, and in 1910 his majority was still further in- 
creased to 2,900 ballots. Mr. Vorwald is the owner of a farm of 
120 acres in South Dakota and also valuable properties in this 
county. August 10, 1897, he was united in marriage with Miss 
Catherine, daughter of August and Caroline Streabler, who were 
among the earliest settlers of Dubuque county. August Streabler, 
although a native of the United States, was descended from Ger- 
man ancestry. He came here about the year 1840, served the Union 
as a volunteer in the Civil war and was a well known farmer. He 
died January 21, 1900, when seventy-two years old, but his widow 
is yet living and resides in Haverhill, Iowa. 

Lorenzo O. Hillyard, president of the Midland Chemical Com- 
pany, of Dubuque, Iowa, was born in Clay township, Wayne county, 
this state, September 4, 1874, a son of Benjamin and Mary J. Hill- 
yard, both of whom were of English ancestry. Benjamin Hillyard 
was a native of Springfield, Illinois, and his parents were among tlie 
early pioneers of tliat state. He was a farmer for thirty-four years, 
but late in life moved to St. Joseph, Missouri, where he died in 
January, 1906, at the age of sixty-seven years, preceded by his wife, 
July 6, 1905, aged sixty-five years. Their final resting place is at 
Corydon, Iowa. The early career of Lorenzo O. Hillyard was 
passed in attending the country schools. When twelve years old he 
went to live with his sister, Mrs. W. C. Mulford, at Omaha, 
Nebraska, where he carried tlie Omaha Bee as a newsboy and 
attended commercial college, paying his way through the latter by 
the proceeds derived from washing dishes in a restaurant. During 
his early life in Omaha he was employed by Dr. Charles Rosewater 
to answer telephone calls and for this was given room rent and $4 a 
week. The privations, humiliations and heartaches of the young 
man served as incentives for greater efforts and were undoubtedly 
the groundwork of his later success in life. From Omaha he went 
to St. Joseph, Missouri, where he drove a wagon for the Standard 
Oil Company three years, and from which he was promoted to 
traveling specialty salesman, continuing as such for three years. In 
189S he became the general tank wagon superintendent for eleven 
states for the above named oil concern, occupying this position 
until his voluntary resignation in 1901. During this time he made 
a careful study of disinfectants, and in 1901 began manufacturing 
in a small way on Second street in Dubuque. By careful and con- 
ser\ative management the business prospered to such an extent that 
four years later it was deemed necessary to incorporate. Since then 



irf«^ '^Sp^ 




^^.JT^^ 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 6ii 

it has increased wonderfully and is now recognized as one of the 
largest disinfectant and germicide establishments of the country. 
The concern employs eleven traveling salesmen and its product is to 
be found in every state in the Union. Mr. Hillyard is a member of 
St. Luke's Methodist Episcopal church, and of the Elks ; he is an 
independent Republican in politics. June 22, 1905, he married Miss 
Clara Raforth, daughter of Frederick Raforth, one of the pioneers 
of this section. To Mr. and Mrs. Hillyard there has been born one 
daughter, Sibyl Jane. 

Anthony F. Heeb, secretary and treasurer of the Dubuque 
Brewing and Malting Company, is a native of Dubuque, his birth 
occurring December 21, 1867, and the son of Anton and Katherine 
Heeb. The father was born in the Province of Hesse-Nassau, Prus- 
sia, Germany, in the year 1812, but immigrated to the United States 
in 1850 and m a small way embarked in the brewing business at 
Dubuque. As occasion warranted he added to his establishment 
and at the time of his death the yearly output was 15,000 barrels. 
Mr. Heeb always took an active interest in local public affairs of 
importance and served as alderman from his ward and as county 
supervisor. After a long and useful life of seventy-six years he 
passed away, and was followed by his wife September 29, 1901, at 
the age of seventy-two years. Both now lie at rest in Mount Cal- 
\-ary cemetery, but their memory will long linger in the hearts of 
their many friends and neighbors. 

After attending St. Mary's Parochial school, Anthony F. Heeb, 
the immediate subject of this memoir, entered the Canissius College, 
Buffalo, New York, and subsequently further pursued his studies in 
the College of the Sacred Heart at Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, 
graduating from the classical course of the latter institution when 
eighteen years of age. He then returned to Dubuque and entered 
his father's employ as bookkeeper, remaining thus occupied until 
the consolidation of the A. Heeb Brewing Company and the Glab 
Brothers, Schmid Brothers and Western Brewing companies, at 
which time Mr. Heeb was elected secretary and treasurer. He has 
been thus associated down to the present time, being also a director 
of the firm and vice-president of the German Trust and Savings 
Bank. In religious views Mr. Heeb is an adherent of the Roman 
Catholic faith, being identified with St. Mary's church, and socially 
is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. To 
his marriage with Miss. Lulu M. Rhomberg, solemnized in Dubuque, 
April 9, 1890, three children were born, as follows: Gussie May, 
who died in infancy (1892) ; Lou May, born March 24, 1894; and 
Anthony A., born February 20, 1898. Mrs. Heeb is the daughter 
of L. A. and Margaret Rhomberg, who came to Dubuque in i860; 
the father died in 1893, aged fifty years, and the mother in 1907, 
aged sixty-two years. 



6i2 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 



John W. Schwind, president of the Dubuque Brewing and Malt- 
ing Company, was born in this city March i, 1866, and has known, 
practically, no other home. His parents, Jacob and Maria Schwind, 
were natives of Baden-Baden, Germany, and Bavaria, respectively, 
but in 1850 they immigrated to America, locating at Dubuque, where 
the father for years was prominently identified with the brewing 
interests. He passed away December 15, 1881, at the age of fifty- 
four years, and his loss was mourned generally throughout the 
county. His widow still survives. After attending the public 
schools of Dubuque, John W. Schwind finished his education with a 
course in Bayless Business College, and then for two years was 
employed as bookkeeper by the Western Brewery. Succeeding this, 
in 1884, lie associated himself in the brewing business with John \V. 
Tschirgi, and this partnership continued until 1892, when he asso- 
ciated himself with his brotiier, B. J. Schwind, and the Western 
Brewing Company was formed. This company continued only for 
four months, when the Dubuque Malting Company was formed by 
the consolidation of the A. Heeb Brewing Company, Glab Bros., 
Schmid Bros., and the Western Brewing Company. They employ in 
the neighborhood of 200 people and their business covers a wide 
range of territory, including the states of Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, 
the Dakotas, Minnesota and Nebraska. Mr. Schwind is also a 
director of the Citizens' State Bank and is president of the East 
Dubuque Supply Company. Aside from the business cares of life 
he is identified with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, 
the Eagles, and in religious views a member of St. Anthony's 
Roman Catholic church. On September 15, 1886, at Dubuque, he 
was united in marriage with Miss Mathilda, daughter of George and 
Martha La Brune, pioneer residents of Dubuque, and to them two 
children have been born, as follows : Edna, a graduate of St. 
Clara College: and John W., now attending St. Joseph's College. 
Mr. Schwind began life's battle at an early age, and has always been 
an active member in the different companies with which he has been 
connected, and always had the respect and esteem of his fellowmen. 

Charles P. Skemp was born in the city of Dubuque, Iowa, June 
26, 1862, being the second in a family of eight children born to 
P. W. and Esther W. (White) Skemp, who were of English 
nativity and who came to the United States in 1853, and about the 
year 1858, respectively. P. W. Skemp located in Dubuque upon 
his arrival in this country, was here married, and for twenty-three 
years was a dry goods merchant in this city. In 1879 he bought 
a farm within a short distance of Dubuque, in Grant county, Wis- 
consin, where he and wife live at the ripe ages of eighty-four 
and seventy-five years. The names of their children, all born in 
Dubuque, are as follows : Joseph, who died unmarried when fifty 





G^c^/^^i/?/./'^--^- 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 613 

years old; Charles P., the subject of this sketch; Harry L., mar- 
ried Grace Her and lives in Dubuque; May E., the wife of J. E. 
Headley, of this city; Samuel P., married to Amelia Kunz, who 
survives him. He was killed in a railroad accident in 1906; 
Thomas W., who married Catherine Schwerdt and resides at La 
Crosse, Wisconsin; Emily W., now Mrs. James C. Jones, of Oelwein, 
Iowa; and Frederick A., who married Elizabeth Duetscher and 
operates the farm owned by his father in Wisconsin. Charles P. 
Skemp attended the public schools in boyhood but at the age of 
fifteen years became a clerk in his father's store, continuing thus 
until his father retired to the farm. From that time to 1897, he 
was engaged in steamboating on the river, then became clerk in the 
mailing division of the Dubucjue postoffice. He has ever since con- 
tinued in the employ of the government and is at present officiating 
as city distributor. In 1896 Mr. Skemp was united in marriage with 
Miss Hannah E. Walter, daughter of Peter and Maria (Reis) 
Walter, natives of Germany. Peter Walter came to America with 
his parents when eleven years old, their first home in this country 
being at Upper Sandusky, Ohio. He came to Dubuque in 1854, but 
in 1856 embarked in the furniture and undertaking business at 
McGregor, Iowa, in company with a brother. He there died on 
November 20, 1907, when seventy-four years old, and is survived 
by his widow. Mrs. Skemp was born August 26, 1868, and is the 
youngest in the family of eight children. To Mr. and Mrs. Skemp 
two children have been born : Helen, born July 29, 1897, and Marie, 
born February 4. 1899. Mr. Skemp is a member of the Independ- 
ent Order of Foresters, a Republican in politics, and he and wife 
belong to the Westminster Presbyterian church. 

Bernhard C. Scherr, engaged in the retail grocery trade at 899 
Clay street, Dubuque, is a son of Franz Scherr, who came to 
America from his native country, Wurtemburg, Germany, in 1853, 
and established a home in Dubuque, Iowa. Franz Scherr was born 
in 1830, and after receiving a practical education in the schools of 
his native country learned the intricacies of the brewing business. 
After coming to Dubuque he was identified with the Schmid & 
Scherr Brewery, but in 1864 went to Cassville, Wisconsin, and 
built what was known as the Schmitz & Scherr Brewery. In 1877 
he sold out and removed to Fort Dodge, Iowa, where he continued 
in the same line of business. Four years later he returned to Du- 
buque and was, for the greater part of the remainder of his life, 
engaged in retail mercantile pursuits. At Dubuque, on March 4, 
1862, he married Margaret Fleischman, a native of Nuremberg, 
Bavaria, who came to Dubuque in 1858. Mr. Scherr died April 4, 
1909, survived by his widow, who is now seventy-one years old, and 
six children: Bernhard Conrad; Mrs. Anna Schaefer; William; 



6i4 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Conrad Bernhard ; Albert ; and Mrs. Clara Merz. One child, Frank- 
lin, died in infancy. 

Bernhard C. Scherr was born in Dubuque, December 14, 1862, 
and is the eldest of a family of seven children. Until nineteen years 
of age he worked in the brewery, then became a clerk in a retail 
grocery store, subsequently becoming his father's partner in that 
line. In 1904 he acquired stock in the Hasler Grocery Company, 
then owning five retail stores, but six years later purchased his 
present establishment from the Hasler Company, which he has 
since operated with success. He was married in the fall of 1889 to 
Miss Theresa Bieg, daughter of the old and well remembered 
settlers, Bernhard and Magdalena Bieg, natives of Germany. Mrs. 
Scherr was bom November 20, 1866, and is the third in a family of 
five. To Mr. and Mrs. Scherr there have been born five children: 
Leona, the wife of Carl Wunderlich, of Rock Island, Illinois; Harry 
G., Henry J., Lucile and Mildred M. The family belong to St. 
Mark's Lutheran church of Dubuque. Mr. Scherr is a member 
of the Masonic fraternity. Modern Woodmen of America, Wood- 
men of the World, Fraternal Order of Eagles, and the Orioles. 

Albert Hugo Smith, superintendent of the city railways of 
Dubuque, is a native of this city as are also his parents, Nicholas 
and Lena (Ruh) Smith, his paternal grandfather being one of 
Dubuque's first settlers. Nicholas Smith was of French and Ger- 
man extraction and was the oldest of six children. In 1870 he mar- 
ried Lena Ruh, of German descent and the second in a family of 
fourteen. For thirty-seven years he was foreman for the E. W. 
Albee Cracker Company, but in 1902, after this firm was bought by 
the National Biscuit Company (burned out in 1904), he was em- 
ployed by the McFarland Cracker Company. He and wife are 
now living at 2216 Couler avenue, this city, and are the parents of 
the following: John J., married Eleanora Guerlich, has two 
children and lives in Dubuque ; Nicholas William, making his home 
with his parents; Mary M., the wife of D. M. Yant, the mother of 
one child, home in Dubuque; Albert H., the immediate subject of 
this sketch ; and Pearl Josephine, a graduate of the Dubuque High 
School and of Bayless Business College, an accomplished musician 
and now employed as a stenographer in this city. Albert H. Smith 
was born November 23. 1877, and until fourteen years old attended 
the parochial schools. He entered the employ of the Chicago & 
Great Western Railway Company as call boy and continued with 
this company in diiYerent capacities for a period of twelve years, 
during which time he learned telegraphy and became a train dis- 
patcher. He left the employ of the C. & G. W. to accept a similar 
position with the I. C. R. R., a positon he occupied until he, with 
many others, was released when a general reduction of the work- 
ing force was ordered. He then accepted employment as motorman 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 615 

and conductor of the City Street Railway, of which concern he is 
now superintendent. In May, 1901, he married Miss Lola Olive 
Lichtenberger, who was born November 10, 1881, a daughter of 
Frank and Ruth Lichtenberger, natives of Illinois, and of German 
and Scotch-Irish descent, respectively. Mr. Lichtenberger, in early 
life, was a telegrapher, but of late years has followed carpentering. 
He and wife reside in Chicago, and the three children born to them 
are: Lola O., Dallas B., who married Cora Corby and resides in 
Dubuque, and Harry Louis. To Mr. and Mrs. Smith four children 
have been born : Olive Lola, Lucile Pearl, Marguerite Helen and 
Genevieve La Verne. Mr. Smith is a Democrat and a member of 
the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America. He 
and wife are affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. 
Smith is also a graduate of the Lincoln-Jefferson University of 
Hammond, Indiana, in the study of law, but has not yet asked for 
recognition in this city or state, preferring his present occupation to 
the practice of law. 

Peter Rider and his wife, Mary (Authier) Rider, were among 
the best people of Dubuque county. Peter Rider was a native of 
Germany and after coming to America in 1848 located in Dubuque 
county, Iowa, where he married and engaged in farming in Table 
Mound township. He died in 1874 at the age of thirty-six years 
and was buried in Center Grove cemetery. He and wife were 
the parents of four children, as follows: George W., Renne H., 
Catherine and Anna. The mother, in 1879, married Michael Rider, 
a brother of her first husband, and he died in 1894, at the age of 
fifty years, being also laid at rest in Center Grove cemetery. One 
daughter, Melinda C, was born to the second marriage. She is a 
graduate of the Dubuque High School, the State University of Wis- 
consin and the School of Music at Madison, and is at present em- 
ployed as teacher in the Dubuque High School. 

John B. Williams, for the past thirty years engaged iii the 
boot and shoe business at Dyersville, is a native of England, born 
July 29, 1841, and is the son of John and Eliza Williams. John 
Williams immigrated to America with his family in 1850 and lo- 
cated first in Chicago. Illinois, where he died January i, 1868, aged 
sixty-two' years, and was buried at Freeport, Illinois. His son, 
John B. Williams, the immediate subject of this sketch, attended the 
Chicago public schools until twelve years old, then for four years 
was employed as bell boy in one of the hotels. Succeeding this he 
began an apprenticeship to the shoemaker's trade under the tutelage 
of his father, and also was butcher for his father three years. He 
then returned to the shoe business, and in 1868 located at Dyers- 
ville, Iowa, and here made boots and shoes. He soon was enabled 
to open a small store, and as time passed and his business increased 



6i6 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

he was forced to enlarge his premises, and today his establishment 
is regarded as one of the best of its kind in the locality. Mr. Will- 
iams is a Republican in politics. In 1872, at Dyersville, he was 
united in marriage with Miss Hattie J. Bagley, daughter of Lovel 
and Mary Bagley, whose father, a millwright by occupation, came 
to Dubuque county in 1855. He died in 1866, aged forty-seven 
years, and his wife in 1892, aged seventy-one years, and they are 
buried at Dyersville and Edgerton, Wisconsin, respectively. To 
Mr. and Mrs. Williams three children have been born and named, 
as follows: Dora Isabelle, died June 5, 1902, aged twenty-five 
years ; Francis Joseph and Raymond Skay, who are clerking in their 
father's shoe store. The family home is located in the city of 
Dyersville. 

John A. Rittscher, born at Galena, Illinois, July 30, 1852, re- 
siding at 1069 White street and engaged in retail mercantile pur- 
suits at 1217 Iowa street, Dubuque, is a son of John A. and Cath- 
erine (Kenicker) Rittscher, who were among the early pioneers in 
this locality. Both parents were born in Germany, married in Illi- 
nois, and about the year 1845 settled in Dubuque county, Iowa, 
and here the father engaged in the retail meat business. Both 
parents are now dead. Ten children were born to them. John A. 
Rittscher was the third in the regular order of birth in this family. 
He lived at home with his parents until eighteen years old, then be- 
gan working for wages in the meat business. He continued thus in 
different localities for five years, then returned to Dubuque and 
for the succeeding twenty years was employed by the William Ryan 
Packing Company. Since then he has been conducting a retail meat 
market on his own responsibility. In 1884 he was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Mary Eischen, who was born in Luxemburg, in 
1856, and came to America when a young girl. Mr. Rittscher is a 
Democrat in politics and a member of the Lutheran church. Mrs. 
Rittscher is a Roman Catholic in religion. 

George De Forest Rose, since 1904 secretary and treasurer of 
the Spahn & Rose Lumber Company, was born in Freeport. Illinois, 
September 16, 1879. the son of George P., Jr., and Susie (De 
Forest) Rose. Both sides of the family can trace their ancestry 
back many generations in the history of the old world. The 
father's people were Hollanders, and the mother's natives of Nor- 
mandy and France. About 1650 the latter family, owing to the 
Huguenot disturbances of the times, left their native county, and, 
by way of Holland, came to the United States, and settled in Con- 
necticut. Here they experienced the trials and hardships incident 
to pioneer life, but, inheriting the thrift and industry of their 
forefathers, they grew and prospered and, as the years went by, 
scattered and became useful citizens of the land of their adoption. 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 617 

George P. Rose, Jr., early in life left New York state and immi- 
grated west to Chicago, but the great fire of 1871 destroyed his 
property and drove him to Freeport, Illinois, from which place, in 
1884, he came to Dubuque. He was at one time a jeweler by 
trade, but after coming to Dubuque opened and has since been 
operating a machine shop. George De Forest Rose, the immediate 
subject of this review, came with his parents to Dubuque at the age 
of five years, and after attending first the public schools, finished 
his education by a course in the high school. He then as office boy 
entered the establishment of the Carr, Ryder & Adams Company, 
and gradually, as merited, was promoted until after six years he 
became a salesman. Shortly thereafter in company with Mr. J. T. 
Adams he went to California and for two and a half years was 
assistant general superintendent of the West Side Lumber Com- 
pany. At the expiration of that time he and his present partner, 
Mr. Spahn, organized the Spahn & Rose Lumber Company and 
they have since been actively and successfully engaged in that line 
of business. Li politics Mr. Rose is a Republican; in religious 
views a member of the Westminster Presbyterian church ; and 
socially he is identified with the Masonic fraternity. At Minne- 
apolis, May 7, 1907, he was united in marriage with Miss Clara 
Louise Bayless, daughter of V. W. and Clara Bayless, pioneer 
residents of that city, and to them one daughter, Dorothy Louise, 
has been born. 

Peter Klauer. The life of Peter Klauer, president of the 
Klauer Manufacturing Company, is conclusive proof that the aver- 
age poor boy of today, if he possesses the qualities of integrity and 
thrift, may ultimately rise to a position of honor and respect 
among his fellowmen. Mr. Klauer started out in life a poor boy, 
without money or influential friends, and by his own unaided 
efforts had accumulated a competency and become prominent and 
a factor in the commercial life of Dubuque. His parents, John and 
Mary Klauer, were natives of the Province of Rhenish Prussia, 
Germany, but in 1854 left the mother country, emigrated to 
America and settled in Dubuque. The father was a potter and fol- 
lowed that trade until his death in 1883, at the age of eighty-five 
years. His wife passed away in 1872, aged sixty-two years. Both 
now lie at rest in Mount Calvary cemetery, but their memory still 
remains near and dear to the surviving old settlers who knew them 
to be kind neighbors and excellent. God-fearing citizens. Their 
son, Peter Klauer, the immediate subject of this memoir, was born 
at Baumbach, near the city of Coblenz, Germany, on November 28, 
1842, and until twelve years old attended the public schools thereof. 
He then came with his parents to America and Dubuque, and while 
employed in various positions attended night school in an effort to 
better his education. When seventeen years of age he became an- 



6i8 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

apprentice to the tin trade in the establishment of Thomas Heney 
and for some time remained there as a journeyman. In 1870, how- 
ever, he embarked in the tin and stove business on his own account, 
starting in a small way on Iowa street and increasing his stock as 
occasion warranted. These premises he has long since vacated and 
they are now occupied by his son-in-law, Mr. A. P. Kress. In 1890 
Mr. Klauer erected the buildings now standing between Thirteenth 
and Fourteenth streets and organized the Klauer Manufacturing 
Company, Mr. Klauer being the president, and this concern has 
since become widely known throughout the middle West. Aside 
from the above interests Mr. Klauer is president of the German 
Trust and Savings Bank and vice-president of the Iowa Cofifin 
Company, of which latter concern he was for a time manager. In 
politics he is a Democrat, has served as a member of the board of 
supervisors, and was chairman of the committee that had charge 
of the erection of the Dubuque county court house. He was also 
one of the first trustees and directors of the new library of Dubuque 
city. In his religious views Mr. Klauer espouses the beliefs of his 
forefathers and is a member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic church. 
On September 26, 1864, at Dubuque, he was united in marriage 
with Miss Anna F., daughter of Fidelius and Bernharta Buechler, 
old pioneer residents of this county, now at rest in Calvary ceme- 
ter3% and to their union eleven children have been born, as follows : 
Rose, who died when five years old ; Albert, who died at two years 
of age; one who died in infancy: William H., associated with his 
father in business ; Benjamin F., teller in the German Trust and 
Savings Bank; Aloise N., also with father; Joseph, with father; 
Amalie, a sister of St. Francis ; Angeline, at home ; Gertrude, the 
wife of A. P. Kress, of this city; and Mary, at home with her 
parents. The Klauer family is well and favorably known through- 
out the county, and Mr. Klauer can point with pardonable pride to 
his steady rise up the ladder of life. 

James J. Duffy, agent for the Illinois Central Railway at Dyers- 
ville since 1909, was born at Omaha, Nebraska, August 20, 1878, 
and is the son of Michael and Margaret Duffy. The father was a 
native of County Kings, Ireland, and came to America in 1859, 
locating for two years at Xenia, Ohio, where he followed farming. 
He was also a railroad contractor, and after locating in Omaha, 
Nebraska, followed that business for thirty years. He is at present 
engaged in farming near Council Bluffs, Iowa. James J. Duffy 
attended the public and parochial schools of his native city until 
fourteen years old, then completed his studies with courses in the 
Omaha and Iowa Business colleges, graduating from the latter in 
1898. He then became connected with the Illinois Central Rail- 
way Company as station agent at Masonville, Iowa, where he 
remained six years, succeeding which he was for two years located 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 619 

at Ryan. In 1909 he was transferred to Dyers ville, Iowa, and has 
here been since located. Mr. Duffy is a Democrat in his pohticai 
views, a Catholic in religion, and is a member of the Knights of 
Columbus. He was married at Masonville, Iowa, September 6, 
1905, to Miss Loretta Barry, and one daughter, Catherine, was 
born to them on February 25, 1908. Mrs. Dufify is the daughter 
of William and Catherine Barry, natives of Dubuque county, Iowa, 
and at present engaged in farming near Masonville. 

Benjamin J. Schwind, assistant secretary and treasurer of the 
Dubucjue Brewing and Malting Company since 1908, was born in 
Dubuque county, Iowa. August i, 1869. a son of the old pioneers, 
Jacob and Maria Schwind, appropriate mention of whom is made 
elsewhere in this publication. He was educated in the local ward 
and high schools, leaving the latter in his sixteenth year, and for 
a time thereafter was bookkeeper for Eulberg Brothers, brewers, 
at Portage, Wisconsin. He subsequently returned to Dubuque and 
became a bookkeeper in the Tschirgi & Schwind Brewery, remain- 
ing thus employed until he and his brother purchased the above 
named concern, which they reorganized as the Western Brewing 
Company, and conducted successfully until the consolidation of 
four local breweries. This was in 1892. Mr. Schwind was cashier 
and had charge of the shipping department of the new organiza- 
tion, and in 1906 became a director and was elected assistant sec- 
retary and treasurer, which position he has held ever since. He is 
also a director of the German Trust and Savings Bank, vice- 
president of the Dubuque Automobile and Garage Company, secre- 
tary and treasurer of the East Dubuque Supply Company, and 
treasurer of the Dubuque Realty Company. Socially he is identi- 
fied with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, now a 
trustee of Dubuque Lodge No. 297, and in religious views a mem- 
ber of St. Patrick's Roman Catholic church. On November 5, 
1890, in Dubuque, he was united in marriage with Miss Nellie 
Carney, daughter of Frank and Mary Carney, one of the oldest 
families in Dubuque county. Mr. Carney, now seventy years of 
age, is still active in business affairs and is a cigar and tobacco 
merchant in Dubuque. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Schwind 
one daughter and one son ha\-e been born, named, Grace M., born 
September 13, 1892, attending St. Joseph's Academy, and Ben- 
jamin J., Jr., born September 5, 1894, now in attendance at St. 
Joseph's College. Mr. Schwind and family reside at 386 Hill 
street. 

August Becker, since 1900 superintendent and brewmaster for 
the Dubuque Brewing and Malting Company, Dubuque, is a native 
of Germany, and the son of Johann and Barbara Becker. The 
parents both died in the old country in 1885, the father being a 



620 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

domain manager by occupation. August Becker completed his 
education in the pul)lic scliools when fifteen years old, and then 
secured employment in a German brewery. In 1872 he came to 
the United States and for a time worked in the Koehler & Lange 
brewery at Davenport, Iowa, succeeding which he removed to Rock 
Island, Illinois. Eight months later he returned to Davenport and 
for a year was again in the employ of Koehler & Lange, then went 
with VVertmuller & Ande, with whom he remained as foreman 
nine years. In 1888 he came to Dubuciue and for five years was 
employed in a similar capacity in the Glab brewery. In 1894 he 
became associated as assistant foreman with the Dubuque Brewing 
and Malting Company, which position he held until promoted to 
his present position of superintendent and brewmaster. Mr. Becker 
has extensive real estate holdings in Dubuque coimty and else- 
where, and in religious views is a member of the Holy Ghost Roman 
Catholic church. Socially he is identified with the Catholic Order 
of Foresters. On May 7, 1878, at Davenport, Iowa, he was united 
in marriage with Miss Theresa Dietz, daughter of Frank and 
Rehena Dietz, pioneer settlers of Davenport, where the mother yet 
resides. Frank Dietz is deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Becker seven 
children have been born, two dying in infancy, as follows : Oscar, 
assistant foreman in the Dubuque Brewing and Malting Company ; 
Arthur H., who is running a poultry farm; Frank, a machinist; 
August, Jr., a bookkeeper; and Alma. The Becker residence is 
located at 3265 Jackson street, city of Dubuque. 

Simon Burlage, Sr.. living in Dyersville, since 1903, retired 
from the active business cares of life, was born in Charleston, 
South Carolina, January 23, 1848. His parents, Herman and Cath- 
erine Burlage, were natives of Munster, Province of Westphalia, 
Kingdom of Prussia, Germany, and came to the United States in 
1830, locating in South Carolina, where all their children were 
born. In his native country Herman Burlage served as a soldier. 
At Charleston he worked at blacksmithing, and being of an econom- 
ical turn of mind, saved his money, and in 1853 bought a tract of 
200 acres of land at Government prices in New Wine Township, 
Dubuque county, Iowa. He enlisted for the suppression of the 
Indians in Florida, when he first came to America, and from there 
moved here in 1858. As his land was wholly unimproved, he built 
thereon a cabin and began clearing and experiencing all the hard- 
ships incident to pioneer life. As time passed better buildings were 
erected, better implements were procured, orchards and shrubbery 
were set out, better grades of domestic stock were introduced and 
eventually this place became one of the best farms of the com- 
munity. All this was brought about by hard work, economy, care- 
ful management and saving. Mr. Burlage died February 12, 1891, 
when eighty years of age. He was a man of sound judgment, his 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 621 

word was as good as his bond, his honesty was proverbial and he 
was held in universal esteem by all who knew him. His ruling am- 
bition was to rear his children to honorable, useful lives and to good 
citizenship. No less respected was his wife, the sharer of his bur- 
dens and a helpmeet in every sense of the word. She died Decem- 
ber 23, 1893, aged eighty-two years, and both are buried in the 
cemetery at New Vienna. Simon Burlage, Sr., attended the schools 
of his native city for two years prior to coming to Dubuque county 
with his parents. Here he attended the school at New Vienna in 
early youth and assisted his father on the home farm until his 
twenty-third year, then obtained the ownership of an 160 acre farm 
in Dodge Township, upon the payment of $2,000 to his brother, 
Nicholas. This property was unimproved, but, inheriting thrift and 
the willingness to work from his parents, he set to work with a 
will and gradually brought it to a high state of development. Be- 
lieving that soil was the real foundation of substantial wealth, he 
gradually increased his real estate holdings until at one time he 
was the owner of nearly 900 acres. This he subsequently divided 
into four separate farms, disposing of all but 240 acres, which he 
yet owns and on which two of his sons are now residing. Besides 
this, Mr. Burlage owns the Agricultural Building in Dyersville and 
stock in the Worthington Savings Bank. In religion he is a Roman 
Catholic ; in politics he is independent, voting in all cases for whom 
appears to be the best man, regardless of party affiliation. June 23, 
1873, h^ married Mari Angla Esch, daughter of Theodore and 
Catherine Esch ; his sons. Nichols and Petter H. Mr. Esch, who 
established the first brewery in Dyersville, died April 30, 1892, 
aged eighty-one years, and his wife October 3, 1875, at sixty-four 
years of age. Both have their final resting place in the cemetery 
at Dyersville. Besides the following named seven children, born to 
Mr. and Mrs. Burlage, they have one adopted daughter, named 
Dorothea; Theodore, a farmer of Dubuque county; Nicholas, sales- 
man for a cream separating concern; Simon, Jr., and Frank P., 
farmers; Catharine, the w'ife of John Kramer, of Delaware county; 
Mary Josephine, who married John Kirsch and resides in this 
county; and Annie, who died December 7, 1903, aged twenty-two 
years. Mr. Burlage owns some town property, consisting of lots 
and the fine home in which he lives. 

Robert Hay, sole proprietor of the Key City Roofing Company, 
with offices at the corner of Eighth and White streets, Dubuque, 
was born at Cupar, Fife, Scotland, on January 26, 1863. His par- 
ents, Thomas and Mary A. Hay, are descended from old Scotch 
families, and are yet living in Scotland. The father has long been 
retired, but during his active business career was a prominent Glas- 
gow merchant. Robert Hay was educated in the Glasgow public 
schools, which he left in his thirteenth year, and about 1880 immi- 



622 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

grated to the United States, locating primarily at Providence, 
Rhode Island. For a time he worked at various occupations, then 
hired out to a farmer at the rate of four dollars a month and con- 
tinued thus for a year and a half. He then returned to his native 
country and learned the machinist's trade, and upon completing his 
apprenticeship again came to America and located in Dubuque, 
Iowa. For some time he worked at his trade in the shops of the 
Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway Company, and then estab- 
lished himself in business on a small scale. The Key City Roofing 
Company has grown from a comparatively unimportant concern to 
one of Dubuque's largest and most substantial business houses, and 
deals in asphalt, resin, pitch, coal tar, roofing paints, roofing, build- 
ing papers, deafening felts, building materials, wall coping, sewer 
pipe, flue linings, mortar colors, mineral wool, lime, hair, cement, 
fire brick, fire clay, etc., and employs, outside of the regular office 
force, about twenty experienced men. Aside from the above men- 
tioned interests Mr. Hay is president of the Lightcap Company and 
treasurer and director of the Dubuque Shippers' Association. He 
is a director of the Dubuque Y. M. C. A., president of the board of 
tmstees of the Westminster Presbyterian church, and a member of 
the Masonic fraternity, the Modern Woodmen of America, and the 
Dubuque and Iowa State traveling men's associations. On Sep- 
tember 12. 1888, at Platteville, Wisconsin, he married Miss Lizetta 
H. Hay, daughter of Robert and Catherine Hay, the former dying 
at Platteville when seventy years of age, and the latter now resid- 
ing with Mr. and Mrs. Hay in Dubuque, aged seventy-eight years. 
To Mr. and Mrs. Hay two sons and one daughter have been born, 
as follows: Robert Philip, born November 5, 1889, a graduate of 
Dubuque High School, now associated in business with his father; 
Henry Malcolm, born October 24, 1892, attending public schools; 
and Helen Catherine, born October 15, 1893, now attending high 
school. The family home is located at 82 Arlington street. 

William C. Luther, vice president and secretary of the Tele- 
graph-Herald Company since its organization in November, 1901, 
was born in the city of Dubuque, September 22, 1865. Charles 
and Minnie Luther, his parents, were natives of Germany. They 
came from Berlin to the United States in 1851, and after a six 
months' stay in New York, located permanently in Dubuque. Here 
the father engaged in the tobacco business and was, in all prob- 
ability, the first wholesale cigar dealer here. He built up a large 
business and established a reputation for honesty and good citizen- 
ship. In 1907, at the age of eighty-two years, he died, preceded by 
his wife in 1894, aged sixty-four years. 

The early life of William C. Luther was passed much after the 
manner of the boys of that time. He attended the public schools, 
and later the night sessions of Bayless Business College. When 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 623 

fifteen years of age he began working on the Dubuque Times, con- 
tinuing thus ten years, then was associated with the Dubuque Tele- 
graph until its reorganization as the Telegraph-Herald in 190 1. In 
religion Mr. Luther is a member of St. Luke's Methodist Episcopal 
church; in politics he is a Democrat, having served as a member of 
the County Central Committee and in other official capacities for his 
party. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Benevolent 
and Protective Order of Elks, and the Modern Woodmen of Amer- 
ica. January 13, 1897, he was united in marriage with Miss Delia 
Stephens, daughter of John Stephens, who, for a number of years, 
was engaged in business in Dubuque. 

Thomas J. Fitzpatrick, attorney and counsellor at law, is a 
native of Iowa, his birth occurring at Greeley, Delaware county, 
September 25, 1872. His parents. James and Hulda (Foley) Fitz- 
patrick, were born in Ireland, but came to the United States about 
lhe3'ear 1845, and engaged in farming near Colesburg, Iowa. They 
subsequently moved to their present farm near Greeley, where they 
still reside, and where they celebrated their golden wedding on 
November 12, 1910. at the ages of eighty-four and seventy-three 
years respectively. Thomas J. Fitzpatrick was reared on the home 
farm, assisting in the usual work and attending the district school. 
He graduated from the Greeley High school, attended the Iowa 
City Academy, and took the prescribed course at St. Joseph's Col- 
lege, Dubuque. He completed his literary education by taking a 
three years' course in the department of Liberal Arts in the State 
University at Iowa City, receiving from this institution the degree 
of Bachelor of Arts. In 1896 he completed his legal studies in the 
law department of the State University, and since that time has 
practiced his profession in Dubuque with unusual success. In his 
general views he is democratic, and in his political affiliation, a 
Democrat. By election he served as state's attorney during the 
years 1903 and 1904. In religion he is a Roman Catholic, being 
a member of St. Patrick's parish. Socially he belongs to the 
Knights of Columbus, the Benevolent and Protective Order of 
Elks, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and the Ancient Order of 
Hibernians; he is also a member of the board of education of 
Dubuque. On July 26, 1899, at Dougherty, Iowa, he married Miss 
Agnes C. Wade, daughter of ^lichael and Margaret Wade. 

Mr. Fitzpatrick is generally conceded to be one of the foremost 
lawyers of Iowa, and is the senior member of the firm of Fitzpat- 
rick & Frantzen. He is the present attorney for the Illinois Cen- 
tral Railroad Company for eastern Iowa, and his firm is the legal 
adviser of many of the most important concerns in Dubuque. 

He is one of the best orators at the Dubuque bar and to his elo- 
quence and manifest sincerity may be attributed his marked success 
before a jury. 



624 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

John I. Mullany, a well known legal practitioner of Dubuque, 
is a native of Ireland, his birth occurring about April i, 1847, i" 
the county of Tipperary. He is a son of John and Catherine 
Hutchinson Mullany, both of whom were born and reared in that 
country. In 1849 the family left the mother country and immi- 
grated to America, first locating in La Salle. Illinois, and eventually 
in 1857 coming to Dubuque. The father was an architect and fol- 
lowed that business successfully until his death in 1884, at the age 
of seventy-two years. His wife passed away in 1873, aged sixty- 
one years. The early education of John I. Mullany was acquired in 
the parochial schools of Dubuque, and this was supplemented by a 
course in the College of Our Lady of Angels, now Niagara (New 
York) University. He then took up the study of law in the office 
of John H. O'Neill and H. B. Fouke, well known lawyers of 
Dubuque, now deceased, and later embarked in the general practice 
of that profession on his own account. From 1873 to 1883 he was 
thus successfully engaged in Dubuque and Clinton, Iowa, but then, 
owing to failing health, retired from active participation in business 
affairs. In 1886 Mr. ]\Iullany was appointed deputy clerk of the 
district court of Dubuque county, and for twenty years honorably 
and creditably filled this position. 

In 1907, in partnership with Mr. Hugh Stuart, he again took up 
the general practice of law in Dubuque, securing offices in the Bank 
and Insurance building, and has since been actively and successfully 
engaged in his profession. Politically Mr. Mullany is a Democrat: 
he served for twelve years as a member of the board of education. 
He is a Catholic in religion and is a member of the Knights of 
Columbus. Mr. Mullany is regarded as a ready writer, has written 
for the Catholic Encyclopedia and contributes occasionally to 
periodicals. 

On May 3, 1877, he was married at Dubuque to Miss Agnes C. 
Murphy, daughter of Michael B. and Margaret S. Murphy, early 
settlers of Chicago, Illinois, and to them were born seven children. 
One, Joseph, dying in infancy, and the others: Robert E., traveling 
auditor for the Transcontinental Freight Bureau, of San Francisco; 
Grace C, librarian of the Clinton (Iowa) public library, died 
December i. 1910; Retta, wife of Dr. Charles E. Loizeaux, of 
Dubuque: Blanche S., librarian of the Dubuque high school library; 
Marc Hutchinson, a student at St. Joseph College, Dubuque, and 
Jean C, attending St. Joseph Academy, at Dubuque. The family 
reside at 60 West Locust street, and they rank socially and intel- 
lectually among the leading people of the city. 

Henry Vorwald, living retired from the active cares of business 
at Dyeisville since 1909, was born in Iowa City, Iowa, October 5, 
1850, the son of Francis and Anna (Sherbrock) Vorwald. Francis 
Vorwald was a native of Hanover, Germany, but immigrated to this 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 625 

country in 1830, and for several years resided in various places. In 
1843 he located in Johnson county, Iowa, where he pre-emptetl a 
quarter section of land from the government. Inheriting the th'uft 
and industry proverbial with the Gennan people, he set to work 
clearing and improving his place, and adding thereto until he owned 
nearly 400 acres. This he sold and in 185 1 moved to Dubuque 
county and bought a 160-acre farm in Liberty township. This he 
increased in value by improvement and in extent by the addition of 
another 160 acres. For twenty years, in conjunction with farming, 
he taught school, and many men and women now living in Dubuque 
county remember him as their early preceptor. He died at Dyers- 
ville in 1883, at the age of seventy years, preceded by his wife in 
1855, when thirty-eight years old. Henry Vorwald received his 
education in the district schools of Liberty township, finishing with 
a course in Francescan College, at Quincy, Illinois. When sixteen 
years old he left college and for three years worked with his 
brothers, Frank and John, then rented his father's farm of 160 
acres, which he operated for some years. In 1872 he purchased 
eighty acres in Delaware county, Iowa, and also eighty acres in 
another locality, selling both these properties in 1886 and buying 
230 acres in Colony township, Delaware county. To this last tract 
he added from time to time until he became the owner of 472 acres. 
Here Mr. Vorwald resided many years, but desiring to rest from 
the hard work he had endured so long and wishing to be back among 
his old friends once more, he finally located in Dyersville, where he 
at present enjoys the quiet restfulness of a competency. He is a 
Roman Catholic in religion, a Democrat in politics and in addition 
to his large real estate holdings is a stockholder and director of the 
Farmers' State Bank of Dyersville. April 19, 1870, he married 
Miss Abbie Griffith, daughter of George and Sadie Griffith, old 
homestead pioneers of this locality who died in 1888, aged sixty- 
three years, and in 1889, aged seventy-two years, respectively. To 
Mr. and Mrs. Vorwald twelve children have been born, one dying 
unnamed and the other in infancy named August. Those living are 
as follows: Anna, the wife of Henry Bockenstedt, farmer of Dela- 
ware county; Frank S., stock dealer at Kennebick, South Dakota; 
George J., a farmer of Clayton county, Iowa; Clara, who married 
C. J. Bockenstedt, of Delaware county ; Rose, married Henry 
Wernke, farmer, residing in Delaware county ; Ida, now Mrs. Frank 
Koelker, who farms near Bloomington, Wisconsin ; Edward H., a 
farmer near Guttenberg, Clayton county, Iowa; William T., also 
farmer of Clayton county, Iowa, and Henry M. and Charles A., who 
operate the old homestead in Delaware county. Mr. Vorwald has 
ever been considered a valuable citizen, no matter where he lived, 
but in Dubuque county he and wife are especially highly esteemed 
and respected for their many excellent neighborly qualities. 



626 HI ST OR OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

LoRENZ Hauer, retired from active business and residing at 1461 
Jackson street, Dubuque, since August, 1910, was born in the 
Kingdom of Wurtemburg, Germany, June 12, 1840, the son of 
Isidor and Agatha Hauer, both of whom died in the old country. 
He received liis education in tlie German pubhc schools, and while 
yet a young man immigrated to America, via New Orleans, locating 
at St. Louis, Missouri. For a time he worked at various occupa- 
tions, and when civil war threatened the disruption of the Union 
he was one of the first to respond to President Lincoln's call for 
volunteers. He enlisted in Company C, First Missouri Volunteers, 
and participated in a number of battles. At the battle of Wilson's 
Creek he was badly wounded, sufifering the loss of a leg, and at the 
conclusion of that year was honorably discharged by the war depart- 
ment of the United States government. Li 1862, being unfit for 
further acti\e service, he came to Dubuque and learned cigar mak- 
ing, and was in the employ of Charles Luther for nine years. In 
1871 he embarked in that line of business on his own account and 
continued thus successfully until his retirement in 1910. Mr. Hauer 
is a Republican in his political views and a member of the Grand 
Army of the Republic. To his marriage with Miss Margaret 
Colling, solemnized in Dubuque June 26, 1866, twelve children were 
born, nine of whom died in infancy. Those living are: Lorenz, Jr., 
bookkeeper for Louis Lang, and married to Miss Susie Glab, a 
daughter of Francis and Margaret Glab, pioneers of Dubuque, and 
has one son. Louis: Anna, the wife of Henry Wilberding, merchant 
tailor of Dubuque, had fourteen children, three of whom died, and 
Magdalena, who married Charles Wilberding, a merchant tailor of 
Cincinnati, Ohio, and has four children. Mr. Hauer is one of 
Dubuque's good citizens and bears the respect of all who know him. 

Michael Stronck, and Margaretha, his wife, were among the 
pioneer farmers of Dubuque county, and by reason of their exem- 
plary lives were esteemed among the best citizens. They were 
natives of Luxemburg, Germany, immigrating to the LTnited States 
in 1854, and commg direct to this county located on a tract of 120 
acres near Holy Cross, Concord township. At this time five acres 
only were partly improved, the balance being in a state of nature. 
With commendable courage Mr. and Mrs. Stronck began work on 
this place, imdergoing the many hardships and inconveniences of 
pioneer life, gradually improving their property as means permitted 
and identifying themselves with their neighbors in the social and 
religious conditions of the time. Mr. Stronck became one of the 
foremost men of his locality. He was a Democrat in politics and 
served as township trustee and as a member of the board of educa- 
tion. On November 12, 1884, he died, at the age of seventy-four 
years, and was buried in the cemetery at Luxemburg. Mrs. 
.Stronck died in 1873, when sixtj'-four years old, and is buried at 







■I 





J' 




^/ , y -/ 



tl^J.-. 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 627 

Holy Cross. They were the parents of three children : Annie, who 
married John Engles and died at Cassville, Grant county, Wisconsin, 
in 1891; Appolonia, married John Scharf and died at Elmwootl, 
Kansas, in 1894, and Peter, a sketch of whom is herewitli added. 
Peter Stronck was born at Luxemburg, Germany, December 3, 
1849, ^nd when five years old was brought to this country by his 
parents. He assisted in the work of the home farm and attended 
tlie parochial school at Holy Cross until the age of eighteen years. 
Since then he has made farming his occupation, at which he has 
met with more than ordinary success. He is the owner of 360 acres 
of land which is considered one of the model farms of Dubuque 
county. This he has splendidly improved with serviceable buildings, 
orchards and stocked witli the best grades of domestic animals. In 
addition to this he is a stockholder in the bank at Dyersville, and 
recently has acquired a farm of 160 acres near Dubuque. He is a 
Democrat, has served as township trustee and secretary of the 
board of education, is a Catholic in religion and a member of the 
Mutual Protective Association. At Luxemburg, Iowa, on February 
30, 1872, he married Miss Mary Duster. The parents of Mrs. 
Stronck were Peter and Catharine Duster, old settlers of this com- 
munity, who died in 1880 and 1896, respectively, and were buried 
at Luxemburg. To Mr. and Mrs. Stronck five children have been 
born, named: Catharina, the widow of John Schneider; Peter P., 
operating one of his father's farms ; Anthon, who is also farming 
one of his father's properties; Maggie, the wife of Frank Thomas, 
a farmer of Table Mound township, and Barbara, who married 
Frank D. Meyers, farmer, and resides in New Wine township. 
Having accumulated a competency, Mr. Stronck decided to retire 
from active participation in farm work, and accordingly, in 1908, 
moved into Dyersville, which has since been his home. Mrs. 
Stronck died June 2, 1906, and lies buried at Luxemburg. 

Prof. Charles G. Kretschmer. — Fifty-four years a teacher! 
For thirty-nine years four months principal of one school! Such 
is the record of Prof. Charles G. Kretschmer, one of Dubuque's 
veterans in the educational field. He was a native of Germany, his 
birth occurring in the village of Gloschkau, near Breslau, January 
19, 1822, and he was one of four sons born to a prosperous farmer. 
In 1843, when twenty-one years of age, he graduated with honors 
from the Breslau Seminary, receiving from the state a diploma as 
teacher, and thereupon began his life work. He taught the village 
school of Peterwitz from 1843 to 1846, and then accepted the prin- 
cipalship of the school at Sadewitz, which position he held until 
coming to America in 1849. He first went to New Orleans, but 
after a few months' residence in that city removed to St. Louis and 
there established a private school which he conducted successfully 



628 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

until 1853, when he came to Dubuque. Easily recognizing the lack 
of sufficient educational facilities for a young city of rapid growth, 
he opened a private school at the corner of Seventh and White 
streets. In 1858 the board of education of Dubuque, recognizing 
his worth as teacher and manager, elected him principal of the 
Fifth ward school (now called Audubon school). As conclusive 
evidence of his success it need but be said that he held this position 
to the end of his life — a period of thirty-nine years and four 
months. During his administration the number of teachers in this 
school increased from six to sixteen and the number of pupils from 
150 to 720. Kind, simple-hearted, enthusiastic, his interest in the 
welfare of the boys and girls and in that of the hundreds of men 
and women who had been his pupils was as great in the last year 
of his life as in the prime of manhood. He kept in close touch with 
the educational progress of the half century which witnessed such 
marvelous advancement in school methods. He was always accu- 
rate and systematic in whatever he undertook, a tireless worker, a 
courteous gentleman. In these facts may be found the cause of his 
success and the secret of his strong hold on the affections of his 
patrons and pupils. In the summer of 1897 he announced his inten- 
tion to retire from active service at the close of the following school 
year, the fifty-fifth as teacher and fortieth as principal of the Audu- 
bon school. Some one proposed a memorial picnic in his honor. 
The suggestion was received enthusiastically by the hundreds of 
former pupils, many of whom were prominent business men. Meet- 
ings were held, committees appointed, and arrangements completed 
promptly. The picnic, held on the second day of September, was a 
pronounced success in every respect and showed the great iove and 
esteem borne him. Professor Kretschmer was married to Miss 
Anna Fengler, daughter of Rev. E. Fengler, in 1854, and eight 
children blessed their union. He joined the Independent Order of 
Odd Fellows in 1855 and was an active member to the end of his 
life, filling the various chairs in the local lodge and holding the 
positions of grand master and grand representative of the state. 
He was also a prominent member of the German Benevolent 
Society, which he joined in 1855. He was taken ill in the school- 
room December i. 1897, and died December 9. at the age of seventy- 
five years, ten months and twenty days, survived by his widow and 
five children, all residents of Dubuque: Mrs. Eugenia A. Hollings- 
worth, directress of one of Dubuque's public kindergartens; Frank 
G., who died December 23, 1893: Sylvia A., wife of C. K. Mathis, 
secretary of the Mathis-Mets Company ; Herbert C., president of the 
Kretschmer Manufacturing Company; Fred N., vice president and 
treasurer of same, and William M., secretary of the Dubuque 
Industrial Incorporation and member of the firm Kretschmer & Lee 
engaged in the insurance, real estate and loan business. 




REV. F, W. PAPE 




REV. A. G. THOLE 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 629 

Rev. Frederick W. Pape, pastor of St. Boniface Roman Cath- 
olic clunxh at New Vienna, Iowa, is a nati\e of the province of 
Westplialia, Kingdom of Prnssia, Germany. He was born Jannary 
21, 1844, and is the youngest of eight sons born to the marriage of 
WilHam Pape and Margaret Happe. In the year 1850, after having 
decided tliat Ijetter opportunities for advancement could be obtained 
in America, William Pape, together with his entire family, immi- 
grated to the United .States. As he was reared a farmer in Europe, 
lie determined to follow that occupation also in this country. He 
came to the pioneer settlement of New Vienna, in Dubuque county, 
Iowa, and there purchased 320 acres of land at government prices. 
Upon this he erected dwellings and continued improving. Here he 
died m 1878, at the age of seventy-seven years, preceded by his wife 
in 1862, at the age of sixty-two years. 

Rev. Frederick W. Pape received his early education in the 
parochial log schoolhouse connected with St. Boniface church. New 
Vienna, Iowa. Early in life lie held a position as clerk in a store at 
Dyersvilie, Iowa, but later took to travel, visiting different states 
besides Cuba and Mexico. At a still later period he became a mer- 
chant at Lyons, Iowa. For some time he had been privately study- 
ing for the ministry, but in 1866 entered Notre Dame University, 
Indiana, and later completed the theological course at St. Francis 
Ecclesiastical Seminary at Milwaukee. In 1874 he was ordained 
to the priesthood and was first assigned to mission work in the 
western part of Iowa, continuing thus to establish and organize new 
parishes for a period of seven years. By direction of Archbishop 
Hennessy, of Dubuque, he organized the Sacred Heart parish at 
Dubuque, built the first church and school and was pastor of the 
same for three years. 

In 1883 he was appointed to St. Boniface church. New Vienna, 
Iowa. This congregation flourished under his wise leadership and 
the present magnificent St. Boniface church and school buildings 
were erected. A full description of this church and school appears 
elsewhere in the historical department of this work. Father Pape is 
one of the leaders of religious thought in this section of the country. 

The present assistant to Rev. F. W. Pape is Rev. A. J. Thole, 
born at Petersburg, Iowa, October 4, 1885, and ordained to the 
priesthood June 8, 1910. 

John R. Waller, although one of the younger members of the 
Dubuque bar, has attained a standing in the legal profession that 
entitles him to a page in the current history of Iowa jurisprudence. 
He was born in this city February i, 1883, and received his early 
education in the parochial and public schools. He entered the local 
high school from Grammar School No. 69, New York city, and was 
graduated with the class of 1902. Mr. Waller decided to engage in 
the practice of law, and selected Yale and Chicago universities for 



630 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Iiis undergraduate work. He received the degree Bachelor of Civil 
Law from Yale in 1905. After a year spent in post graduate work 
at the University of Michigan, he was granted the degree Master 
of Laws. Mr. Waller then spent a year at Oxford University, 
England, and on the Continent engaged in the study of foreign 
judicial systems, and finished his studies with re\'iew work at the 
University of Iowa. While at college Mr. Waller was prominent 
in literary, athletic and musical circles, and held several offices of 
importance. He was also elected to membership in Book and Gavel 
Society (Yale), Zeta Psi Fraternity, Michigan Glee Club and 
Oxford Union Society. Since coming to the local bar Mr. Waller 
has been one of its most active members, and has taken part in many 
important cases. In the interest of this city he represented the local 
residents in an action before the board of railroad commissioners 
of Iowa to compel the express companies to extend their delivery 
limits in Dubuque. He also assisted the attorney general of Iowa 
in the celebrated Bridge Toll case, and was the youngest lawyer to 
have argued before the Interstate Commerce Commission. On both 
sides Mr. Waller is a descendant of Dubuque's pioneer families. 
His grandparents resided in this city, as did six of his great-grand- 
parents, and William Newman, a great-great-grandfather. His 
father was the late John R. Waller (1845-1891 ), one of Dubucpie's 
leading citizens, a man greatly beloved and one whose influence in 
the upbuilding of this city is still felt. His grandparents, Robert 
and Maria Waller, were born in Yorkshire, England, and came to 
Dubuque in 1832. Robert Waller operated the first successful lead 
smelting furnace in Iowa, and was actively interested in promoting 
many early enterprises. He died in this city March 17, 1859. leav- 
ing his widow and four children: Frances (Mrs. William Coates), 
Alice (Mrs. James Woodward), Mary Jane (Mrs. John Spensley) 
and John Robert Waller. Of these Mrs. Woodward and Mrs. 
Spensley sur\-ive. Mr. and Mrs. A. A. Cooper, the maternal grand- 
parents of Mr. Waller, are referred to elsewhere in this volume. 
Outside of the legal profession Mr. Waller is secretary and treasurer 
of the Allison-Henderson Memorial Association and president of 
the A. C. Waller Company. He is also commander of the Sons of 
Veterans, a member of the Sons of the Revolution and of several 
clubs and legal societies. He resides with his mother, Mary E. 
Waller, and brother, Austin C. Waller, at 590 Blufif street. 

Charles Chrtstman, now li\'ing retired in Dubuque, is a 
descendant of one of the oldest families of the county, his parents, 
Peter and Margaret Christman, locating here at the early date of 
1837. Peter Christman was a machinist in Pennsylvania, but upon 
coming to Iowa settled upon a tract of new land in Jefferson town- 
ship which he cleared and farmed many years. He retired from 
active life in 1857. and died July 17, 1862, followed by his wiflow 








'T-'T^ 




HISTORY OP DUBUQUE COUNTY 631 

February 19, 1891, at the advanced age of ninety years. Their 
children have become well known among the best people of 
Dubuciue. Two children, Margaret and Frank, died in infancy ; 
Peter, named after his father, spent the greater part of his life in 
Dubuque, and died January 14, 1896, an honored and respected 
citizen : Jacob, who was for so many years here engaged in mercan- 
tile pursuits, died November 16, 1900, aged seventy-six )ears : 
John, a dry goods merchant here for a great many 3rears. died 
October 26, 1889; Henry, who died in the prime of life, aged about 
thirty-eight years ; Augustus, like the most of his brothers, was 
engaged in merchandising in Dubuque, and died September 7, 1894, 
when fifty-eight years and one day old ; Catherine, who became Mrs. 
Elberth and resided in this city, a widow; Sarah M., also residing 
in Dubuque, and Elizabeth M., who married George L. Durno and 
makes her home at Springville, Iowa. 

Charles Christman was born at Tamaqua, Pennsylvania, October 
2, 1835, and was consequently but two years of age when his 
parents came to Dubuque county. Naturally, at that early period, 
his opportunities for securing an education were very limited and 
conlined to the crude schools of pioneer days. Being a close 
observer of men and events, however, he has supplemented his 
school efforts by extensive readings until he is now conceded to be 
one of the well informed men of the community. He remained on 
the home farm until fourteen years old, then came to Dubuque in 
1849 '^iitl began working for the hardware firm of Farley & Christ- 
man, the junior partner of tiie firm being his brother. Jacob. He 
thus continued until i860, when he became a member of the firm of 
Weller & Christman, also engaged in the hardware business. Until 
his retirement from the acti\-e burdens of life Mr. Christman was 
continuously engaged in this line of endeavor. Within the span of 
his eventful career he has seen Dubuque emerge from a straggling 
frontier village to one of the foremost cities of Iowa. For a period 
of nearly fifty years he was here actively engaged in mercantile 
pursuits, and to such men as Mr. Christman is due the credit of 
Dubuque's present standing for conser\'ati\'e probity and sound 
commercialism among the cities of the country. He is a stockholder 
and director of the German Savings Bank of Dubuque, a member of 
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and a Republican. In the 
evening of his life he can look backward with contentment to an 
honorable career, filled with hard work, in which he has accumulated 
a comfortable amount of this world's goods, and with the conscious- 
ness that he has fought a good fight and won the respect of his 
fellow men. 

John Ellwanger, since 1899 president of the John Ellwanger 
Company, came to Dubuque when but three years old and has 
known, practically, no other home. He was born Ma}' 24, 1849, in 



632 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, the son of Peter and Agatha Ell- 
wanger, both natives of that country, where for years the father was 
a music teacher of some renown. In 1852, when John Ellwanger 
was three years of age, the family immigrated to America and came 
to Dubuque, where our subject attended the public schools and later 
Bayless Business College, graduating from the latter when thirteen 
and one-half years old. His first venture in the business world was 
as bundle boy in the dry goods establishment of Wood, Luke & Co. 
until they sold to Sheffield, Wood & Co., who changed the business 
to a strictly wholesale establisliment. He entered the employ of 
James Levi, and remained witli him about one year, when he became 
clerk in a clothing business till 1871. He then went with the whole- 
sale liquor firm of Francis Jaeger, and until June i, 1875, was book- 
keeper, but at that time, in partnership with Mr. Michael Brady, he 
purchased a two-thirds interest in his employer's business, and 
contmued operations under the firm name of Brady, Ellwanger & 
Co. This association continued until the death of Mr. Brady, May 
8, 1899. and on the first of June, same year, the firm was incor- 
porated under the name of the John Ellwanger Company, and Mr. 
Ellwanger has since been the president and general manager of 
same. Aside from the above mentioned interests he is president of 
the Dubuque Fire & Marine Lisurance Company, secretary of the 
Dubuque Bridge Company, and a director of the Union Electric 
and Dubuque Altar Manufacturing companies. In politics he is a 
Democrat and takes an active interest in local civic affairs. Mr. 
Ellwanger married Miss Sophia A. Bucknam, daughter of William 
D. Bucknam, on December 5, 1871. To this union were born two 
sons: William E. and Ralph J., now associated in business with 
their father, and one daughter, Josephine. Mrs. Ellwanger died 
.September 2, 1904. On February 5, 1906, Mr. Ellwanger was 
mited in marriage with Mrs. S. Fannie Lewis Bucknam. The 
family residence is at 1392 Main street. Mr. Ellwanger is one of 
he successful business men of Dubuque, is active in local affairs of 
mportance and is considered one of the progressive men of the day. 

Walter Manson, deceased, figured prominently in the affairs 
jf Dubuque county, and because of his native shrewdness and 
sterling honesty succeeded in his various undertakings and com- 
manded universal respect. He was born in Scotland in 1808, and 
at about the age of twenty-two years immigrated to Canada. He 
subsequently moved to Vermont, then to Ohio, and at an early day 
came to Dubuque county, Iowa, and was here engaged in milling 
with James Pratt and Thomas Waiters, Sr, He bought the Rock- 
dale Mill, which he managed until 1868, then disposed of the prop- 
erty and devoted the remainder of his life to building business 
blocks and residences and looking after his various investments. 
He died March 28, 1879. Mr. Manson was first married to Jane 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 633 

Alderson, who died January 31, 1861. His second wife was Eliza- 
beth Nicholson, a native of England, who when twelve years old 
came with her father, Thomas Nicholson, to America in 1851. Two 
children were born to the second marriage, named John W., now 
associated with the Iowa House Furnishing Company, and Nettie. 
Mrs. Manson is living and resides in Table Mound township. The 
Manson family is typically of the best element that has made Du- 
buque county one of the greatest of the many great counties in the 
State of Iowa. 

Philip C. Pfersch is one of the progressive business men of 
Dubuque, and was born in this city, July 7, 1875. His father, 
Philip Pfersch, after whom he was named, was a native of Ger- 
many, as was also his wife, whose maiden name was Marie Tugel. 
They came to America with their respective families in 1854 and 
1853, and were married in Dubuque, Iowa, in 1856. Six children 
were born to them, their names being Augustus and William, both 
dead; Philip C, Marie (Mrs. Henry O. Rose), Louise (Mrs. 
Henry Matthews), and Caroline. The elder Philip Pfersch learned 
the harnessmaker's trade in his native country, and followed that 
occupation there and in this country until his death, March 18, 
1898. His widow died June 4, 1910. Philip C. Pfersch has always 
made Dubuque his home. His early life was passed in attending 
the public schools, and later, when old enough, he learned harness- 
making of his father and upon the latter's death succeeded him as 
proprietor of the establishment, continuing as such to the present. 
He is a Republican in politics and a member of the Knights of 
Pythias and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He married 
Miss Hettie Whitehead, daughter of E. E. Whitehead, of Farley, 
Iowa, and he and wife are communicants of the Westminster Pres- 
byterian church. 

Dr. Mathias D. Linehan, one of the leading medical practi- 
tioners of Dubuque, was born and reared in this city, and is a son 
of Dennis W. and Mary (Cox) Linehan. The father was a con- 
tractor and real estate dealer and is now living a retired life in this 
city. Dr. Linehan is at present serving as county physician for his 
county. Socially he is identified with the Knights of Columbus, 
Woodmen of the World, Modern Brotherhood of America, Modern 
Woodmen of America, F. O. E., O. O. O. He is a member of the 
American Medical Association, the Iowa State Medical Society, 
and the Dubuque County Medical Society. Dr. Linehan is also 
medical examiner for Company A, Fifty-third Regiment, Iowa 
National Guard, and the Guarantee Mutual Life Insurance Com- 
pany, and is house physician for St. Anthony's Home for the Aged. 
He is prominent in any movement that portends to the growth and 



634 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

development of the county, is highly respected by all who know him, 
and has attained high rank in his profession. 

Frederick C. Robinson, now ser\'ing at Dubuque his sixth suc- 
cessive term as Grand Secretary of the Benevolent and Protective 
Order of Elks of the United States of America, is a native of this 
city, his birth occurring on September i8, 1871, and the son of 
David E. and Eliza W. Robinson. He received his early education 
in the public schools and later entered Bayless Business College, 
where he completed several courses. He then for a time was con- 
nected with the insurance firm of Duncan & Waller, but in 1895, 
in partnership with Mr. F. W. Coates, bought out this firm and 
under the name of Coates & Robinson continued the business. He 
is also associated with various other enterprises. On October 14, 
1896, he was united in marriage with Miss Adeline S. Howie, and 
to them three boys, two living, were born, as follows : Frederick C. 
and James H. Mr. Robinson has always taken great interest and 
delight in his associations with his fellowmen. and has been promi- 
nent in the affairs of various orders. He is a Knight Templar 
Mason, being identified with Siloam Commandery, No. 3. of Du- 
buque, and he is also a member of El Kader Temple, Ancient 
Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. 
He holds membership in the Modern Woodmen of America, being 
identified with Hustler Camp. In the Benevolent and Protective 
Order of Elks he has been especially prominent, and has filled the 
following offices with credit and distinction: Tiler. 1895-6; Es- 
teemed Leading Knight, 1897; Exalted Ruler, 1898-9; District 
Deputy, 1900-02, and on July 19, 1904, at Cincinnati, he was fur- 
ther honored by being elected Grand Secretary of the Order for the 
United States of America. For six years he has been the incum- 
bent of this position, and how well he has performed his duties 
may be determined by the length of time served. Mr. Robinson is 
one of Dubuque's progressive citizens and is highly regarded by his 
many friends. 

Jacob Kessler is deserving of more than passing notice because 
of his long, useful and honorable life of more than half a century 
in Dubuque county. Born November 13, 1830, at Blieskostel, in 
the Kingdom of Rhenish Bavaria, Germany, he is a son of Jacob 
and Agnes (Wack) Kessler. He attended the schools of his native 
country in boyhood and there learned the baker's trade, but in 1852 
came with his parents to the United States, their port of entry being 
New Orleans. From the latter place the family came up the Mis- 
sissippi river to Galena. Illinois, subsequently moving to Dubuque, 
where the father died at the age of seventy-seven years, and the 
mother in 1897, when over ninety-one years old. For the first few 
years after coming to this country Jacob Kessler was employed at 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 635 

various occupations and at numerous places. He had to learn a 
new language and acquire the customs of a strange people, and any 
employment of an honorable nature that came his way was gladly 
welcomed by him. From Galena he went to St. Louis, where he 
worked at his trade for a time, later continuing the same at Boon- 
ville, Missouri, and still later on the steamboat "Excelsior" and 
other boats plying on the Mississippi river. In 1858 he returned to 
Galena, but in March of the following year embarked in merchandis- 
ing with his brother-in-law at Waupeton, this county. This he con- 
tinued until 1870, when he bought a farm of 120 acres in Jefferson 
township, upon which he located and engaged in agricultural pur- 
suits. To this he added forty acres more, but eventually sold the 
addition to his son. During this time Mr. Kessler took an active 
interest in the growth and welfare of the community, and as a Dem- 
ocrat was elected a member of the Board of Supenasors in 1875, ^ 
position to which he was re-elected twice, serving in all six years. 
Upon the expiration of his last term, in 1882, he received the ap- 
pointment of overseer of the poor, and served as such until the 
first Monday in January, 1892. In 1882 Mr. Kessler moved to 
Dubuque, which has since been his home, and since August, 1888, 
he has been engaged in mercantile pursuits at 3056 Couler avenue, 
his residence being immediately adjacent to the store. Inheriting 
the sturdy thrift and honesty of his forebears, Mr. Kessler has 
prospered in material welfare in the land of his adoption, and what 
is even more greatly prized by him, he bears an honored and re- 
spected name. On August 7, i860, he married Ellen McDonald, 
daughter of John and Jennie McDonald, early settlers of Dubuque 
county, and to them have been born eight children, two dying in 
infancy. The six children living are named as follows : Mary 
Agnes, wife of Dennis Sullivan, a farmer of South Dakota; John, 
a farmer of this county ; Ellen Anna, who married Henry Hebner 
and resides at Taconia, Washington; William C., engaged in black- 
smithing at Luxemburg, this county; Lizzie, the wife of John Rit- 
tenmeier, of Dubuque; and Jacob, residing in the State of Wash- 
ington. The family are of the Roman Catholic faith in religion. 

Ben. M. Samuels, of Dubuque, was Democratic candidate for 
Governor in 1857. He was born in Virginia in 1823, and his father 
was Joseph Samuels, an eminent lawyer there. He read law with 
his father and in 1848 came to Iowa and located in Dubuque. Soon 
afterward he was elected city attorney. In 1854 he was elected to 
the legislature, and in 1857 nominated by the Democracy for Gov- 
ernor. His nomination was ratified here in a public meeting at 
Main and Fourth streets, where a large bonfire was lighted. He 
addressed the citizens on the issues of the day. He was a brilliant 
orator and an able lawyer. 



636 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Dr. Timothy Mason was born in New York in 1797 and died 
in Dubuque in January, 1875. He came to Dubuque in 1836 and 
was ever prominent in public affairs. He early engaged in the drug 
business. He was an early member of the territorial legislature, and 
was for many years connected with school government in Dubuque. 
He was one of the founders of the Universalist Society and of the 
Masonic lodge here. His daughters married Ben. M. Samuels and 
M. W. Smith. 

William A. Harkett came to the city of Dubuque in 1872 and 
in a small way embarked in the nursery and cut flower business at 
179 Hill street. Possessing a natural liking and aptitude for the 
business he almost immediately became successful and his establish- 
ment today is regarded as one of the largest and best of its kind 
in the entire state. Mr. Harkett was born in the vicinity of Lon- 
don, England, March 9, 1848, and received his education in the 
public schools of that city. His parents, William and Jane Harkett, 
were both natives of the same locality and, after long and useful 
lives, passed away and were laid at rest nearby. The father was 
a livestock dealer by occupation, as was his father, Jonathan Hark- 
ett, before him, and for many years was actively and successfully 
engaged in that particular line of industry. Early in life William 
A. Harkett came to America and, after a short stop in New York 
City, emigrated west to Bloomington, Illinois, where relatives were 
residing. Later he went to Chicago with the intention of embark- 
ing in business, but owing to the great fire of 1871 he gave up this 
plan and came to Dubuque. Here, as before stated, he prospered 
in the nursery and cut flower business, and today his establishment 
covers practically an entire city block. For years Mr. Harkett's 
business operations grew and in time ranged from the State of 
Illinois to the Pacific coast. In recent years, however, he has con- 
fined his business to nearer fields, the State of Iowa and adjoining 
counties in Wisconsin and Illinois. Mr. Harkett is a Republican in 
politics and for years has been identified with the Masonic fra- 
ternity, the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of 
America. In March, 1871, at Bloomington, Illinois, he was united 
in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Wride, daughter of Rev. Peter and 
Elizabeth Wride. To Mr. Harkett and wife four children have 
been born, as follows: Arthur, William Frank and Charles, edu- 
cated and reared in Dubuque, and now associated in business with 
their father, and Flora, manager of one of her father's stores. Mr. 
Harkett has made life a success and is regarded as one of the 
public-spirited citizens of the county. 

Albert Giegerich, senior partner of the Model Wall Paper 
Company, was born in Sauk City, Wisconsin, March 2, 1867. His 
parents, Bertram and Katherine (Fuhr) Giegerich, were natives of 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 637 

Unter BYanken und Aschafifenburg, Kingdom of Bavaria, Germany. 
In 185 1, when sixteen years old, the father left the old country 
and immigrated to America, where for a time he worked at his 
trade of tailor in New York City. He then emigrated further west 
to Sauk City, Wisconsin, and there resided until his death in 1902, 
at the age of sixty-seven years. His wife passed away in 1874. 
After attending the public schools of his native town, Albert Gieger- 
ich, the immediate subject of this review, started out in life as a 
typesetter in a printing establishment, remaining thus employed 
until 1 88 1. For a time he then studied the photography business, 
but later returned and for two years managed the business of his 
former employer. Subsequently, in partnership with Mr. Hugo 
Buchenau, he erected a photograph gallery at Prairie du Sac, Wis- 
consin, but two years later disposed of same, and with his partners, 
Charles Buchenau and Hugo Fisher, built the steamboat "May- 
flower," in which they traveled up and down the Wisconsin river, 
taking photographs. This business, however, proved unsuccessful 
and Mr. Giegerich a few months later first came to Dubuque. Hav- 
ing lost most of his money in the steamboat enterprise, he for a 
time worked in a lumber yard and later as paperhanger. This he 
continued until forming his present partnership with E. Wessel- 
hoft, in 1899, when they established themselves in the painting and 
paperhanging business. In 1901 they were forced to seek larger 
quarters, and ever since they have been very successful. Aside from 
the above mentioned business, they are largely engaged in the man- 
ufacture of postal cards, and have a separate establishment, employ- 
ing about forty people, for this purpose. Mr. Giegerich is a mem- 
ber of the Modern Woodmen of America. September 2, 1906, near 
East Dubuque, he was united in marriage with Miss Marie, daugh- 
ter of Jacob and Maria Krafft, her father being accidentally 
drowned some time ago, and to them nine children, four dying in 
infancy, have been born. Those living are : Ida, Albert, Leo, Marie 
and Martha. 

Frank N. Schroeder, president of the Schroeder & Kleine 
Grocer Company, has resided in Dubuque since childhood. His 
parents, Nicholas and Josephine (Glasser) Schroeder, came from 
Diekirch, Duchy of Luxemburg, Gemiany, to America in 1854, 
and for a time resided in Mobile, Alabama. From there they came 
by way of New Orleans up the Mississippi river to Dubuque, there 
being at that time no railroads. Here they lived happily together 
until Death beckoned them, the father passing away in 1882, aged 
sixty-five years, and the mother in 1888, aged sixty-nine years. 
The elder Schroeder was a cabinet-maker and followed that trade 
during his long residence in Dubuque. Both now lie at rest in 
Mount Calvary cemetery. Their son, Frank N. Schroeder, was born 
in Diekirch, Luxemburg, July 16, 1849, ^"d early in life came with 



638 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

his parents to Dubuque. After attending the pubHc and parochial 
schools, he completed his education with a course in Bayless Busi- 
ness College, working during this time at such various odd posi- 
tions as were to be had. In 1865 he entered the wholesale grocery 
establishment of W. H. Rumpf, starting as an apprentice and aris- 
ing to the position of shipping and receiving clerk. In 1882, 
however, in partnership with John H. Kleine, Mr. Schroeder em- 
barked in the wholesale grocery business on his own account, and 
ten years later consolidated with Messrs. F. A. Rumpf and John P. 
Ferring, and continued business under the firm name of the Schroe- 
der & Kleine Grocer Company. Under capable management this 
concern has grown and prospered and is now regarded as one of 
the solid, substantial commercial houses of Dubuque. Aside from 
the above mentioned interests, Mr. Schroeder is a director of the 
Dubuque Altar Company. As a Democrat in politics he served 
three terms as county treasurer, and is at present a member of 
the Board of Education. He is of the Catholic faith and a member 
of St. Mary's Catholic church. On November 7, 1871, at Dubuque, 
he married Miss Katherine, daughter of Michael and Anna Maria 
Beck, and to their union nine children, two dying in infancy, were 
born. Those living are named : William, secretary and treasurer of 
the Schroeder & Kleine Grocer Company; George W., assistant 
secretary and treasurer of same; John P., shipping clerk of same; 
Anna, a graduate of St. Clara College; Marie, a graduate of St. 
Joseph's Academy, Dubuque; Katherine, a graduate of Professor 
Kleine's Academy of Music, Dubuque; and Josephine, a graduate 
of St. Clara College. 

Christian Anthon Voelker, well-known insurance and real 
estate operator, came to Dubuque when one year old. and has made 
this city his home ever since. Born August 16, 1850, in Baden, 
Germany, he was the son of Leopold and Magdalena Voelker. who 
came to Dubuque in 1851 and for many years engaged in the lum- 
ber business. The father died in November. 1902, at the age of 
seventy-eight years, his wife's death having occurred six years 
previous, at seventy-four years of age. Both now lie at rest in 
Mount Calvary cemetery, but they are yet well remembered by 
their many friends and neighbors. When brought to Dubuque, 
Christian Anthon Voelker was but one year old, and until reach- 
ing the age of thirteen he attended the Trinity Parochial School, 
now known as St. Mary's. He then started out in life for himself 
as an apprentice in the chairmaker's trade, which he subsequently 
followed ten years. In 1873. however, he established himself in 
a small way in the dry goods business, increasing his stock and 
properties as occasion warranted, and followed this particular line 
of endeavor for over twenty years. Three years before disposing 
of the above mentioned interests he ventured into the real estate 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 639 

field and his success therein was from the first assured. He erected 
many buildings throughout the city, was very successful in all oper- 
ations, and at the proper time added fire insurance to his business 
interests. In his political views Mr. Voelker is a Democrat, and as 
such, during the years 1896 and 1897, served as a member of the 
state legislative body. In 1886 and 1887 he was mayor of the city 
of Dubuque. In religion he is a Catholic, affiliating with St. Mary's 
Catholic church, of which he is also a trustee. Socially he is identi- 
fied with the Catholic Order of Foresters, the St. Pius-Alphonsus 
Benevolent Society and the Knights of Columbus, being an ex- 
president of the second named organization and Past Grand Knight 
of the latter. April 15, 1873, at Dubuque, Mr. Voelker was mar- 
ried to Miss Josephine Kolfenbach, daughter of Andrew and Ther- 
esa Kolfenbach, old settlers of Dubuque, and to them the following 
named five children were born: Joseph, who died in infancy, 1885; 
Elizabeth, the wife of Roman Corpstein, of Dubuque; Rosaline, a 
graduate of St. Mary's; Christian A., Jr., associated in business 
with his father; and Mary, now attending Immaculate Conception 
Academy. 

Franklin Hinds died in May, 1885. He was born in Vermont. 
He worked on the Erie Canal and in 1855 came to Dubuque and 
soon became prominent. He was one of the directors of the Du- 
buque & Minnesota Steamboat Company. In 1857 he engaged in 
the hardware business and afterwards the firm of Westphal, Hinds 
& Company became one of the largest of the West. He helped 
found the First National Bank in 1863 and was its president. He 
was active in school affairs and was a Congregationalist, and left a 
widow and four children. 

J. J. E. Norman died December 12, 1872, as the result of a 
runaway accident on the North Cascade road near Dubuque. He 
was pitched headfirst from his buggy into a rocky ravine. He lay 
unconscious several hours. He was born in Philadelphia in 181 5 
and came to Dubuque in 1841. He became prominent at once, both 
as a Catholic and as a friend of education. For over twelve years 
he was county superintendent of schools. He was able, honest, 
active, and always reliable. 

Peter F. Erschens, Jr., was born in 1869, in Centralia, Du- 
buque county, Iowa, and is a son of Peter and Susana (Hoven) 
Erschens, who came to America and this county in 1852. Peter 
Erschens, Sr., died in 1897, at the age of sixty-four years, but his 
wife still sur\'ives him, aged seventy-four years. When the father 
first came here he embarked in mercantile pursuits at Centralia, 
which he continued a number of years, then secured land from the 
government and conducted a farm in connection with merchandis- 



640 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

ing. He was one of the pioneer members of the CentraHa Catholic 
church and did much to estabhsh it at that place. In pohtics he was 
a Democrat. At the time of his death he owned 334 acres of valu- 
able farm land and also considerable property in the town of Cen- 
tralia. Peter F. Erschens. Jr., the immediate subject of this me- 
moir, received his early education in the school at Centralia, and 
later took a course at Sacred Heart College, Prairie du Chien, Wis- 
consin. His first business venture was the operation of a hotel at 
West Bend, Wisconsin, in 1898, and he remained thus employed 
for eighteen months. He then returned to the home farm in Du- 
buque county, and here has been successfully engaged in general 
farming and stock-raising ever since. He was married in the fall 
of 1898 to Miss Elizabeth George, daughter of John and Mary 
(Koustnacker) George, and to them five children have been born: 
Susana. Aloise, Peter, Severn and Alberta, all residing at home. 
John George was one of Centralia's leading merchants for over 
thirty years, and died December 29, 1909, preceded by his wife the 
year before. Mr. Erschens owned 160 acres of land near Centralia 
which he devotes to general farming and stock-raising, at which he 
has been uniformly successful. He is considered one of the sub- 
stantial citizens of the county, is a Democrat in politics, and a 
member of the Roman Catholic church. 

Hon. Daniel J. Haas, mayor of the city of Dubuque, is a native 
of Seelbach, in the Grand Duchy of Baden, Germany, where he 
was born on Christmas Day, 1867. Joseph Haas, his father, was 
a teacher in an elementary school at Seelbach, took as his life part- 
ner Miss Maria Anna Hartzog, and died when but thirty-eight years 
old. His widow survived him in her native country until the age 
of sixty-four years. Daniel J. Haas was left fatherless the year 
of his birth, and until twelve years old attended school in his native 
town. Joseph Hummel, a near relative, who had immigrated to the 
United States and established himself in the drug trade at Grundy 
Center, Iowa, was visiting at Baden at this time, and upon his 
retum to America took with him the subject of this sketch. He 
attended the public schools of Grundy Center until about the age 
of fifteen years, and assisted in the work of his uncle's drug store. 
He then went to Waterloo and was there employed by Wangler 
Brothers, druggists, for about three years, during which time he 
attended business college at night. In 1885 he came to Dubuque 
as clerk for George Wunderlich, druggist, but in 1887 began a 
course in pharmacy at the Chicago College of Pharmacy, graduat- 
ing therefrom in i'889. Returning to Dubuque, he resumed clerk- 
ing, about a year later establishing himself in the drug business upon 
his own responsibility at the corner of Twenty-fifth street and Cou- 
ler avenue. Mr. Haas has been more than ordinarily successful. 
Since 1905 he has devoted the greater part of his time to the manu- 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 641 

facture of the "A-B-C Tea" and "A-B-C Liniment," which have 
developed to such proportions as to require three travehng sales- 
men constantly on the road taking orders, and a large number of 
employees in the manufacturing and clerical departments. From 
the time he first came to the United States, Mr. Haas has been 
actively concerned in all that pertains to the welfare of his adopted 
country, and particularly in the local affairs where he resides. He 
has served by election as alderman-at-large of the city, and in the 
spring of 1910 was elected mayor of Dubuque. He is a member of 
the Holy Ghost Roman Catholic church, and is also identified with 
the Knights of Columbus, the Catholic Order of Foresters, the 
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and several other fra- 
ternal organizations. January 7, 1891, he married Mathilda, the 
daughter of Peter and Mathilda Specht, of Dubuque, Iowa, and to 
their union six children have been born : Peter, who died in in- 
fancy ; Estella ; Maria Anna ; Daniel J. Jr. ; Louisa, and Joseph 
George. Mr. Haas is one of the foremost citizens of Dubuque, and 
a credit to the community. 

Nicholas Goetzinger, living a retired life in the village of 
Luxemburg, this county, was born in Luxemburg, Germany, De- 
cember 28, 1842, and is a son of Peter and Maria Goetzinger. 
Peter, the father, died in the old country, leaving Mary Goetzinger, 
widow, and seven children, five boys and two girls. Until twelve 
years of age he attended the German public schools, and for a time 
thereafter worked for wages on various farms. He then served 
an apprenticeship to the blacksmith's trade and subsequently worked 
as a journeyman at this occupation in different parts of Prussia and 
France. In 1867 the family crossed the ocean to the United States, 
landing at New York City, and immediately came west to Luxem- 
burg, Dubuque county, Iowa, joining his uncle, Henry Erniter, 
working as a blacksmith, and the rest of the family settled on a 
farm. Shortly thereafter he removed to Caledonia, Minnesota, but 
a year later returned to Dubuque county and for two years worked 
at his trade of blacksmith at New Vienna. He then again came 
to Luxemburg, and here opened a blacksmith shop, borrowing the 
necessary money and making most of the tools himself. By degrees 
he prospered, honorably settled all his obligations, added the manu- 
facture of wagons, buggies and sleighs to his business, and selling 
agricultural implements, and became one of the foremost men in 
his section of the county. In 1906 he retired from the active cares 
of life, and the business has since been conducted by his sons. Mr. 
Goetzinger is a Democrat in politics, and has served as president 
and director of the parochial school at Luxemburg for many years. 
In religion he is of the Roman Catholic faith and a member of the 
Roman Catholic Mutual Protective Association of the State of 
Iowa. At Luxemburg, February 14, 1871, he married Miss Kath- 



642 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

erina, daughter of Johann and Katherina Guttenham, now deceased, 
and buried in Holy Trinity cemetery, and pioneer farmers and set- 
tlers of the township. To Mr. and Mrs. Goetzinger the following 
children were born : two who died in infancy; John H., blacksmith 
at Bancroft, Iowa; Henry, born April 7, 1875, successor to his 
father's business ; Rev. Charles, born June 18, 1877, Catholic priest 
at Kingfisher, Oklahoma; Bernhard N., born February 8, 1879, in 
business with his brother Henry; J. Peter, born January 16, 1881, 
buttermaker of Hickory Valley Creamery; K. Theresa, bom Octo- 
ber 25, 1882, a sister of the Order of St. Francis, in La Crosse, 
Wisconsin; Phillip J., born December 19, 1884, a teacher in King- 
fisher, Oklahoma; F. William, born January 30, 1886, a student in 
St. Joseph's College, Dubuque; Anna M., born December 13, 1889, 
at home; and Katie, died December 5, 1894. Mr. Goetzinger bears 
the respect and esteem of his many friends and neighbors, and has 
contributed his share toward the growth and development of Du- 
buque county. 

Fernando H. Wood, superintendent of the H. B. Glover Com- 
pany, Dubuque, is a native of Boston, Massachusetts, and the eldest 
in a family of five children born to the marriage of Charles S. 
Wood and Emily J. Brown, natives of Prince Edward's Island and 
Nova Scotia, respectively, and descended from old Puritan families. 
Both sides of the family participated in the Revolutionary war, 
favoring the Tory cause, the father's people subsequently locating 
in Prince Edward's Island and the mother's people in Nova Scotia. 
Both sides of the family finally returned to Massachusetts, locating 
at Boston, and there Mr. Wood and Miss Brown were married. 
They are still residing in that city, both aged seventy-seven years. 
Charles S. Wood was one of four brothers who lived in Massa- 
chusetts, and when war was declared between the North and South, 
they chose lots to see which should remain at home, and the choice 
fell upon Mr. Wood. Fernando H. Wood, the immediate subject 
of this memoir, attended the Boston public schools until fifteen 
years of age, then learned the wholesale dry goods business and for 
several years thereafter was associated with the A. J. Tower Com- 
pany, of Boston. Mr. Wood has been connected with the dry goods 
business practically all his life, and upon coming to Dubuque, Iowa, 
in 1894. became superintendent of the H. B. Glover Company and 
has retained this position ever since. On February 12, 1880, he 
was united in marriage with Miss Ida May Gilpatrick, daughter of 
Lorenzo and Abbie (Roberts) Gilpatrick, who were natives oi 
Maine and New Hampshire, respectively, and are at present resid- 
ing in Wakefield, Massachusetts, both aged seventy-seven years. 
Mrs. Wood was the eldest of three children and was bom on Feb- 
ruary 25, 1859, and is a direct descendant of Governor Wentworth, 
a colonial governor of the State of New Hampshire. She is active 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 643 

in local social circles, is a member of the Dubuque Women's Club, 
the Monday Afternoon Club, and of the Ladies of the Civil War. 
To Mr. and Mrs. Wood the following named family of five chil- 
dren have been born: William F., married Eleanor H. Tabor, by 
whom he has one child, superintendent of the Welch-Cook Company, 
of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Ethel, the wife of Leonard J. Pick, a trav- 
eling salesman, has one child, and resides in Elyria, Ohio; Vida, 
living at home; Edna, attending Southern Seminary, Buena Vista, 
Virginia; Ruth, in school in Dubucjue. Ethel had a musical educa- 
tion in the New England Conservatory at Boston; Vida received 
her scholastic training in the public and high schools and the Acad- 
emy of Visitation, Dubuque ; and William attended Epworth Sem- 
inary and Cornell College at Mount Vernon, Iowa. Mr. Wood is a 
Republican in politics, is a member of the Independent Order of 
Odd Fellows and Modern Woodmen of America, and he and family 
affiliate with St. Luke's Methodist Episcopal church. 

Patrick Tingley died August 10, 1865. He was a native of 
Ireland, born in 1799. He came to America in 1818 and married 
Catherine Rooney in St. Louis in 1824. He was one of the first 
settlers of Dubuque, arriving in August, 1833, ^"^ 'was a member 
of the Wisconsin territorial legislature. He was justice of the 
peace in 1835, alderman, mayor, representative in 1836, and senator 
and receiver of public moneys. He first lived in a tent at Main and 
First streets ; the same year his log house on Bluff street was built, 
and here the first Catholic services in Dubuque were held. 

Richard Bonson died February i, 1883. He was born in Eng- 
land in 1814. He reached Dubuque in July, 1834, his mother dying 
of cholera as she came up the river. In 1836 his father and others 
erected a blast furnace at Rockdale. He twice represented the 
county in the legislature, in 1854 and 1856. He served as a mem- 
ber of the old Board of Supervisors. He became both wealthy and 
prominent. He left several children. 

George Metcalf was born in Center Grove, Dubuque county, 
Iowa, August I, 1858, the son of John and Elizabeth (Tiplady) 
Metcalf. John Metcalf was born in Yorkshire, England, Decem- 
ber 17, 1818, and his wife in the same shire, January i, 1821. They 
were married in Yorkshire in 1853 and two years later moved to 
America and settled at Center Grove, Dubuque county, Iowa. John 
Metcalf was among the early pioneer lead miners of Iowa, and he 
was engaged in this work all his life and considered one of the most 
successful mining men in the entire region. He was thoroughly 
conversant with the mining business, having commenced to work in 
the mines of England at the age of seven years. In 1863 he com- 
menced farming near Julien, this county, continuing thus until 1867, 



644 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

when he bought the farm now owned and operated by his son, the 
subject of this sketch. He here remained until his death, February 
6, 1898, followed by his widow January 11, 1899. They had three 
children : Christopher, George and Mary Ann, all living in Dubuque 
county. George Metcalf received his early education in the public 
schools of his native country, and commenced work for himself on 
his father's farm at the age of seventeen. April 4, 1893, he mar- 
ried Miss Mary E. Beadle, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth 
(Brown) Beadle. Her father was a miner in the early days, but 
later in life bought a farm in Table Mound township. He is still 
living and is recognized as one of the substantial citizens of the 
county. Mrs. Beadle died November 11, 1906. They were the 
parents of ten children, five of whom are living, Mrs. Metcalf 
being the second child. Mr. Metcalf is a member of the Independ- 
ent Order of Odd Fellows, Dubuque County Horsemen's Protective 
Association and the Vigilance Committee, and while claiming no 
church relationship, supports the Methodist Episcopal church, of 
which his wife is a member. His farm comprises 159 acres, is 
located three and a half miles from Peosta, and thereon is a well 
stocked barn and a commodious and comfortable dwelling. His 
farm produces corn, oats and hay, an average crop being forty 
bushels of corn and a ton and a half of hay per acre. He makes a 
specialty of raising Shorthorn cattle and fine horses. In fact, he is 
so proficient in the care of horses that he is called upon for many 
miles around to administer to ailing animals. Many of his neigh- 
bors declare that he is better informed and can do more skillful 
work than many graduates of veterinary colleges. His ability as 
a diagnostician is conclusive evidence that he has a natural aptitude 
for this line of work, and had he devoted his entire time to the 
business, he would have attained a wide reputation for the treat- 
ment of disease in animals. Some horses raised by Mr. Metcalf 
have sold for $250, and there is always a good demand for his 
stock. 

Frank A. Beiler, president and general manager of the Du- 
buque Casket Company, is a native of this city, his birth occurring 
November 13, 1854. He is descended from an old German family, 
his parents, Frank A. and Jacobine Beiler, being among the early 
settlers of Dubuque. They immigrated to America in 1847 and for 
a time located in Cincinnati, but in 1854 came to Dubuque. Here 
for a time the father followed contracting, but subsequently organ- 
ized the Dubuque Cabinet-Makers' Association, with which he was 
for years identified. He passed away on October 11, 1896, pre- 
ceded by his wife ten years before, and both now lie at rest in Lin- 
w^ood cemetery. 

Until sixteen years old Frank A. Beiler attended the Third Ward 
(Prescott) School, and then spent the succeeding six years with the 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 645 

Dubuque Cabinet-Makers' Association, learning thoroughly the up- 
holstering business. The following two years he was employed as 
manager and salesman in the furniture and undertaking business of 
Mr. Herincourt, and in 1879, in partnership with his employer, 
embarked in the above mentioned line of business, continuing two 
years. He then by purchase acquired an interest in the Dubuque 
Furniture and Burial Case Company, being a director and sales- 
man, but after being thus associated two and one-half years, helped 
to organize and was the first president of the Iowa Coffin Company. 
In 1893 the Dubuque Casket Company was organized and Mr. 
Beiler was elected its first secretary and treasurer. He held this 
position until 1900, when he was elected president and general man- 
ager, and has been thus associated down to the present time. He 
is also president of the Iowa Oil Company and a director of the 
Dubuque Investment Company. Socially he is a member of the 
Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Independent Order of 
Foresters, of which latter organization he was for ten years treas- 
urer. Politically he espouses the policies of the Democratic party. 
June 23, 1880, at Dubuque, he was united in marriage with Miss 
Annie, daughter of Joseph and Caroline Ernst, pioneer residents of 
Dubuque. Mrs. Beiler was born on October 29, 1862, and died 
August II, 1909, and now lies buried in Linwood cemetery, where 
also her father is at rest. Her mother still survives. To Mr. and 
Mrs. Beiler two sons and two daughters were born, as follows: 
Frank J., a graduate of Bayless Business College, and now asso- 
ciated with his father in business; Edward A., assistant bookkeeper 
for Dubuque Casket Company; Verena J. C, who married William 
Zimm ; and Maud, a graduate of music. 

Bernard H. Huelshoff, traveling agent for the Rider-Wallis 
Company, Dubuque, is a native of Germany, born at Lingen, Prus- 
sian Province of Hanover, May 10, 1845, and a son of Heinrich 
and Elizabeth Huelshoff. Both parents are now deceased, the 
father dying October 2. 1891, the mother April i, 1885, and both 
are buried at Lingen. Bernard H. Huelshoff received his primary 
and collegiate education in Germany, and for a time thereafter 
resided at Cologne, on the Rhine. He then immigrated to America, 
via New York city, and, locating at Cincinnati, Ohio, for several 
months, was engaged as instructor in Latin in the high school there. 
In 1867 he came to Dubuque to visit relatives, and while here was 
ofifered and accepted a position as salesman with the H. B. Glover 
Company, with whom he remained five years. The next seven years 
he was employed in a similar capacity by Thomson & Jones, suc- 
ceeding which he became associated with the Rider-Wallis Company, 
wth whom he has remained for a period of thirty years. Mr. 
e^'J^lshoff has always taken great interest in literature and art, and 



646 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

is the author of various historical publications and poems wliich 
have been fa\orably received both in this country and Germany. 
He is an honorary member of the German Veteran and German 
Song societies, and in religious views is a member of Sacred Heart 
Roman Catliolic church. On October 24, 1872, in Dubucjue, he was 
united in marriage with Miss Bertha Hof^bauer, a native of Wis- 
consin and daughter of Friederich and Mathilda Hoffbauer. Her 
parents came to America from Germany in 1850, locating first at 
St. Louis, Missouri, and later removing to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 
Both have long since passed away, the father in 1879 and the mother 
in Decemlaer, 1865. and they are at rest in the cemetery at Buffalo, 
Iowa. Mrs. HuelshofY came to Dubuque in 1863 to reside with her 
sister, Mrs. Otto Yunkerman, one of Dubuque's pioneer settlers. 
To Mr. and Mrs. Huelshof? four sons and three daughters have 
been born, as follows : Carl Henry, department manager of a con- 
cern at Portland, Oregon ; Franz Bernard, who attended St. 
Joseph's College and is now engaged in the lumber business at 
Portland; Leo Richard, civil engineer; Alphonse B., in banking 
business at Portland ; Elizabeth, a graduate of Visitation Academy 
and the Dubuque Finley Hospital; Julia M., who attended high 
school and Visitation Academy and who now is a member of the 
Sisters of St. Francis under the name of Sister Celeste, and Thekla 
G., a graduate also of Visitation Academy and at present teaching 
in the Audubon School. Mr. Huelshoff was one of the founders 
and the secretary of the German Concordia Association, and is one 
of Dubuque's enterprising and representative citizens. 

Thomas McCraney came to Dubuque in 1832 and erected two 
cabins at the mouth of the hollow where Eighth street was located. 
One of the cabins stood on the south side of the hollow. Mr. 
McCraney lived in the north cabin and the same year ( 1832) erected 
a furnace for the purpose of smelting lead ore up the hollow. He 
also built another liouse for the hands, near the furnace. This place 
began to be called "McCraney's Hollow." Like others he was driven 
out by the soldiers. In April, 1833, McCraney sold his claim, cabins 
and furnace to Charles Gratiot. Mr. Lorimier and Mr. Gratiot 
were partners in the smelting business at Gratiot's Grove, Wis- 
consin. Mr. Lorimier came to Dubuque in June, 1833. George 
Harrison, of Illinois, assisted by Thomas McCraney and others, 
laid out Dubuque into blocks, streets, etc. The hollow became 
known as Lorimier hollow. McCraney or Lorimier hollow did not 
extend below where the old Diamond House stood, or below where 
it intersected Eighth street after 1833. The hollow was on the 
south side of Eighth street and extended up the left-hand hollow, 
known as Hill street. The right-hand hollow became known as 
Julien avenue.^ — {Herald, February 21, 1861.) 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 647 

Franc W. Altman, of the firm of Peter Kiene & Son, insurance. 
loan and real estate operators, is a son of the old pioneer Theodore 
Altman. The father was a native of the Duchy of Luxemburg, 
but in 1854 decided to come to America and cast liis lot with the 
thousands of home and fortune seekers who flocked to this country 
at that time. Accordingly he immigrated to the United States, 
came directly to Dubuque, was married to Maria Storch in 1S57, 
and for many years was prominently identified with the public 
affairs of this city. He became well known as a hotel man and 
conducted the Harmony Hall hotel during his active business career, 
but the last twenty years was not acti\-ely engaged in business. He 
served one term as alderman from the Third ward and two terms 
as alderman from the Second ward, and always took an active part 
and interest in public affairs. On October 17, 1908, he passed away 
at the age of seventy-seven years, but his widow still survives and 
resides in this city. 

His son. Franc W. Altman, the immediate subject of this memoir, 
was born in Dubuque, July 22, i860, and was educated in the public 
and parochial schools. For two years he was employed by the 
Diamond Jo line, steamboat operators; in 1875 he entered the 
employ of Peter Kiene & Son and subsequently became identified 
with this firm, of which he is now a member and has since thus 
continued for thirty-six years. Aside from his connection with the 
above mentioned firm Mr. Altman is a director of several business 
and manufacturing establishments of this city. He is a member 
of the Dubuque Club, and was at one time president of same. On 
January 12, 1887, at Dubuque, he was united in marriage with Miss 
Dora Kiene, daughter of Peter Kiene, Sr., his former partner in 
business, and to them one son, Franc K., now attending the Univer- 
sity of Pennsylvania, has been born. 

John W. Brt.:mmer, residing in Vernon township, was born 
October 25, 1854, in Jo Daviess county, Illinois, near East Dubuque, 
and is the son of Jeret Henry and Helen (Johnston) Brummer. 
The father was born in the Kingdom of Hanover, Germany, in 
1814, and his wife was a native of the same locality, born the same 
year. They were married in Germany in 1845, came to America 
on their wedding trip and first settled in Grant county, Wisconsin. 
Mr. Brummer remained on the home place in Wisconsin until his 
death, November 7, 1882. His wife died in 1892, and to them four 
children were born. John W. Brummer received his early education 
in the public schools. He commenced work for himself at the age 
of eighteen years on his father's farm. On October 5, 1880, he 
married Miss Celia Gillespie, a native of Jackson county, Iowa, and 
daughter of Anthony and Anna (Perryman) Gillespie. Her father 
was born in Ireland and upon coming to America first settled in 
Virginia. In 1850 he mo\ed to Iowa and located on a farm in 



648 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Jackson county. He died fourteen years ago and his widow eigbt. 
They had four children, of whom Mrs. Brummer was the tliii' . 
John W. Brummer and family moved to their present farm 
Dubuque county in 1889, and he and wife have five children: Anna, 
Maretla, Ida. Raymond and jNlabel. Anna married Albert ^Ic- 
Carty ; Marietta married Charles Kress ; Ida married P. J. ConoUy ; 
Raymond is now attending business college at Omaha, Nebraska ; 
Mabel, is at home. Mr. and ]\Irs. Brummer are members of Nev; 
Mellory church. He has been president of the school board twelve 
years, member of the town board four years and as a Republican 
has been prominent in the politics of his county. His farm com- 
prises 240 acres of finely improved land, and he specializes in the 
raising of Shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs. He is recog- 
nized as one of the substantial farmers and representative citizens 
of the county. 

Joseph J. Dkeher. teacher and organist of the Sacred Heart 
Roman Catholic church and school, Dubuque, was born in this city 
and is a son of Joseph and Margaret (Nockels) Dreher. The 
parents are natives of Tyrol, Austria, and the Duchy of Luxem- 
burg, respectively, and came with their families to America in 1867. 
Joseph J. Dreher was primarily educated in St. IMary's parochial 
school, and later attended the Normal school at St. Francis, Wis- 
consin, from which he graduated in 1892. For three years there- 
after he was principal of St. Joseph's school at Leavenworth, 
Kansas, and served as organist in the church at that place. In 1895 
he removed to East St. Louis to assume the positions of principal 
and organist in the St. Henry school and church, and remained thus 
engaged until coming to Dubuque, in 1898. He was here offered 
and accepted the positions as teacher and organist in the Sacred 
Heart Roman Catholic school and church, in which capacities he 
has officiated ever since. Mr. Dreher is an active member of the 
Catholic and National Educational associations, and is identified 
with the Catholic Teachers' Association of Laymen. He is an hon- 
orary member of the Catholic Order of Foresters, a Democrat in 
politics and a Roman Catholic in religious views. Socially he is 
connected with the St. Vincent De Paul and the Aloysius societies. 
He at present resides with his parents at 1733 White street. 

Rev. Gurney Mah.iiN Orvis, pastor of the Summit Congrega- 
tional church, of Dubuque, was born at Williamsfield, Ashtabula 
county, Ohio, December 9, 1849. His father. Rev. William B. 
Orvis, was of Welsh ancestry, the original settler of that name com- 
ing to this country about the year 1700. He was a man of superior 
attainments and education, a preacher of the Congregational faith, 
a publisher and an author of note, "Christ Coming to His King- 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 649 

dom" and "Ritualism Dethroned" being products of his pen. He 
; married Susan Wealthy White and followed his ministerial calling 
1 Ohio, Illinois and elsewhere. Mrs. Orvis, the mother of the 
subject of this sketch, was a descendant of Elder White, of Colonial 
fame. Her ancestors came to the colonies in 1632 and lived for 
many years in the shadow of the famous Charter Oak at Hartford, 
Connecticut. Members of this family have figured prominently as 
statesmen, soldiers and citizens, in the formative and subsequent 
periods of the history of this country. Rev. G. M. Orvis became 
pastor of the Summit Congregational church of Dubuque in 1894, 
and he has ever since been retained in this position. His early 
education was obtained in the public and high schools of Atlanta, 
Logan county, Illinois, and subsequently he entered Oberlin College, 
from which he graduated in 1875 with the degree of Bachelor 
of Arts. He then entered the theological department of Yale 
University, which conferred upon him the degree of Bachelor of 
Divinity in 1878. He later, in 1880, took a post-graduate course in 
this institution. In the year 1905 he received the degree of Doctor 
of Divinity from Lenox (Iowa) College. Doctor Orvis began his 
ministerial career as pastor of the Congregational church at Nevin- 
ville, Adams county, Iowa, and from there was called to Winthrop, 
Buchanan, county, Iowa, where he remained ten years. Through his 
efforts many, important iinprovements have been made during his 
pastorate at Dubuque, and the church has been very much enlarged 
and has increased rapidly in numbers. His intimate knowledge of 
child life and young people, his sympathy with their joys and sor- 
rows and his charity for all mankind have caused his work to be a 
power for good in the community. At New Haven, Connecticut, 
on June 19, 1878, he married Miss Julia Green, who died in 1883. 
At Winthrop, Iowa, on November 28, 1887, he married Mrs. Mary 
E. Vincent, who since their marriage has been an able assistant. 
For many years she has had charge of a young men's Bible class 
which has scarcely an equal in the state, and has always been a 
leader in the woiic among young people. She has identified herself 
with the Christian philanthropic work of the city and was the first 
president of the Young Women's Christian Association. From its 
beginning she has been a member of the board of the Rescue Home, 
and is now serving as its president. From early womanhood she 
has been prominent in the missionary work as carried on by the 
Presbyterian and Congregational churches of the state. Doctor 
Orvis is the father of three children : Mrs. Harry D. Beresford, of 
Ft. Dodge, Iowa ; Miss Julia G. Orvis, a teacher in North Dakota, 
and one who died in infancy. It might well be said that he and 
wife are the parents of a great many more, for they have maintained 
in their home and educated a large number of children not of their 
familv. 



650 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Rev. George W. Heer, pastor of St. Mary's Roman Catholic 
parish, Dubuque, since 1905, is one of the best and most widely 
known clergymen, personally, in Dubuque county. He is a native 
of the Prussian Province of Westphalia, Germany, his birth occur- 
ring April 25, 1849, and a son of Lawrence and Theresa Heer, 
who came to America in 1855 and died at Fort Madison, Iowa, 
where both are buried. When but six years old Father Heer came 
to this country with his parents. He recei\-ed his literary education 
at the Ouincy (Illinois) College, and his theological training at St. 
Francis Seminary, Milwaukee, where, on March 16, 1872, he was 
ordained to the priesthood; succeeding which, in regular order, he 
was stationed at Keokuk, Richmond, Centralia, Worthington, 
Dyersville and Dubuque, but it was in this county that he became 
most widely known. Through his instrumentality the church and 
school at Worthington were built ; at Dyersville he remodeled the 
church, established a high school and founded an academy for girls. 
His activities did not cease upon his removal to Dubuque. He has 
established St. Mary's high school in connection with his parish, 
and in many other ways has become a power in religious circles. 
Father Heer is loved and honored for his many sterling qualities of 
mind and heart. 

Hon. Robert Bonson, by reason of his life-long residence in 
Dubuque, and the prominence of his father in public affairs, is one 
of the best and most widely-known men in eastern Iowa. Richard 
Bonson, his father, was of English nativity and came to Dubuque 
county in 1834, where, for a great many years, he was engaged in 
farming and smelting. He married Harriett Watts, and their exem- 
plary lives, filled with good deeds and kind actions, commanded 
universal respect. Mr. Bonson was a man of unusual force and 
character. He served two terms, in 1854 and 1856, as a member 
of the state legislature, and was state bank examiner under Iowa's 
war governor, Samuel J. Kirkwood. He died in 1883, followed 
by his widow twenty years later. 

Robert Bonson was born in this county on January 5, 1868. 
After attending the country schools in early boyhood he entered the 
high school of the city of Dubuque, and after his graduation there- 
from was for two years a student in the law department of the state 
universit}^ at Iowa City. From this institution he received the 
-degree of Bachelor of Laws in 1890, and two years later was 
awarded a like degree from the Columbia (New York) University. 
He at once began practising in Dubuque and soon attained high 
rank in his profession. From 1895 to 1898 he filled the unexpired 
term of Senator Baldwin as a member of the upper house of the 
state legislature, and in 1906 was elected to the bench of this judicial 
district, a position he has since continuously occupied with honor 
and credit. Aside from the foregoing. Judge Bonson was associated 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 651 

with his brother, William W. Bonson, in ship-building. He is a 
member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, by which 
he was honored by election to the office of grand exalted ruler. On 
March 28, 1889, he was united in marriage with Miss Alice, 
daughter of Charles and Mary Manter, of Chicago, and they are the 
parents of two children, named Marjorie and Richard. 

GuiDO Beck. In a city possessing beautiful homes, stately 
cathedrals and churches, commodious halls and substantial public 
buildings and attractive business houses, prosperity is at once dis- 
cerned. In a like manner the architectural merit of such edifices 
reflects the education and artistic taste of the designers and owners. 
Guido Beck has had much to do with the beauty and thoroughness 
of the architecture of Dubuque. He, like many of America's best 
men in the various walks of life, is of foreign descent, his birth 
occurring January 25, 1853, at Tafertsweiler Ober Amt, Sigmar- 
ingen. Province of Hohenzollern, Germany. Severin and Karoline 
(Koeberle) Beck were his parents. The father was reared to early 
manhood by the Prince of Sigmaringen, later in life became a 
teacher and was known as Professor Beck. In 1848 when Germany 
was shaken by a revolution he favored the cause of the people and 
took their part in the struggle that followed. Many of the Beck 
family came to America, three brothers of Professor Beck set- 
tling in the state of Illinois, where they subsequently died. The 
Koeberle family, from which the mother was descended, originated 
from the Prussian royal family, and in years past took an active 
and prominent part in the affairs of that country. 

After attending the elementary schools of Tafertsweiler until 
fourteen years old, Guido Beck jiiurneyed to the city of Sigmar- 
ingen and there learned the stonecutter's trade and attended the 
technical schools for three years. Subsequently, at Stuttgart, King- 
dom of Wurttemberg, he cut stone for about a year, after which he 
spent a year in the Royal Technical High school. He was then 
sent to Heidelburg to superintend the building of the waterworks 
during the next two years. He then returned to Stuttgart and be- 
came a soldier of the German army for three years, after which he 
re-entered the Technical High School, and he was duly graduated 
therefrom with honors and medals and a certificate as architect. Al- 
though the youngest of many who applied for the position of super- 
intendent, he was given the contract by the German government to 
construct an asylum at Schussenried. Kingdom of Wurttemberg, 
which was to be given over entirely to the nursing back to health of 
the needy sick. This is one of the finest institutions of its kind in 
Germany. Mr. Beck completed the work on this building in 1882, 
and then, against the wishes and advice of all his friends, left his 
native country and immigrated to America, where, he thought, 
chances for success were infinitely greater and the field for work 



652 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

much broader. For a time after coming to the United States, owing 
to the fact he was unable to speak the EngHsh language satisfac- 
torily, Mr. Beck worked as a stone-cutter in the government arsenal 
at Rock Island, Illinois. There he familiarized himself with the lan- 
guage, customs and peculiarities of a strange people, thoroughly 
mastering the American style of architecture, which, with the knowi- 
edge he already possessed, made him in time one of the foremost 
men of his line in the entire Northwest. As time went on he spe- 
cialized in the building of beautiful church edifices, and, since 1885, 
when he came to Dubuque, he lias erected over one hundred of these 
institutions, varying in size from comparatively small ones to cathe- 
drals. He was also granted the contract for building St. Joseph's 
college, chapel and auditorium, and drew the plans for the West Hill 
and West Dubuque Catholic churches. In his religious views Mr. 
Beck is a member of St. Raphael's Cathedral, and has sung in the 
choir of that institution for the past twenty-five years. While yet in 
Rock Island he was united in marriage with Miss Augusta Nesen- 
sohn, who came from Germany to meet and marry him, but she 
passed away the following year, 1885, and eight years later Mr. 
Beck married Miss Rosa Martin, daughter of P. B. Martin, a pio- 
neer contractor and builder of Dubuque. To them two sons have 
been born, as follows. Severin, attending St. Joseph's College, and 
Karl Leo. born on the day that Pope Leo died. It can be said of 
Mr. Beck that he has lived an honest, useful life and has become a 
good and deserving citizen of the land of his adoption. 

Hon. A. F. Frudden, president of the Frudden Lumber Com- 
pany, of Dubuque, was born on the island of Fohr, in the North sea, 
September 10, 1854, a son of Cornelius F. and EIke Frudden. The 
father followed tlie sea and was for years captain of a German 
merchantman, but in the latter part of the eighties retired from the 
active duties of life and immigrated to America. After landing at 
New York he came West to Dubuque and lived a retired life in this 
city until he passed away in 1903, aged eighty-two years. His wife 
died three years previously, seventy-three years old, and both are 
now at rest in Linwood cemetery. The family are of German 
descent, and as far as known the male members always followed 
the sea. 

The early education of A. F. Frudden was secured in the public 
schools of the island of his nativity, and while yet a young man he 
immigrated to America, landing at New York, and shortly there- 
after came West to Clinton, Iowa, where for two years he worked 
as a farm laborer. In 1873 '""^ secured employment with Curtis 
Brothers & Co., of Clinton. Iowa, starting at the saw and being 
promoted as merits warranted until he became foreman. This 
position, however, he resigned in 1884, to become associated in a 
like capacity with the Carr, Ryder & Wheeler Sash & Door Manu- 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 653 

factunng Company, in Dubuque. This concern has since been 
reorganized, is now operating under the firm name of Carr, Ryder 
& Adams Company and is one of the largest of its kind in the world. 
Mr. Frudden remained with this corporation four years, and then 
resigned to organize the Frudden Lumber Company, of which he 
has been the president and active head ever since. Under capable 
management this establishment has proved unusually successful, 
and now, aside from the main office in this city, has branches in the 
following towns : Castalia, Ossian, Fort Atkinson, Jackson 
Junction, Charles City, Floyd, Eagle Grove, \^incent, Ackley and 
Persia. Aside from business Mr. Frudden has taken an active 
interest in politics, and as a Democrat has been elected to the lower 
house of the state legislature, holding office during the 29th. 30th 
and 31st general assemblies. In the fall of 1906 he was further 
honored by being elected to the state senate, serving during the 32nd 
and 33rd general assemblies. He is a director in the First National 
Bank. Socially he is identified with the IMasonic fraternity, having 
attained the rank of Knight Templar in York Rite IMasonry and 
the thirty-second degree in the Scottish Rite branch of the order. 
He was married on November 30, 1876, to Miss Philine C. D. 
Johannsen, of Clinton, Iowa, the daughter of Ingwert Ludwig 
Johannsen, a native of Schleswig Holstein. Germany, who came to 
America and died in Crawford county, Iowa. To Mr. and Mrs. 
Frudden the following named children have been born : Dora, who 
died in infancy; Edward, who also died young: Carl E., manager 
of the Ackley lumber yard ; Justus L.. bookkeeper : Alma P. ; Mil- 
dred T., at home, and Edward C, attending high school. The 
family residence is located at West Third and Winona streets. 

Charles H. Eighmey is one of the few remaining old settlers of 
Dubuque. In 1850, when he first came here with his parents, 
Dubuque was a straggling frontier town of about 2,000 inhabitants 
whose attentions, at that time, were largely devoted to mining and 
furnishing supplies for homeseekers in northern Iowa, Minnesota 
and the Northwest. During the time subsequent to that date Mr. 
Eighmey has witnessed, and been a participant in, the growth and 
development of Dubuque until it has become one of the important 
commercial centers of Iowa. Born in Saratoga county, New York, 
on November 28, 1834, Charles Henry Eighmey is the son of 
Leman and Chloe (Barrows) Eighmey, who were descended from 
Dutch-French and English ancestry respectively. The family came 
to Dubuque county, Iowa, in 1850, and here the father carried on 
farming and mining. He subsequently moved to Black Hawk 
county, where he farmed until his death in 1863. His widow sur- 
vived him twenty years. Their son, Charles H., received his educa- 
tion in the district schools, the Mount Morris Seminary and Cornell 
(Iowa) College. Having studied law, he was duly admitted to the 



654 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

bar, and from i860 to 1870 was engaged in legal practice in Du- 
buque as an associate of Judge Cooley. From the date of its 
organization JVIr. Eighmey has been a director of the First National 
Bank. In 1870 he became its cashier and so continued until 1890, 
when he became president, a position he has occupied ever since. In 
point of continuous service Mr. Eighmey is the dean of the bankers 
of Dubuque, and during the panics of the past forty years has been 
a potent factor in keeping the high character and standing of his 
bank untarnished. He is a member of St. Luke's Methodist Epis- 
copal church, in which he is the president of the board of trustees. 
Throughout his long residence here he has been active in the moral 
and commercial history of the community. On October 4, 1864, he 
was united in marriage with Elizabeth J. Stuart, whose father, 
William G. Stuart, a prominent character in Dubuque county, was 
state senator, county sheriff and county treasurer, and died in 1906. 
at the advanced age of ninety-three years. To this union one 
daughter, named Augusta, has been born. 

Patrick J. Quigley, for the past thirty years business manager 
of the Tclcgvaph-Hcrald. Dubuque, is one of Dubuque's representa- 
tive men. He was born on a farm near Binghamton, New York, 
June I, 1837, and is a son of John and Catherine Quigley. The 
father, a native of Ireland, immigrated to America in 1825, locating 
in Pennsylvania and later removing to Illinois. In 1847 he came to 
Dubuque county, and here followed farming until his death, which 
occurred in i860 at the age of seventy years. His wife died in 
Dubuque in 1884, aged eighty-four years. Patrick J. Quigley was 
primarily educated in the country schools of his native county and 
Dubuque, and also assisted his father in the work of the home farm. 
In 1854 he started surA'eying in Minnesota, continuing thus some 
time, and upon the death of his father helped to support his mother 
and sister. In 1863 he located on his brother-in-law's farm near 
Sageville, then came to the city of Dubuque and opened a grocery 
store on First street and also became interested in the grain and 
lumber business. In 1868 Mr. Quigley took a trip West and upon 
his return was elected clerk of the circuit and district courts, which 
position he held from 1871 to 18S1. In the latter year he became 
one of the organizers of the Dubuque TclcgrapJi and half owner of 
the publication, and has remained thus connected ever since. On 
November i, 1901, the Herald and the Telegraph were consolidated, 
and the publication became known as the Telegraph-Herald. Mr. 
Quigley has always been the business manager, and at present owns 
75 per cent of the stock. He is an independent Democrat in his 
political views, and when but twenty-one years old was elected and 
served as justice of the peace, prior to his removal from Jefferson 
township. In religion he is of the Roman Catholic faith. In 1878, 
at Milwaukee, Wisconsin, he was united in marriage with Mrs. 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 655 

Mary L. Vanevery, daughter of Charles Gisso, and to them one son, 
Joseph C, circulating manager of the Tclcgraph-Hcrald, has been 
born. 

John L. Heim. of the Heim Brick Manufacturing Company, 
Dubuque, is a native of this city and a son of the old pioneers, John 
and Catherine (Voelker ) Heim. The father was born in Hocken- 
heim, Grand Duchy of Baden, Germany, in 1839, and when twenty- 
six years old, 1865, immigrated to the United States by way of New 
York city. He located in Dubuque, Iowa, the following year and 
here for one year was foreman for the Douglas-Langworthy Brick 
Manufacturing Company. He then was engaged in a similar 
capacity with the Michael Schunk concern, and in 1868 founded the 
brick manufacturing company which today bears his name. He 
continued thus successfully until his death, which occurred April 3, 
1890, aged fifty-one years, preceded by his wife October 4, 1872, at 
the age of thirty-five years. Both are buried in Mount Cahary 
cemetery, Dubuque. In 1873 Mr. Heim married Miss Agatha 
Schirmer, of Sherrill's Mound, Iowa. By the first marriage he had 
four children, as follows: John L., Mary (Mrs. H. Fuchs). Pete 
(deceased), Frank. By the second marriage there were six chil- 
dren, as follows: Elizabeth (deceased), Joseph, Catherine (de- 
ceased), Anna, Louis, Josephine (Mrs. Jos. J. Schneider). Mrs. 
Agatha Heim is still livmg and has a controlling interest in the 
business so well established by her husband. 

Mr. John L. Heim, the oldest child of John and Catherine Heim 
and the immediate subject of this sketch, was born September 21, 
1867, and until thirteen years of age attended St. Mary's parochial 
school. For a time he assisted his father in the brick manufacturing 
business, and later took a course in Bayless Business College. Upon 
the death of his father Mr. Heim took charge of the business affairs 
of the concern and has ever since been thus engaged. He is an 
independent Democrat in politics and a member of the Catholic 
Order of Foresters and the Holy Ghost Roman Catholic church. 
On May 4, 1890, in Dubuque, he married Miss Josephine Madel, 
and to them eight children, five daughters and three sons, have been 
born, as follows : .\nna, at home ; Agatha, at home ; John, a student 
in St. Joseph's College; Josepli, attending Holy Ghost school: 
Helena, also a student in Holy Ghost school ; William and Leona. 
same, and Alice Johanna, three years old. Mrs. Heim is a daughter 
of Joseph and Anna Madel, the father a tailor who died in 1890, 
aged fifty years, his wife surviving and residing on Couler avenue, 
this city. From a comparatively small beginning the Heim Brick 
Manufacturing Company has grown and prospered until today it is 
recognized as one of the substantial commercial houses of Dubuque. 
The establishment has become known as the "Old Reliable," now 
conducts several yards, and is well prepared to meet the ever increas- 



656 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

ing demands. Uniform courtesy and prompt attention to calls for 
all grades of brick have given the company an excellent reputation. 

Theodore W. Ruete, for nearly forty years engaged in the drug 
business at 656 Main street, Dubuciue. was born in the city of 
Bremen, Germany, on February 19, 1842. His parents, William 
F. and Maria Ruete, lived and died in the old country. Theodore 
VV. Ruete received his education at the Latin school of Bremen and 
at the University of Gottingen. passing his examination as a phar- 
macist in the latter institution, and then came to the United States 
with the determination of making it his future home. He was 
employed as a pharmacist in New York city at the time of the 
breaking out of the Civil war, and although but a short time in this 
country and scarcely more than a boy, he volunteered his services 
for the preservation of the Union. He served in the medical depart- 
ment of the One Hundred and Third New York Infantry, Army of 
the Potomac, and took part in all the great battles and campaigns of 
this army. He also served in the Shenandoah valley campaign under 
General P. H. Sheridan, and was mustered out at the close of the 
war with the rank of first lieutenant. 

After the close of the war he resided in New York city until 
186S; then at Lockport, New York, for five years, and in 1873 
came to Dubuque, Iowa, which has since been his home. Here Mr. 
Ruete has become identified with the civic, educational and com- 
mercial growth 01 the city, and is looked upon as one of Dubuque's 
best citizens. In politics he is a Republican ; in religion an Episco- 
palian. He has served as president of the State Pharmaceutical 
Association, as United States weather observer, president of the 
Finley Hospital and as an officer and member of the Grand Army 
of the Republic ; he is also a member of the National Geographic 
Society. 

Mr. Ruete has been twice married ; first to Lettie Elizabeth 
Moyer, at Lockport, New York, who died after a happily wedded 
life of thirty years, in 1901, leaving one son. Otto M., who lives in 
California ; and then to Mrs. Louisa Michaelis Guilbert, of Dubuque, 
in 1903. Mr. Ruete was one of the promoters and the first president 
of the organization that successfully carried to completion the erec- 
tion of a monument to the memory of Julien Dubuque, a half-tone 
reproduction of which appears in this work. 

Theophilus Crawford died in December, 1877. He was born 
in Vermont in 1806. Having learned the trade of surveying in 
Michigan he came to Dubuque in 1842 and located in New Wine 
township on land bought of Joe Hewitt, the Indian trader. Later 
he lived for several years m Dyers\ille and while there was a 
member of the board of supervisors. In 1846 he was a member of 
the constitutional convention and became the first state senator from 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 657 

this county. He again served in the legislature in 1857 and 1875. 
Later he lived on a farm in Vernon township and in Peosta. Both 
as a member of the county board and of the legislature he distin- 
guished himself by honesty and ability. His death was widely 
lamented. 

James M. Emerson died here in February. 1878. He was born 
in Virginia in 1809 and came to Dubuque in 1833. In 1837 he 
returned to Missouri, but in 1840 again came to Dubuque. He was 
in the mercantile business with James Creder and later with James 
G. Shields, in 1840 he married here the sister of Judge John King 
and they had five children. He never sought or occupied office, but 
was an honest and substantial business man and good citizen. 

Lee Dandridge Mathes, general manager of the Union Electric 
Company, Dubuque, is of distinguished southern ancestry and 
notable lineage. James Harvey Mathes. his father, was of Scotch- 
Irish stock and attained a national reputation as editor of the Public 
Ledger, Memphis, Tennessee. For years his editorials in that paper 
were widely read and often copied, and were recognized generally 
as epigrams of logic, wit, keen analysis and merciless satire. His 
writings resulted in the Public Ledger becoming one of the best 
known newspapers in all the South. During the Civil war he served 
on the stafif of General N. B. Forest, for the Confederate cause. 
The latter part of his life was devoted to literary pursuits, "The 
Blue and the Gray," particularly, and his work for D. Appleton & 
Co., encyclopedia publishers, being of especial merit. He died in 
1902, at the age of sixty years, when life yet beckoned with glowing 
promises. Mildred Spotswood became the wife of James H. Mathes 
and was the mother of the subject of this sketch. Her people were 
English, her direct ancestor being a passenger on board the May- 
flower, and Governor Alexander Spotswood, one of the first colonial 
governors, was of the same family. The Spotswoods were particu- 
larly of a line of clerg}'men, and achieved much renown because of 
their prominence in the Revolutionary war. Mrs. Mathes is the 
honorary vice president of the Daughters of the American Revolu- 
tion, is a national officer of the Colonial Dames and has served as 
president of the Daughters of the Confederacy. 

Lee D. Mathes was born at Memphis, Tennessee, on January 19, 
1 87 1, and was there reared and received his early education. In 
1 89 1 he completed the electrical engineering course at the University 
of Tennessee, since which time he has been engaged in electrical 
construction work throughout all parts of the country. He is a 
master of his profession and has attained distinction in his particular 
line of work. Since 1902 he has been general manager of the Union 
Electric Company, of Dubuque. Mr. Mathes. as a Democrat, served 
as president of the Bryan-White Club. He is a vestryman of St. 



658 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

John's Episcopal church, a director of the Y. M. C. A., a director of 
the Boys' Welfare Association and a trustee of the Benevolent and 
Protective Order of Elks. 

Dr. Henry Glover Langworthy, of Dubuque, has attained 
high rank in tlie medical world as a specialist in diseases of the eye, 
ear, nose and throat. Born November i, 1880, at Clinton, Iowa, he 
is the son of L. H. and Caroline (Glover) Langworthy. The 
motlier, daughter of H. B. Glover, founder of the H. B. Glover 
manufacturing concern, died shortly after the birth of our subject, 
being but twenty-four years of age. The elder Langworthy resided 
in Dubuque many years, and was prominently known in business 
circles as a barrel manufacturer and saw mill operator. 

Succeeding his mother's death Dr. H. G. Langworthy was placed 
under the care of his grandmothers, Mrs. H. B. Glover and Mrs. 
Valeria Langworthy, and to them his rearing and education were 
entrusted. Early in life the doctor decided to take up the study and 
practice of medicine, with a view to making it his life's work, and 
after attending the Dubuque public schools entered and in 1903 was 
graduated from Tuft's College of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts. 
In 1902-3 he was city house physician of the Boston City Hospital, 
and the following three years served as house surgeon to the Massa- 
chusetts Charitable Eye and Ear Infirmary. During this period he 
contributed many articles to scientific papers on the treatment of 
diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat, these branches of the 
medical profession being his specialty. He is identified with the 
Dubuque County and Iowa State medical societies, the American 
Medical Association, the Chicago Ophthalmological Society, the 
American Academy of Ophthalmology and Oto-Laryngology. He 
has also been an associate-editor of the Physicians' Business Journal 
and has acted in a like capacity for journals and magazines on den- 
tistry and diseases of the mouth. In politics Dr. Langworthy is a 
Republican ; in religion of the Congregational faith. Socially he is 
a member of the Young Men's Taft Club of Dubuque, having acted 
as treasurer and chairman of financial bureau of same; the Dubuque 
Golf Club, of which he is a trustee, and the Dubuque City Club. 
He now conducts at Tenth and Bluff streets an infirmary for the 
treatment of eye, ear, nose and throat diseases. By careful study 
and wide research the doctor has risen high in the ranks of medical 
practice, and is highly regarded by all who know him. On December 
29, 1910, he married Miss Bertha Schmidt, daughter of Mr. and 
Mrs. Henry G. Schmidt, of Chicago. 

Charles Wesley Walton, a well-known business man of Du- 
buque, and a prominent Masonic figure in Iowa, was born at White 
Oak, Wisconsin, September 2, 1870, a son of William and Mary A. 
(Red fern) Walton, who were natives of County Durham, England. 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 659 

William Walton came to the United States a young man and dur- 
ing the excitement following the great discovery of gold in Cali- 
fornia went to that country and there succeeded in accumulating 
considerable means. He then returned to the States, and bought 
land in Wisconsin, where he and wife resided the remainder of 
their lives. Mrs. Walton died January 24, 1880, when fifty-one 
years old, and Mr. Walton in September, 1890, at the age of sixty- 
five years. Both are buried at Council Hill, Illinois. 

Charles W. Walton, the immediate subject of this review, at- 
tended the public schools and assisted his father in the work on 
the home farm until fourteen years old. He subsequently attended 
high school at Hampton, Iowa, and took a business course at Bay- 
less Commercial College in Dubuque. The following two years, 
1887 to 1889, he was bookkeeper in the wholesale importing crock- 
ery and glassware house of C. H. Little, Becker & Company, aad 
then for two years longer continued in a similar capacity for Hargee 
& Blish. In 1892 he embarked in business for himself, handling sta- 
tionery, wall paper and general office supplies, under the firm name 
of Walton & Bieg. In 1899 he purchased the funeral and under- 
taking business of John R. Jones, and has since continued success- 
fully in that line. Mr. Walton is one of the solid and substantial 
business men of Dubuque. He has become widely known, particu- 
larly as a member and worker in the Masonic fraternity. In Octo- 
ber, 1894, he was made a Master Mason of Metropolitan Lodge, 
No. 49, A. F. & A. M. ; a Royal Arch Mason in Dubuque Chapter, 
No. 3, R. A. M., in December, 1894, and a Knight Templar of 
Siloam Commandery, No. 3, K. T., in October, 1897. He has 
served as Master of his lodge. High Priest of his chapter and Com- 
mander of his commandery, and while attaining everything possible 
in York Rite Masonry, is also a thirty-second degree member of 
De Molay Consistory, A. A. S. R. M., at Clinton, Iowa. For many 
years he has been a member of the Grand Lodge of Iowa, and in 
1903 was Grand Warden. He has also served in numerous official 
positions in the Grand Commandery, and in 1908 was elevated to the 
exalted position of Right Eminent Grand Commander of the Grand 
Commandery of the State of Iowa. Perhaps there is no better 
known or more universally loved Mason in Iowa than Right Emi- 
nent Sir Charles Wesley Walton. 

In various other ways Mr. Walton has become identified with the 
social and commercial development of Dubuque. He belongs to the 
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, the 
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Modem Woodmen of 
the World, and in politics is a Republican. He has served as treas- 
urer of the Board of Education of Dubuque ever since 1906, and is a 
member and trustee of the Westminster Presbyterian church. On 
September 15, 1892, he was united in marriage with Miss Clara. 
daughter of Gottfried and Ursula Blocklinger, old pioneers of this 



66o HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

locality, and to them two sons have been born, named Charles Wes- 
lej' and Joseph Harlan. 

Mr. Walton's connection in a professional as well as in a social 
way with so many phases of life has tended to broaden a mind natu- 
rally inclined to seek for the truth in all things; his keen business 
instincts have caused his advice and aid to be sought by the many; 
his conscientious sense of justice to all men has made his word 
respected and his character held in high esteem; his uniform cour- 
tesy to his associates has given him recognition as the friend of all, 
the enemy of none. 

Gen. Henry A. Wiltse died late in October, 1870. He was 
born in New York and in youth studied civil engineering. He came 
west and lived for a time in Chicago and finally edited a paper at 
Lancaster, Wisconsin. In 1843 ^^ came to Dubuque and first 
secured employment in the Surveyor General's office. In 185 1-2 he 
studied law and became associated in the practice with Mr. Blatch- 
ley. He practiced with much success until 1861, when he became 
Surveyor General, which office he held until 1866. In 1858 he 
served as Superintendent of Public Instruction under appointment 
of the Governor. In 1856 he became president of the first Board 
of Education in Dubuque, and served as such for five years, putting 
the common school system on a safe and permanent basis. During 
the war he was a firm supporter of Lincoln's administration and the 
prosecution of that struggle. In 1846 he married Mary Eggleston, 
in this city. He was a Congregationalist. Resolutions were passed 
by the bar at his death. 

Joseph John Ott has been a conspicuous member of the lumber 
fraternity of Dubuque from a date which entitles him to be included 
among the pioneers of that industry. His birth occurred in this 
city December 30, 1866, his parents being Joseph and Margaret 
Ott, who immigrated to America from Wurtemburg, Germany, at 
an early date, first locating at Galena, Illinois, and later, in 1866, 
coming to Dubuque. The father was, primarily, a brewer, but soon 
abandoned that vocation and became connected with the Phealen & 
Randell saw mill, one of the earliest in this portion of the country. 
After being thus engaged for a period of twenty years, he retired 
to a farm in Dubuque township, to which he has since devoted his 
attention. Mr. Ott is well known throughout the entire county 
and is highly esteemed and respected for his many excellent 
characteristics. 

His son, Joseph John Ott, the immediate subject of this sketch, 
received his early scholastic training in the public and St. Mary's 
parochial schools of Dubuque, and supplemented this by a course in 
Bavless Business College, graduating from the latter when but six- 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 66 r 

teen years of age. He then entered the employ of the Second 
National Bank of Dubuque, as a messenger, where eventually, as 
occasion warranted, he was promoted until reaching the position 
of paying and receiving teller. For five years, until 1890, he was 
thus occupied, but then resigned to embark in the lumber business, 
and has since been thus successfully engaged. Aside from his own 
immediate business interests, he is president of the Dubuque Altar 
Manufacturing Company, vice-president and director of the Du- 
buque Star Brewing Company, president and manager of the 
Mackey Lumber Company, Stillwater, Minnesota, president and 
director of the St. Croix Broom Company, Stillwater, Minn., and 
identified in like capacities with various other concerns. In his 
political views Mr. Ott is a Democrat, in religion a member of the 
Catholic church. Socially he is identified with the St. Aloysius 
Society, a benevolent organization ; the Catholic Order of For- 
esters, of which he has been State Chief Ranger, and other social 
and benevolent organizations. On May 25, 1891. he was united in 
marriage with Miss Margaret Meuser, daughter of William H. and 
Margaret Meuser, her father being the owner of the old Schmidt 
Brewery, and to them seven children have been born, as follows : 
William H., who died November 21, 1909, at the age of fourteen 
months; Adalaide; Arthur W. ; Joseph J., Jr.; Helen S. ; Ger- 
aldine; and one infant, Gertrude Josephine. Mr. Ott has always 
taken an active interest and part in any movement for the good or 
betterment of the county, and is regarded by all who know him as 
one of the public-spirited and progressive men of Dubuque county. 

J. Hannibal Emerson died here in September, 1875. He was 
born in Virginia in 1807, and was reared there and in Pike county, 
Missouri. He first farmed and later followed merchandising. On 
April I, 1834, he came to Dubuque and became a member of the 
mercantile firm of Emerson, Shields & Co., at Fourth and Main. 
He was a member of the constitutional convention that framed the 
Iowa code and in 1850 was mayor of the city. He occupied other 
positions of trust with fidelity and credit. His first wife was Eme- 
line Mace, and his second Kate Burt, daughter of the judge. Seven 
children were born to the second marriage. He left a goodly 
estate. 

Gen. John Hodgdon died here August 27, 1883, aged eighty- 
three years. He graduated at Bowdoin College in 1827, studied law 
and was prominent in New England politics for many years. He 
came to Dubuque in 1853. In 1859 he was elected mayor, was dele- 
gate to various conventions, was president of the Board of Educa- 
tion in 1868, and held the position until 1874. He was trustee of 
the Blind Asylum at Vinton, and engaged in banking here. He 
was an Episcopalian and a man of high character. 



662 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

George W. Healey, of the pioneer hardware firm of George W. 
Healey & Son, was born in the city of Dubuque, February 22, 1842, 
the son of Thomas and EHzabeth (Weigel) Healey. His grand- 
parents Hved originally in Ireland, then went to England, and sub- 
sequently came to the United States, where, in Maryland, Thomas 
Healey, the father of our subject, was born in 1812. In 1831, how- 
ever, he emigrated west to Dubuque county, and for six years en- 
gaged in farming in Julien township. For a time he then followed 
the trade of carpenter, but, owing to ill health, returned to his farm 
and conducted same until his death in 1879, at the age of seventy 
years. He was well known throughout the community where he 
resided, and through his death the county lost one of its best citi- 
zens. His wife, yet living, is of German nativity, but early in life 
left the mother country and settled with friends in Dubuque, June 
3, 1833, then little more than a frontier settlement with more Indian 
inhabitants than whites. Mrs. Healey was one of the earliest set- 
tlers in this portion of Iowa, and is yet living in the enjoyment of 
good health, at the ripe old age of eighty-seven years. 

The first scholastic training of George W. Healey was received 
in the early pay schools of Dubuque, and later, when the public 
schools were organized, he attended these until thirteen years old. 
He then started out to make his own way in the world. His first 
employment was as an apprentice in the agricultural, hardware and 
seed business in the establishment of Doolittle & Chamberlain. He 
remained thus occupied until war was declared between the North 
and the South, and then as a private enlisted for the preservation of 
the Union, in Company E, Fifth Iowa Cavalry, serving faithfully 
and honorably until the close of that memorable struggle. He was 
soon promoted to rank of corporal. On May 12, 1879, he was 
made captain of Company A, Fourth Iowa Infantry. In 1863, near 
Chattanooga, he was wounded, and on July 29, 1864, was made 
prisoner and for a time confined in the notorious Andersonville 
prison. At the close of the war he was honorably discharged by the 
War Department of the United States Government, and was pre- 
sented with the Medal of Honor by same. Congress also presented 
him a medal for gallantry and valor in July, 1864, near Atlanta, 
Georgia. Following is a copy of report: "A congressional medal 
of honor awarded to Corporal Geo. W. Healey, of Co. E, 5th Iowa 
Cavalry, for most distinguished gallantry in action at Newman, 
Georgia, near Atlanta, July 29, 1864; with a comrade captured five 
Confederate soldiers, disarmed the five prisoners and brought them 
to the Union lines. G. D. Meckeljohn, Ass't Sec. of War." In 
May, 1865, Captain Healey was one of a detail of his regiment to 
guard Jefferson Davis, President of the Southern Confederacy, on 
his way from Atlanta to Augusta, Georgia. In political views Mr. 
Healey is a Republican, and socially he is identified with the follow- 
ing organizations: Medal of Honor Legion; Hyde Clark Post, 




m 





HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 663 

No. 78, Grand Army of the Republic; Union Veterans' Union, 
No. 7. He was united in marriage with Miss Mary A. Moser, 
daughter of Benedict and Rosa (Bloesch) Moser, at Dubuque, 
October 29, 1868. His wife's father died August 12, 1872, at 
Aarberg, Switzerland, and the mother in 1850, at Dubuque. Mr. 
Healey's wife died in Dubuque, October 20, 1908, and to them were 
born the following named children: Edward M., partner in his 
father's business ; May F., a successful teacher in the city schools 
of Dubuque; and Maud A.., wife of B. L. Wallace, of Chicago. 

On November 15, 1910, at San Francisco, Mr. Healey married 
Mrs. Susie Moreing Burr. They and his daughter May reside at 
701 Bluff street, Dubuque. 

James R. Guthrie, M. D., has been prominently identified with 
the practice of medicine and surgery in Dubuque since 1884. He 
was born in Sand Springs, Delaware county, Iowa, July 22, 1858, 
the son of Peter and Jane Ann Guthrie, who were of Irish and 
Scotch extraction, respectively. The father's people lived on a 
farm in Ireland, but left that country at an early date and made 
their home in America, and the mother's people, coming from Scot- 
land to the United States, settled in western New York, and here 
she was bom. The father is yet living at an advanced age in Hop- 
kinton, Iowa. 

After attending the public schools, James R. Guthrie, the imme- 
diate subject of this memoir, entered Lenox College, Hopkinton, 
and was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Science in 1878. 
He taught school the next three years, and then determined to make 
the study and practice of medicine his life's work; he accordingly 
entered the University of Iowa and in 1884 was graduated from 
the Medical Department of the Iowa State University, receiving the 
degree of Doctor of Medicine. That year he came to Dubuque, 
embarked in the general practice of his profession, and has since, by 
careful study and research, taken high rank among the practitioners 
in Dubuque. In politics the doctor is a Republican, in religion a 
member of the Westminster Presbyterian church. On April 20, 
1893, at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, he was united in marriage with Miss 
Harriett Dowdell, daughter of the old pioneer, Edward Dowdell, 
of Irish descent, and to them two children have been born : Edward, 
who died in infancy, and a daughter, Jahann, now attending school. 
On June 18, 1889, Dr. Guthrie was elected to the chair of physiol- 
ogy in the College of Medicine in the State University of Iowa, and 
held same until 1898, when he was elected professor of gynecology 
in this institution. He was further honored, July 22, 1902, with 
the appointment of Dean of the College of Medicine in the State 
University, a position he has filled with eminent satisfaction ever 
since his appointment. The doctor's offices are located at 1005 
Locust street, and he is highly regarded by all who know him. 



664 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

James Fanning died here May 3, 1857, aged fifty- four years. 
He was a native of Ireland, and came to Dubuque in 1833 and 
resided here until his death. He was active and prominent in busi- 
ness and public affairs, served as county commissioner in 1837, and 
was a worthy and upright citizen. 

Timothy Fanning died in February, 1863; he came to Du- 
buque in 1836 and was a member of the first board of trustees. 
He kept the Jefferson House for many years, on First street. Later 
he was alderman and held other offices with credit. He was best 
known as a business man. 

The Very Rev. Daniel M. Gorman, LL. D., president of St. 
Joseph's College, Dubuque, since 1904, is a native of Jones county, 
Iowa. Born April 12, 1871, he obtained his early education in the 
local schools of the county. Dr. Gorman was engaged as teacher 
for several terms in the schools of his native state. In 1885 he 
came to Dubuque, and completed the collegiate course in St. Joseph's 
College. In 1890 he went to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and pursued 
his theological studies in St. Francis Seminary. Father Gorman 
was ordained in 1893 and immediately thereafter was sent by the 
late Archbishop Hennessy to the parish of State Center, Iowa. In 
1894 he was invited by the same Archbishop to come to Dubuque 
and accept a professorship in St. Joseph's College. In 1900 he was 
elected vice-president, and in 1904 president of the institution. He 
has since served in this capacity. St. Joseph's College has taken 
high rank among the educational institutions of the Middle West, 
and many of Iowa's leading citizens have attended it. 

Joseph Herod for many years was actively and successfully en- 
gaged in the real estate business in Dubuque, but for some time past 
lived a retired life in this city. He was born in Manchester, Eng- 
land, December 18, 1826, and came to Dubuque in 1852. For a 
time he found employment in various capacities. He assumed the 
position of secretary of the Iowa Falls & Sioux City Railroad dur- 
ing its construction, and was also interested in other railways. He 
embarked in the real estate business in 1853, and for years was con- 
nected with this particular branch of industry in Dubuque. He was 
unusually successful in all business operations, and besides owning 
his residence and other structures in Dubuque, had other properties 
throughout the State of Iowa. He and several nephews recently 
completed the erection of a seventeen-suite apartment house in 
Dubuque, which is one of the finest of its kind in the city. In 
political affairs Mr. Herod always favored the policies of the Repub- 
lical party, and took an active part in civic affairs, serving as a mem- 
ber of the city council and for twenty-one years as school treasurer. 
Socially he was for many years identified with the Independent 




JOHN P. FRANTZEN 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 665 

Order of Odd Fellows, and several other benevolent organizations. 
In 1850 he was married in his native country to Miss Elizabeth 
Burton, and in 1900, at Dubuque, they celebrated their golden wed- 
ding, and their sixty-first anniversary was celebrated February 5, 
191 1, at the home of his niece, Mrs. Mary B. Wallis. Mr. Herod 
died April 10, 191 1, at the ripe age of eighty-four years, and was 
buried in beautiful Linwood, April 12, carrying with him the admi- 
ration of the citizens of Dubuque, who had known him through so 
many years as an upright and honorable man. Mr. Herod and 
wife resided at 1671 Main street, highly esteemed and respected by 
their many friends and neighbors. 

Judge William W. Hamilton died at his residence near Cas- 
cade early in March, 1866. He came to this county about 1839, 
was chief clerk in the Surveyor General's office and served as pro- 
bate judge. He served in both branches of the legislature, and in 
1864 was candidate for Lieutenant-Governor. He was a railway 
official at the time of his death in March, 1865. He was by birth 
an Englishman. 

Col. David Sleator died at New Orleans, April 20, 1848. He 
was an early settler and prominent citizen and business man. He 
had gone South in pursuit of health. 

Thomas Graffort was here about 1838, and for a number of 
years kept the Washington House. He finally removed to Jones 
county, where he died in 1864, aged eighty-nine years. John D. 
Graffort, of Dubuque, was his son. 

J. P. Frantzen, the subject of this sketch, a disciple of Black- 
stone, has had, by his studious and industrious habits and inde- 
fatigable energy, a most successful career at the Iowa Bar. He 
is a native of this state, having been born in 1873, near Alton, in 
Sioux county, Iowa, to which place his parents, Henry and Joseph- 
ine Frantzen, removed in 1870, from Dubuque county, and took up 
a homestead. When about five years of age, he came to Dubuque 
county, where he has resided ever since. 

His younger days were spent on the farm of his uncle, Nicholas 
Frantzen, in Mosalem township, and he attended the district school 
during the winter and worked on the farm in the summer. During 
the winter of 1899 and 1890, he taught school in Sub-District No. i, 
near Massey Station, in Mosalem township, and in the fall of 1890 
he entered the Northern Indiana Normal School (now Valparaiso 
University), from which institution he graduated in 1892, with the 
degree of Bachelor of Science. Immediately after his graduation, 
he was elected principal of the public schools at Kennedy, Texas, 



666 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

a position which he filled most creditably for one year, and declin- 
ing re-election, he entered the Northern Indiana Law School. 

For a period of two years, he held the position of manager of 
the Typewriting Department of the Northern Indiana Normal 
School, and was special instructor in stenography. In June, 1895, 
he graduated from the law school, and in October of the same year 
was admitted to practice by the Supreme Court of this state. Imme- 
diately upon returning to Dubuque, he became associated with the 
late Alphons Matthews, one of the leading lawyers in Iowa, and in 
1899 became a membe^of the firm of Matthews, Lindsay & Frant- 
zen. Two years later, upon the retirement of Mr. J. R. Lindsay 
from the firm, the business continued under the firm name of Mat- 
thews & Frantzen until the death of Mr. Matthews in 1909, after 
which he associated himself with Mr. T. J. Fitzpatrick, under the 
firm name of Fitzpatrick & Frantzen, which said firm is considered 
one of the ablest in the eastern part of the state, and enjoys a most 
lucrative practice. 

The firm of Fitzpatrick & Frantzen occupies a very pleasant suite 
of offices on the fourth floor of the Bank and Insurance Building, 
being a contraction of the offices formerly occupied by W. J. Knight 
and the firm of Matthews & Frantzen. Mr. Frantzen was for a 
term of two years president of the Dubuque County Bar Associa- 
tion, and is the attorney for and a director of the German Trust & 
Savings Bank of the city of Dubuque. In politics Mr. Frantzen is 
a staunch and enthusiastic Democrat, and has several times refused 
nominations, tendered him unanimously, to positions of confidence 
and trust. In religion he is a Catholic, and is socially identified with 
the Knights of Columbus, C. O. F., M. W. A., and other fraternal 
organizations. Mr. Frantzen is active in all public aflfairs, is honest 
and conscientious, a close student, ranks very high as a lawyer, and 
is highly respected by all whom know him. In 1903 he was united 
in marriage with Miss Josephine Palen, daughter of Nicholas and 
Barbara Palen, and to them have been bom three children : Made- 
line M., John J. and Virginia M. 

James H. Harris, superintendent of schools at Dubuque and a 
man widely known in the educational world, was born in Keweenaw 
county, upper Michigan, March 9. 1866, the son of Benjamin and 
Jane (Allen) Harris. The family came originally from Cornwall, 
England, but in 1865 immigrated to America and located in the 
Lake Superior copper region of Michigan, where they lived until 
1906, then removing to Evart, Osceola county, Michigan, where 
they now reside. The father was for thirty years connected with 
the Calumet & Hecla Mining Company, but is now retired from the 
active business cares of life. After attending the public schools of 
Lake Linden, Houghton county. Michigan, James H. Harris entered 
the high school at Ann Arbor, Michigan, and was graduated there- 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 667 

from in 1886. The following year he entered the University of 
Michigan and in 1891 was graduated therefrom with the degree of 
Bachelor of Arts. Since that time Mr. Harris has been engaged 
entirely in educational work. Immediately after graduation he was 
appointed instructor in Latin and Greek in the Saginaw, Michigan, 
high school, but after one year there he was appointed to a like posi- 
tion at the Michigan Military Academy, Orchard Lake, Michigan, 
where he remained for five years. In 1895-96 he spent a year in 
graduate work at the University of Chicago. He was elected 
principal of the high school at Bay City, Michigan, in September, 
1897, but relinquished this three and a half years later to return to 
the Michigan Military Academy as principal. Two years later 
(January, 1903) he was offered and accepted the superintendency 
of schools at Pontiac, Michigan, where he remained for three and 
a half years. In the summer of 1906 he was tendered the position 
of assistant superintendent in Minneapolis, Minnesota, by Dr. C. M. 
Jordan, the superintendent, and entered upon his duties in Sep- 
tember of that year. There he remained until he was offered and 
accepted his present position as superintendent of the Dubuque 
public schools, taking up his work May i, 1910. Mr. Harris has 
contributed extensively to educational journals and has written a 
manual of elementary English for the use of teachers. In national 
political affairs he is affiliated with the Republican party. He is a 
member of the Delta Upsilon fraternity and of the Masonic order, 
and is also identified with the Methodist Episcopal church. August 
8, 1 90 1, at Pontiac, Michigan, he was united in marriage with Miss 
Grace Galbraith. the daughter of Dr. F. B. Galbraith, who was one 
of the most prominent physicians of that city. He was for several 
terms its mayor and also represented his district in the Michigan 
state senate. To Mr. and Mrs. Harris one daughter, Katharine, was 
born, July 28, 1902. 

Peter J. Seippel, than whom, possibly, none is more intimately 
associated with the lumber industry of Dubuque, started out in life 
a poor boy and by his own unaided efforts has accumulated a com- 
petency and risen to a position of honor and respect among his 
fellow men. Born August 7, 1862, in Schoenburg, Grand Duchy of 
Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, he was the son of Martin and Mary 
Seippel, who in 1865 left their native country and immigrated to 
America. The parents first settled at Glen Haven, Grant covmty, 
Wisconsin, but later came further west to Guttenberg, Clayton 
county, Iowa, and here lived happily together until the father passed 
away at the age of fifty-four years. His widow still survives him 
and resides on the old home place. When brought to this country 
by his parents Peter J. Seippel was but three years old, and his first 
schooling was secured in the public institutions of Guttenberg. 
When fourteen years old he started out in life for himself, and for 



668 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

three years he worked as a farm hand near his home town. The 
succeeding three years he worked as a common laborer on raih'oads 
in various parts of the country, and then, when twenty years old, 
came to the city of Dubuque. Desiring to better his education, Mr. 
Seippcl entered and was duly graduated from the Bayless Business 
College of this city, and then secured employment in the clerical 
department of the lumber establishment of C. W. Robison. Then, 
in partnership with Mr. Joseph A. Meuser, he bought out a small 
lumber concern in East Dubuque, Illinois, and they continued in 
business there until 1897 under the firm name of Meuser & Seippel. 
In February of that year Mr. Seippel disposed of his interests to 
Mr. Meuser and came to Dubuque, where, on the site of the old 
C. W. Robison place, he organized the Peter J, Seippel Lumber 
Company, of which he was elected and has since been president. 
The establishment now occupies a space of about ten city blocks; 
they handle in the neighborhood of 25,000,000 feet of lumber and 
their business amounts to over half a million of dollars annually. 
In 1907 Mr. Seippel organized the Seippel Timber Company, of 
which he is also president. In political aitairs he is independent, 
casting his vote for the man rather than the party, and in religious 
views is a member of the German Lutheran church. He has been 
twice married: first, at Dubuque, to Miss Mamie Power, by whom 
he had two daughters, Florence and Blanche : and second, to Miss 
Katharine Jess, daughter of Robert Jess, to which latter union has 
been born one daughter, Katharine. Mr. Seippel's life is one well 
worthy of the emulation of the younger generation of today, when 
so many of our young men have to make their own way in the 
world. He is one of Dubuque's best and most successful citizens. 

William Heitzman, well-known contractor of Dubuque, spe- 
cializing in the erection of fine private residences, is a native of 
Baden, Germany, bom October i, 1863, and is a son of George 
and Catherine Heitzman. The father, a farmer by occupation, par- 
ticipated in the German Revolution of 1848, and died in 1882 at the 
age of fifty-four years. His widow yet survives him and resides 
with her son in Dubuque. William Heitzman, the immediate sub- 
ject of this memoir, attended the public schools of his native coun- 
try until fourteen years old, then learned the millwright trade and 
followed that business until his removal to America in 1884. For 
a year he was located at Brooklyn, New York, and then came west 
to Galena, Illinois, and two years later located in Dubuque. Here 
Mr. Heitzman started to work for Albert Nye as carpenter, with 
whom he remained two years, and then for one year was in the 
employ of Mr. Rheinfrank. In 1890 he and Mr. Rheinfrank en- 
gaged in contracting and building under the firm name of Rhein- 
frank & Heitzman, and upon the death of his partner Mr. Heitz- 
man continued the business alone. In 1908 he admitted his son, 



HISTORY Of DUBUQUE COUNTY 669 

William, Jr., to partnership and they continued together until Janu- 
ary I, 191 1, specializing in the erection of private homes. Mr. 
Heitzman is independent in politics, and a meml^er of the Congre- 
gational church. August 25, 1887, he married Miss Christine Reif- 
stack, a native of Germany, and the daughter of Christian Reif- 
stack, who died in that country, and to their union the following 
named ten children have been born : Emma, at home; William, Jr., 
with Singer Sewing Machine Company ; Louisa, cashier in Roshek 
department store; Hermann, butcher, with C. Kress; Carl, with 
Dubuque Brewing and Malting Company; Elsie, graduate of Ful- 
ton School in Dubuque; Walter, attending same; Esther, same; 
Roy, same; and Viola, five years old. Mr. Heitzman is one of 
Dubuque's public-spirited men and takes an active interest in any 
movement toward the betterment of his city and county. 

Phillip Schwinn, manager of the Smedley Pump Company, 
Dubuque, was born in Arcadia, Wisconsin, June 24, 1865, and is 
the son of Phillip and Mary Schwinn. The father was a native of 
Germany and came to the United States, locating in Pennsylvania, 
in or about 1835. Shortly thereafter he came to Dubuque, Iowa, but 
soon removed to a farm near Arcadia, Wisconsin, and there fol- 
lowed agricultural pursuits until his death in 1888, aged fifty-three 
years. His wife died in 1886, at the age of forty-seven years. 
Phillip Schwinn, Jr., the immediate subject of this review, assisted 
his father with the farm work and attended the public schools dur- 
ing boyhood. In 1887 he came to Dubuque and for a year was in 
the employ of Thomas Faherty as salesman of farm machinery. 
He then for a time was associated in a similar capacity with the 
D. H. Williams Company, and for the succeeding eight years was 
employed as helper in the Novelty Iron Works foundry, holding 
first the position of shipping clerk and eventually becoming fore- 
man. From 1897 to 1904 he acted as foreman and sales manager 
of the Iowa Iron Works, and later, when the concern became known 
as the Bonson Boiler & Furnace Company, he remained with them 
as erecting superintendent. He was then offered and accepted his 
present position as manager of the Smedley Pump Company, and 
has been thus connected ever since. Mr. Schwinn is a member of 
the Brotherhood of Engineers and of St. John's Lutheran church, 
of which he has been trustee for nine years. He is also identified 
with the German Lutheran Synod. He married Miss Margaret 
Rubie, and she died January 5, 1910. Mr. Schwinn resides at 409 
Windsor avenue, Dubuque. 

Daniel J. Kenneally, proprietor of the Troy Laundry, 130 
Seventh street, Dubuque, was born in this city August 27, 1886, the 
son of John and Ellen Kenneally. The family came from Ireland, 
Daniel Kenneally and wife, Hanora, the parents of John Ken- 



670 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

neally, coming to America in 1840, and locating at Bennettville, 
Iowa. Here John Kenneally was born in 1844, and after the sale 
of the home farm he came to Dubuque and followed his trade of 
blacksmith. He died in July, 1887, and was buried in Key West 
cemetery. His widow yet survives and makes her home with the 
subject of this sketch. Daniel J. Kenneally attended St. Raphael's 
parochial school until fourteen years old, then for seven years was 
in the electrical business. Succeeding this he embarked in the 
laundry business on Seventh street on a small scale, borrowing 
enough money to purchase the required machinery, and through 
hard work and honest dealings with the people has grown and pros- 
pered until his establishment today is regarded as one of the best 
of its kind in Dubuque, employing a working force of six persons. 
In religion Mr. Kenneally espouses the beliefs of his forefathers 
and is a Roman Catholic, being a member of St. Raphael's Cathe- 
dral. He and his mother make their home at 105 Second street. 

Abe Urb.'XCH, founder and one of the present partners of the 
Hub clothing establishment, Dubuque, has conclusively proved that 
life in a strange country can be made a success even though started 
under very adverse circumstances. He was born in Poland in the 
year 1865, and while yet \'ery young, realizing that greater advan- 
tages could be had in America, immigrated to this country and for a 
time was located at Utica, New York. He came to Dubuque in 1878 
when but thirteen years old, a comparative stranger to the language, 
customs and peculiarities of a strange people. He carefully saved 
his money and in 1889 had accumulated sufficient means to enable 
him to open a clothing store. By hard work and honest and con- 
scientious dealings with the people he prospered to such an extent 
that ten years later he removed to new premises on Main street, 
52x113 feet, employing a selling stafif of twelve people. In 1900 he 
admitted his brother, Milton Urbach, appropriate mention of whom 
immediately follows this, to partnership, and under their able man- 
agement the firm has grown and prospered and today is regarded 
as one of the solid and substantial commercial houses of Dubuque. 
In 1895 ^'^^ Urbach was united in marriage with Miss Rose Nova. 
and they with their one son, Dalton, attending Lincoln school in 
Dubuque, reside at 891 Grandview avenue. Mr. Urbach has made 
a success of life and has the respect and good will of all who know 
him. 

Milton Urbach, junior member of the Urbach clothing establish- 
ment known as the Hub, is a native of Poland, born in 1873, and a 
son of Hillel and Bailee Urbach, still living in Poland. He came to 
Dubuque when very young and received his education in the First 
Ward (Franklin) school, later attending also Bayless Business Col- 
lege. For a time thereafter he was employed in various clothing 
establishments in Dubuque, thoroughly mastering the details of tliat 



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HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 671 

line of business, and in 1900 was admitted by his brother, Abe 
Urbach, to partnership in the Hub clothing establishment. He has 
since remained thus connected and due to their excellent business 
management and ability the concern has taken high rank among the 
commercial houses of Dubuque. Socially Mr. Urbach is a member 
of the Masonic fraternity, the Knights of Pythias and the Benev- 
olent and Protective Order of Elks. At Chicago, in July, 1908, he 
was united in marriage with Miss Mabel Nova, a sister of his 
brother's wife, and to them one daughter has been born, named 
Odell. The family residence in Dubuque is located at 759 Bluff 
street. 

Peter Hoerr, vice president of the Wieneke-Hoerr Company, 
canners of vegetables and pickles, 850 Jackson street, Dubuque, is a 
native of Germany, born in the province of Hesse-Darmstadt, 
March 13, 1839, and the son of Philip and Eva (Wagner) Hoerr. 
The father, a farmer by occupation, died in Germany in 1870, aged 
sixty-three years, preceded by his wife in 1869, aged sixty years, 
and both are buried in the old country. Peter Hoerr attended the 
public schools of his native country during boyhood, completing his 
education when thirteen years old, and for a time assisted his father 
on the home farm. In 1865 he came to the United States to visit 
his brother, George Hoerr, a saloonkeeper in Dubuque, and for 
two years was employed in the Rhomberg distillery. From 1867 to 
1889 he was manager of the Blinds & Beach .soap manufacturing 
concern, then in partnership with Charles Perry embarked in the 
manufacture of soap in Montana. One year later, however, Mr. 
Hoerr returned to Dubuque and purchased an interest in the firm 
of Wieneke & Hohenadel, of which he was elected vice president. 
Several years later this firm was reorganized as the Interstate Pack- 
ing Company, continuing as such until 1896, when it became the 
Wiencke-Hoerr Company and has since operated under that name. 
The business of this concern is carried on throughout Iowa, Illinois, 
Wisconsin and Minnesota, and Mr. Hoerr has retained the vice 
presidency thereof since his first connection. In political afifairs he 
is independent, voting for the man regardless of party affiliation, 
and in religious views is a member of St. John's Lutheran church. 
On January i, 1870, in Dubuque, he married Miss Minea Hook, 
daughter of Ernst and Liza (Hofmeister) Hook, pioneer farmers 
of Dubuque county. To Mr. and Mrs. Hoerr one son and two 
daughters have been born, named Ernst Philip, sash, door and blind 
manufacturer of Chicago; Lena, residing in South Dakota, and 
Minnie Katherina, also of that state. The family home in Dubuque 
is located at 739 Julien avenue. 

Rev. Frederick William Oberbroekling. pastor of Holy 
Trinity Roman Catholic church at Luxemburg since February 22, 



672 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

1872, is a native of Prussia, German}-, his birth occurring at the 
village of Dellbruck on November 10, 1844. His parents, Johann 
Heinrich and Anna Maria (Helmig) Oberbroekling, were descended 
from old German families, and came to America and St. Louis, 
Missouri, in 1856. They located, in March, 1857, on a tract of 160 
acres in New Wine township, Dubuque county, Iowa, which the 
father cleared and improved and added to as his means afforded; 
and here they spent their remaining days. Johann H. Ober- 
broekling died December 2y, 1884, aged eighty-five years, preceded 
by his wife in 1876 at the age of seventy-five years. Both were 
highly respected by all who knew them and now lie at rest in the 
cemetery at New Vienna. Father Oberbroekling received his early 
education in the public schools of his native country and came with 
his parents to the United States when twelve years old. His twelfth 
birthday was celebrated on the Mississippi river, and at St. Louis, 
Missouri, his schooling was continued for six months in St. Joseph's 
of the Jesuit Fathers parochial schools. He then went to Ouincy, 
111., and from September, 1864, to July, 1865, attended the Fran- 
ciscan College. In the fall of the following year he went to Mil- 
waukee, Wisconsin, and entered St. Francis Seminary, and on 
December 20, 1871, was ordained to the priesthood. For a time he 
remained with Rev. Conrad Schulte, at New Vienna, and on 
February 22, 1872, was summoned to Luxemburg to take charge of 
the work here and has ever since been thus connected. Much good 
has been brought about through Father Oberbroekling's efforts in 
the Master's service, and he is highly esteemed and beloved by all 
who know him. From May, 1873, to July, 1874, he journeyed 
twice every month to Lattnerville, then a mission, seventeen miles 
from his church at Luxemburg, aside from the various sick calls 
he received. In 1874 the church he first erected at Luxemburg was 
destroyed by a tornado July 26, but nothing daunted he built the 
present beautiful edifice, the pastorage. the Sisters' house and the 
school. Father Oberbroekling has seen this portion of Dubuque 
county grow in importance and at the present time nearly all of his 
parishioners are men and women of means and influence. He has 
always taken an active interest and part in any movement toward 
the betterment of the county, and at the World's Exposition of 
1893 his school system received a bronze medal with the following 
inscription : "World's Columbian Exposition in commemoration of 
the Four Hundredth Anniversary of the landing of Columbus ; for 
the Holy Trinity School of Luxemburg, Iowa." 

Alexander Schollian, one of Dubuque's foremost tailors, is 
a native of this county, and the son of Matthias and Annie D. 
Schollian, who came here from Pennsylvania at an early date and 
settled on a farm near Washington Mills, where he subsequently 
died and was buried. Alexander Schollian was born January 12, 




^.j^yf^u^^ 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 673 

1862, and during boyhood days assisted his father and attended 
the common schools. Early in life he learned the tailoring trade 
and after thoroughly familiarizing himself with all the details of 
that line of business, opened an establishment at the corner of 
Fourth and Main streets. Dubuque, where he has been unusually 
successful. In September, 1904, he was united in marriage with 
Miss Mary E. Murray, daughter of Thomas and Ellen Murray. 
Mrs. Schollian is active in any movement that tends toward the 
betterment of mankind. She is president of the Mercy Hospital 
Association, which was inaugurated for the purpose of raising 
money to care for and provide medical services for the needy 
poor, regardless of nationality or religious views. This associa- 
tion has one room in Mercy Hospital, fully equipped with all mod- 
ern conveniences, and now has in view another similar one. Mrs. 
Schollian is also a member of the St. Elizabeth Association and 
the Sherman Society. No less interested in public affairs of im- 
portance is Mr. Schollian. He is a Democrat in his political views, 
is a staunch member of St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church, is 
treasurer of the local order of Knights of Columbus, and for six 
years served as a member of the Dubuque County Board of Super- 
visors. He and wife are among the highly respected people of the 
city of Dubuque. 

Moses M. Ham, deceased, for thirty-five years editor-in-chief 
of the Herald, was a man of unusually strong character and very 
prominent during his long residence in Dubuque. Born March 23, 
1833, in Shapleigh, York county, Maine, he was the son of Dr. 
Levi J. and Mary (Ayer) Ham, and a direct descendant of Will- 
iam Ham, the progenitor of the family in this country, who came 
from England to America in 1640 and settled in New Hampshire. 
During the French and Indian troubles, the Revolutionary war, 
the War of 181 2, and Civil war, members of this family loyally 
served their country. Moses M., when fourteen years of age. 
entered Cary Collegiate Seminary, Caryville, New York, and after- 
wards pursued his studies at the Genessee Wesleyan School and 
Union College, where he graduated in the class of 1855. Suc- 
ceeding his graduation from the latter, Mr. Ham removed to 
Jonesville, Michigan, and for two years was principal of the high 
school there, but later went to Detroit, Michigan, and for seven 
years was associated with the Free Press as assistant editor, under 
Wilbur F. Story. He first came to Dubuque in 1863, ^s city 
editor of the Herald, two months later acquired by purchase the 
controlling interest in that paper, and several months later took in 
D. D. W. Carver as a partner, having charge of the job depart- 
ment and bindery. He became editor-in-chief of same, and for 
a period of thirty-five years was thus associated. In 1899 he dis- 
posed of his interests and retired from the active duties and busi- 



674 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

ness cares of life. Mr. Ham was always a staunch Democrat in 
his political views and voiced and advocated the policies of that 
party during his many years as head of the Herald. For si.xteen 
years he was a member of the National Democratic Committee, 
four years a member of the state senate, and during Presi- 
dent Cleveland's administration was postmaster of Dubuque. 
He was at one time offered the first assistant postmaster- 
ship of the nation, but declined the honor, claiming his time 
was fully taken up with his newspaper work. Mr. Ham always 
took a keen interest in the early history of Dubuque county, and 
many authentic stories of the early doings of Julien Dubuque and 
other pioneer men have been made a matter of histor>' because of 
his careful research. At one time, while traveling down the St. 
Lawrence river, he became acquainted with a French priest, who, 
upon learning from where Mr. Ham was, told him of the early 
history of Julien Dubuque, and in corroboration referred him to a 
Canadian history, written in French, which gives the memoirs of 
the early French explorers of the Mississippi valley. This volume 
was eagerly procured by Mr. Ham and is now a valued possession 
in the library of his family. It is thus the just credit is due Mr. 
Ham of having discovered and brought to light the early history 
of Julien Dubuque, and much of the early history of the city of 
Dubuque, which, until that time, had been in obscurity. Mr. Ham 
was always interested in schools and in matters pertaining to edu- 
cation. For many years he was one of the regents of the Iowa 
State University, and president of the Public School Board in 
Dubuque. In religious views he was identified with the Episcopal 
church, of which he was for many years a vestryman. In 1859 
he was united in marriage with Miss Helen M. Tucker, a native 
of Massachusetts, who passed away in 1870, leaving two children: 
Clifford D., now of Manila, Philippine Islands, and Hellen M., of 
Dubuque. In 1874 Mr. Ham married Miss Rebecca M. Wells, 
and she died three years later. They now lie at rest in the family 
lot at Linwood cemetery. On December 25, 1902, sorrow invaded 
the homes of many when it became known that Mr. Ham had 
been summoned to the Great Beyond. He was one of those hon- 
est and fearless men whom we so much admire, and with his pass- 
ing the nation, county, city and home lost a good man, an honest 
citizen, a kindly neighbor and a loving father. 

Michael Roche, now living a retired life in the city of Du- 
buque, is a native of the Emerald Isle, his birth occurring in the 
year 1840, and a son of Thomas and Ellen (Callahan) Roche. 
Thomas Roche was born in Ireland in 1805, and when forty-four 
years of age crossed the Atlantic ocean to America, accompanied 
by his family, and settled on a tract of 120 acres in Jefferson 
township, Dubuque county, Iowa. Here he resided many years 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 675 

and in 1897 <^lis<J' ^ ™a" respected by all who knew him. His wife 
passed away in 1877, and both are buried near the old homestead. 
The early life of Michael Roche in this country was spent much 
after the manner of other country boys of those days — assisting 
his father on the home farm and in attending the public schools, 
then little more than log cabins. When the elder Roche's eye- 
sight began to wane, the work and responsibility of the farm fell 
to the lot of Michael, but when the father was badly hurt from a 
fall, he relinquished the management of the estate to his younger 
brothers, John and Joseph. In 1902 he disposed of the old home 
place and bought a smaller farm on Asbury Road, near West 
Dubuque, but four years later, having accumulated considerable 
means, retired from the active duties of life and removed into 
the city of Dubuque, where he has since resided. In 1865 Mr. 
Roche decided to go West and visit the mountains of Montana. 
He accordingly went to Sioux City, Iowa, and was employed as 
deck hand on a steamboat at $60 per month. The water in the 
upper river was so low that they succeeded in getting but a few 
miles above Fort Ripley. The commanding officer of the fort 
advised them not to go any farther, as tlie Indians were becoming 
very troublesome, and to do so would be dangerous. Nothing 
daunted, however, they continued their journey, and about two 
weeks later became stranded on a sandbar at some distance from 
the fort. The pilot and five men went out in a small boat to 
locate the channel, entirely unarmed, and after locating same 
decided to go ashore for a time. While there they were attacked 
from ambush by the "redskins," and, being unarmed, could do 
nothing but try their best to escape. Two men succeeded in mak- 
ing tlieir way to the boat, but were killed and the boat cast adrift, 
to be later picked up by the soldiers at Fort Ripley. One man 
dove in the water and made his way to a sandbar, where he was 
shot while rolling over in the water, sinking and disappearing for- 
ever. One large Irishman put up a desperate struggle, but was 
captured alive and never heard of again, probably perishing at the 
stake. Another, a German, was shot through the shoulder with 
an arrow, but managed to hide under the bank until the steamer 
came down and rescued him. The other man of the party divested 
himself of all save underclothing and swam the river unmolested 
by the Indians, who took him to be one of themselves because of 
the red color of his attire. When the boat returned to Sioux Cit^* 
in the fall, the captain offered Mr. Roche an increase in wages of 
$20 a month, but he declined, claiming that the desire for adven- 
ture in him had been appeased. He then returned to his old home 
in Dubuque county, where he has always been regarded as an 
honorable man and a useful and progressive citizen. He was 
married to Catherine Burke, February 8, 1866. Eight children 
have been born to this union, as follows: William T., Michael 



676 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

James (deceased). May, Ella, John Francis, Joseph E., Catherine E. 
and Clara. 

Herman Dement, whose untimely death was caused by acci- 
dent in 1899, was for years one of Dubuque's prosperous and suc- 
cessful business men.- He was born in St. Louis, Missouri, August 
I, 1850, the son of Herman Dement, Sr., who came from Ger- 
many to America, at an early date and embarked in the furniture 
business at St. Louis. In 1862, when our subject was but twelve 
years old. the father was accidentally suffocated in a cistern which 
was being repaired, and this threw the son on his own resources 
at a time when every boy should be attending school instead of 
working for a living. For a time he was second cook in the St. 
Julien kitchen, and then followed this trade on the Mississippi 
river until 1882. He tlien came to Dubuque and in a building" 
erected by himself embarked in the gentlemen's furnishing busi- 
ness. By honest and conscientious business dealings, he built up 
a large trade. On October 18, 1881, he was united in marriage 
with Miss Margaret Eulberg, daughter of Casper and Frances 
Eulberg of Galena. Illinois, and to them the following named chil- 
dren were born: Evelyn, Mabel H. and Margera F. Mr. Dement 
took a keen and acti\e interest in local affairs of importance, and 
was a prominent member of the First Presbyterian church. In 
1899, while riding a bicycle, he accidentally fell in front of a mov- 
ing street car and was instantly killed ; thus Dubuque lost one of 
her best and most deserving citizens. Mr. Dement was essentially 
a self-made man ; by the early death of his father he was forced 
to make his own way in the world, and step by step mounted the 
ladder of life. His loss was mourned generally throughout the 
county by his many friends. 

Henry A. Knowlton, well-known resident of Dubuque, is a 
son of the old pioneer, Thomas J. Knowlton, and a direct descend- 
ant of Captain Knowlton of Revolutionary fame. Thomas J. 
Knowlton was born in 1821, in Wales, Erie county. New York, 
and there was reared and educated. In 1857 he came to Dubuque 
as western representati\e for a Buffalo (New York) sleigh and 
carriage concern, and was thus engaged until war was delcared 
between the North and the South. In answers to his country's 
call for defenders of the Union, Mr. Knowlton was with the 
Twelfth Iowa Infantry, which command was stationed at St. Louis 
and later ordered to Fort Henrv and Fort Donelson. Afterward 
he was with the Eighth Iowa Cavalry, and while with the regi- 
ment in Tennessee was taken seriously ill and sent home ; he died 
February 28, 1864. To his marriage with Miss Laura M. Beecher, 
a cousin of Henry Ward Beecher, solemnized in 1846, three chil- 
dren were born: Henry A., Franklin (deceased), and Adelia, 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 677 

also deceased. When the elder Knowlton was sent home from 
Fort Donelson, his son, Henry A., joined the eighth Iowa Cav- 
alry and served until honorably discharged by the War Department 
at the close of the struggle. Early in life he learned the printer's 
trade and upon his return to Dubuque opened and operated a small 
printing establishment until advised by his doctor to seek outdoor 
employment. He became connected with the Illinois Central Rail- 
road as engineer, and has been forty-one years in continuous serv- 
ice. In 1896 Mr. Knowlton was united in marriage with Miss 
Isabella Saunders, of Waterloo, Iowa. She is an active member 
of the Westminster Presbyterian church and is managing editor 
of the PJii Gainina, a church publication originated by Rev. D. J. 
Burrell, of New York, while he was pastor of the church. She 
is also a member of the Woman's Club and the Visiting Nurses' 
Association, and is greatly interested in hospital work. Mr. Knowl- 
ton is a Knight Templar Mason. His mother is yet living at the 
advanced age of eighty-three years, and takes great interest in 
her children and all important topics of the day. Since 1857 
she has resided continuously at 45 Fourth street; she is greatly 
esteemed and respected by all who know her. 

John A. Kinsella, deceased, for many years one of the well- 
known and highly respected residents of Dubuque county, was 
born on a farm in Washington township, in 1856, the son of 
James and Anna Kinsella, who came from Canada to Dubuque 
county in 1834. At that date this locality was sparsely inhabited, 
Indians being more plentiful than whites, and the land in a rough 
and unbroken condition. The privations and hardships of the 
early pioneers can scarcely be appreciated by the generation of 
today who have but to look out on either side to see broad and 
rolling fields of finely culti\-ated farm land, well stocked with cat- 
tle and modern machinery of e\^ery description. To these pioneer 
settlers is due much of the credit for the present advanced state 
of affairs. John A. Kinsella assisted his father and attended the 
country schools during boyhood, and in 1882 married Miss Kath- 
erine McNamara, daughter of a neighboring farmer, and to them 
Joseph, James, Mary, Salome C. and Martha (Maley) were born. 
In 1893 M^"- Kinsella disposed of his farm and moved into the 
city of Dubuque, where the year following he passed away, leaving 
the responsibility of rearing his children to Mrs. Kinsella. She 
cheerfully put her shoulders to the wheel and reared her boys and 
girls to honorable and useful lives in the Catholic faith. Mary 
Kinsella is now engaged in the millinery business in Mason City, 
Iowa; Salome C. is with the M. J. Mulgrew Company; James 
is in the employ of the Chicago Great Western Railroad at Stock- 
ton, Illinois ; Joseph is with the Illinois Central Railroad. Mrs. 
Kinsella is still residing in the city of Dubuque, where she has 



678 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

many friends, and where she bears the respect and good-will of 
all who know her. 

David F. Ede, since 1895 the active head of the Ede's Robe 
Tanning Company, with headquarters at Dubuque, is a native of 
the Province of Ontario, his birth occurring in 1846. He is of 
English extraction. His boyhood days were passed in acquiring 
such education as was afforded by the common schools, and while 
yet a young man he went to Winnipeg, Manitoba, and embarked 
in the marble and granite business, and in the buying and selling 
of real estate, in which he became wealthy. This was during Win- 
nipeg's boom period, when it was a city of 45,000, but every man 
of means who had holdings in real estate went down with the 
breaking of the boom. When the Canadian Pacific Railroad was 
constructed, Mr. Ede foresaw the wonderful possibilities of the 
grain business, and invested his money in elevators at various 
points along that line. Owing to the bonding system of shipping, 
however, which allowed the shipper to bond his wheat in transit 
throughout the United States, this venture proved very disas- 
trous, and Mr. Ede was forced to relinquish his idea and holdings. 
He then went to Sioux City, Iowa, and in partnership with Mr. 
T. P. Murry embarked in the real estate business, at which he was 
unusually successful. Later, in 1895, he came to Dubuque, and 
soon afterwards founded a fur tanning establishment at the corner 
of Jones and West Main streets. The business has grown and 
prospered until today the firm is recognized as one of the largest 
of its kind in the world. They cater to the world's custom trade 
for fine robes and garments, and also operate branch establish- 
ments in Omaha, Nebraska ; St. Paul, Minnesota, and Sioux Falls, 
South Dakota. The Dubuque plant is 100x150 feet, and employs 
regularly from forty to sixty skilled workmen. In 1875 Mr. Ede 
was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Tuer, and to them 
have been born the following named children : St. Clair, secre- 
tary and treasurer of the Ede's Robe Tanning Company ; Olive, 
wife of Dr. Lytle, of Lansing, Iowa, and Ruth V. 

Mr. Ede is one of Dubuque's representative business men, takes 
an active interest in all local affairs of importance, and is highly 
regarded in the community where he resides. 

Dr. Frank W. Wieland, one of the leading medical practi- 
tioners of Dubuque, is a native of Switzerland, his birth occurring 
March 10, 1856, at Grau Bunden. He was the son of Rudolph 
and Marie (Truden) Wieland, and was brought by them to Amer- 
ica and Dubuque county in 1863, when but seven years of age. 
Here they remained four years, and then removed to Grant county, 
Wisconsin, where the father purchased a farm. When fourteen 
years old. Dr. Wieland left home and started out in life for him- 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 679 

self. For a time he secured employment as a farm hand during 
the summer months and attended the district schools during win- 
ter, paying for his board by doing chores. After obtaining a com- 
mon-school education in this manner, he taught school for several 
winters and continued working as a farm hand during summers. 
He early in life decided to take up the study and practice of medi- 
cine, and with this idea in view entered the office of Dr. Dufifin, 
of Guttenberg, Iowa, and there began the study of his future pro- 
fession. One year later he went to Chicago and entered Rush 
Medical College, from which institution he was duly graduated in 
1888 with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. For one year fol- 
lowing this he practiced successfully near Oshkosh, Wisconsin, but 
then came to Dubuque, where he has ever since been actively 
engaged in the general practice of his profession. By careful and 
conscientious work the doctor has built up a large and lucrative 
practice, and is now recognized as one of the leading men of his 
profession in Dubuque. He is a member of the Dubuque County 
Medical Society, of which he is an ex-president, and was examin- 
ing physician of the United States Pension Board. He also served 
three years as city chysician and one year as a member of the 
Board of Health. He has served on various committees in Du- 
buque Medical Society and has taken a post-graduate course in the 
College of Physicians and Surgeons at Chicago. To his marriage 
with Miss Clara Jungk, born in Dubuque, June 24, 1872, the 
daughter of Christian Jungk, the ceremony being solemnized in 
1896, three children have been born, as follows: Edgar F., Janu- 
ary 9, 1899; Edna M., July 2, 1900, and Arthur W., December 
17, 1905. The doctor is a Knight Templar Mason, in which order 
he has served as Senior Warden, and is a member of the Court of 
Honor and Mystic Workers. He is independent in politics. 

Claus Andres, for many years a resident of Dubuque, is of 
German extraction, his father, Claus Andres, Sr., being a native 
of Holstein, that country, where he was born March 18, 1805. 
In 185 1 he left the old country and immigrated to America, where 
for a time he secured employment at his trade of miller, in Har- 
lem, New York City. Six years later he came West, and on 
December i, 1857, located in Dubuque, and until 1864 worked in 
the Sageville mills. He then, in partnership with a Mr. Burres, 
established a mill at Galena, Illinois, but four years later, when 
the latter desired to convert their establishment into a distillery, 
Mr. Andres disposed of his interests and embarked in the milling 
business on his own account at Henry, Henry county, Illinois. 
This he conducted until his death, which occurred March 4, 1871, 
and his remains were laid at rest in Linwood, Dubuque. Mr. 
Andres lived and died a good citizen, a loving parent and a kindly 



68o HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

neighbor, and his loss was mourned generally by all who knew 
him. 

His son, Claus Andres, the immediate subject of this memoir, 
received his education in the public schools of New York City, 
and early in life learned the cigar-making business, which subse- 
quently, from 1865 to 1875, '" partnership with his brother 
Henry, he followed in Dubuque. In comparatively recent years 
Mr. Andres has retired from the active business cares of life, and 
now lives with his wife and children in their city residence. When 
war was declared between the North and South, Mr. Andres 
enlisted in Company G of the Missouri State Troops, and until 
1863, when his command was officially disbanded, he saw guard 
duty and participated in the guerrilla warfare. He then enlisted 
in Company A of the Forty-fourth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, took 
part in the Tennessee campaign, and at the conclusion of the war 
was honorably discharged. On May i, 1866, he was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Barbara Kappes, daughter of Alfred Kappes, of 
Freeport, Illinois, and to them were born : August Henry, de- 
ceased : Amelia, now teaching in city schools of Dubuque, and 
also prominent in Sunday school work; Christina, deceased, wife of 
Burton Brownell, to which union two children were born; Mary, 
teaching in Seattle (Washington) schools; Josephine D., teach- 
ing in Kickapoo Indian School, Horton, Kansas ; and Harriet, 
instructor in Sherman Institute, Riverside, California. Mr. Andres 
was for years president of the International Cigar Makers' Union, 
and is still a member of that organization. He is also identified 
with the G. A. R. Society. In politics he is and always has been 
an unswerving Republican, and has taken an active part in public 
affairs. 

John F. Reinold, with the firm Farley & Loetcher, Dubuque, 
was born in the city of Siegen, Germany, May 15, 1864, the son 
of Adolph and Mary Reinold. He received his education in the 
public and high schools of his native country, succeeding which 
he served a three years' apprenticeship to the stair-builder's trade. 
In 1884 he left the parental roof and came to the United States, 
first locating at Kansas City, Missouri, and then at Mayview, 
where he worked on the railroad. In 1885 he came to Waverly, 
Iowa, and secured employment in the Woodring Brothers" Furni- 
ture Factory, continuing thus until the early part of 1888. He 
then removed to Minneapolis and accepted a position as stair- 
builder with the Bartwell-Robinson Sash & Door Company, with 
whom he remained two and a half years. The summer of 1890 he 
returned to Dubuque and was offered a similar position with Far- 
ley & Loetcher, but in the spring of the following year he located 
in St. Paul, Minnesota. Shortly thereafter he again returned to 
Dubuque and the employ of Farley & Loetcher, but two months 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 68i 

later went with the Carr-Rider & Adams Company, with whom 
he remained until 1907. For about a year thereafter he worked 
with different firms, then resumed his connection with the firm of 
Farley & Loetcher, with whom he has remained ever since. Most of 
Mr. Reinold's best work has gone to Des Moines, Iowa ; Kansas 
City, Missouri, and Peoria, Illinois, and the finished and beautiful 
work on stairways in some of tlie more prominent buildings in 
those cities is of his workmanship. Mr. Reinold is an independ- 
ent Democrat in politics, and a member of the Woodmen of the 
World, Royal Order of Moose and the Carpenters' Union. On 
June I, 1892, he was united in marriage with Miss Louisa Schaff- 
hauser, daughter of Andrew and Christina Schaffhauser, the for- 
mer living and the latter dying in 1894. To this union four chil- 
dren have been born, named : Marcella, Elsie, Joseph and Dorothy, 
all living at home and attending school. 

Thomas Kingsley, for many years actively identified with pub- 
lic and private interests in and around Cascade, is a native of 
Buckinghamshire, England. His parents, John and Mary (Col- 
lins) Kingsley, together with their three sons, Thomas, Frederick 
William and Charles Joseph, came to the United States in 1855, 
and for a time farmed on land which is now part of the city of 
Cleveland, Ohio. In i860 they moved to Cascade, Iowa, where 
a daughter, named Lois, was born the same year. They estab- 
lished a home in Spring Valley, Cascade township, and engaged in 
farming. Mr. Kingsley was a man of sound judgment and com- 
manded universal respect. He was a Republican, served as a 
member of the school board and township supervisor, and died in 
1884, aged sixty-four years. Mrs. Kingsley died in 1881, when 
fifty-nine years old. Thomas Kingsley was born in 1849, and was 
but six years old when brougJit to this country by his parents. 
After attending the public schools in early youth he began clerk- 
ing in the store of Michael Snyder at Cascade, when fourteen 
years old, and thus continued seven years. The succeeding six 
years he worked for Fay «& Croston. then with Crawford Brothers 
three years. In 188 1 lie embarked in the grocery business upon 
his own responsibility, adding dry goods to his stock later on. 
Owing to failing health, he ceased active business pursuits in 
1888, but two years later became manager of the Cascade Mills, 
which he remodeled and converted into a high-grade roller mill, 
also resuming the grocery business. He continued in this manner 
until 1909, when he disposed of the grocery, purchased the mills, 
and with characteristic energ}' has improved the latter property 
until it is one of the best] in the country. Aside from this, he is 
and has been identified with other public enterprises. He provided 
the equipment that furnishes lighting for the City Light & Power 
Company, operates a saw mill, owns a cement plant that has fur- 



682 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

nished cement building blocks entering into the construction of 
buildings, has dealt in ice since 1905, and has been a director of the 
Farmers' & Merchants' Bank since its organization. In religious 
affairs he has been actively identified with the Baptist church for 
a great many years, of which he is a deacon, and for twenty-three 
years has been superintendent of its Sunday school. He has served 
as secretary of the Modem Woodmen of the World for fifteen 
years, and is also a member of and secretary of the Mystic Work- 
ers. In 1873 Mr. Kingsley married Margaret, daughter of A. P. 
Hamil, an old settler of Cascade township. Mrs. Kingsley died 
in 1891, aged thirty-eight years, leaving two children: Myrta E. 
and Ida May. In 1895 Mr. Kingsley married Ida Weir, born in 
Iowa in 1868, a daughter of William and Melissa (Young) Weir. 
The four children born to this marriage are named : Thomas, Will- 
iam, Mellissa and Philip. 

William Scott Wright, pioneer abstract of title man and real 
estate lawyer of Dubuque, is a native of Scotland, his birth occur- 
ring at Edinburgh, June 10, 1842. His parents were John Wright, 
M. D., and Helen Wright. He came to America and Dubuque 
county, Iowa, in the year 1850. Here he attended the public 
schools and Bayless Business College, succeeding which he took 
up the study of law, and was admitted to practice before the State 
Bar of Iowa in 1873. Shortly thereafter Mr. Wright engaged in 
the abstract of title and real estate law business, at which he has 
since continued. In 1880 he was united in marriage with Miss 
Agnes E. Aitchison, eldest daughter of John Y. Aitchison, D. D., 
of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and they make their home in the city of 
Dubuque. 

Adolph G. Sltmmerfield, engaged in the cleaning and dyeing 
business in Dubuque, is a native of this city and a son of P. H. E. 
and Bertha (Rauba) Summerfield. P. H. E. Summerfield was 
born in the Prussian Province of Brandenburg, Germany, in 1835, 
and came to America and Dubuque, Iowa, at an early period. In 
i860 he established a cleaning and dyeing concern which he suc- 
cessfully operated for many years. In 1878 his wife died, leaving 
the following five children to mourn her loss : Minnie, Ewald, 
Bertha, Hattie (Snyder), and Adolph G. Mr. Summerfield remar- 
ried in 1879, taking for his wife Miss Louisa Freehoffer, who is 
yet living and residing in Dubuque. In 1904, when sixty -nine 
years old, Mr. Summerfield passed away and was buried in Lin- 
wood cemetery. Adolph G. Summerfield, the youngest of the 
children, was born on January 16, 1872. He was educated in the 
public schools of Dubuque and learned the cleaning and dyeing 
business under the tutelage of his father, eventually becoming 
proprietor of the concern. In 1895 he was united in marriage with 



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CHARLES HOLLNAGEL 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 683 

Miss Maud Collings, daughter of Alfred Collings, a carpenter and 
builder, and they reside in a beautiful home at 1272 Freemont 
avenue, with their three children: Alfred, Rhoda and Virginia. 
Mr. Summerfield is a member of the Ancient Order of United 
Workmen, the Modern Woodmen of America, the Modern 
Brotlierhood, and he and family are communicants of the Epis- 
copal church. 

William Zumhof, of the firm of Peter Kiene & Son, is a native 
of Dubuque and a son of the old pioneer, George Zumhof. The 
latter was born in Hanover, Germany, January 9, 1821, and came 
to America in 1845, first locating, for two years, in Philadelphia, 
Pennsylvania. He then came to Dubuque, which at that time was 
little more than a frontier settlement with about 800 inhabitants. 
In 1849 Mr. Zumhof opened a small bakery on the corner of Fifth 
and Main streets, which he conducted four years, and then erected 
the Mississippi Hotel on White street, which he operated for a 
period of nine years. In 1852 he married Miss Mary Wilhelm, 
and ten children were born to them, the following seven now liv- 
ing: Mrs. F. H. Roedell, of Minneapolis, Minnesota; George, 
Jr., of Ballard, Washington; Mrs. Alex Allardyce, of Chicago; 
Mrs. K. Aslesen, of Minneapolis ; Mrs. John Benz, also of Minne- 
apolis; William, our subject; and Mrs. John Neu, of Dubuque. 

In 1902 Mr. and Mrs. Zumhof celebrated their golden wedding, 
at which time a family reunion was held. Mr. Zumhof was a 
pioneer member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of 
which he became a member in 1849, and also of the Masonic fra- 
ternity, of which he became a member February 28, 1856. During 
his long residence in Dubuque he voted for sixteen presidents of the 
United States, and with his passing, on April 6, 1908, the county 
lost a good and true citizen. The funeral services were conducted 
by the Dubuque Lodge of the Masonic Order. 

William Zumhof was born July 10, 1871, and received his edu- 
cation in the public and high schools of Dubuque, and also attended 
a commercial college. His first employment was with Hosford & 
Gruner, with whom he remained five years, and he then spent four 
years with the Dubuque Rubber & Belting Company. For the last 
sixteen years he has been identified with the firm of Peter Kiene 
& Son, of which concern he is now a member. On May 10, 1901, 
he married Miss Anna Francis, of Lena, Illinois, and they have 
these children: Thomas W. (deceased), William, Jr., and Mar- 
guerite. Mr. Zumhof is a member of the Masonic fraternity, being 
a thirty-second degree Mason, a member of De Molay Consistory, 
Clinton, Iowa. 

Charles H. Hollnagel, well and favorably known through- 
out Dubuque county, is a native of the Empire of Germany, his 



684 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

birth occurring April 14, 1835, and is a son of Carl H. and 
Johanna (Zievert) HoUnagel. Carl H. HoUnagel was born in 
the fatherland on May 9, 1806, and there resided with his family 
until 1 86 1, at which time they crossed the Atlantic ocean to Amer- 
ica and journeyed west to Dubuque. After an honorable resi- 
dence of nearly thirty-five years in this county he passed away on 
April 12, 1895, and was laid at rest beside his wife in Linwood 
cemetery, she having preceded him in 1880. Charles H. HoU- 
nagel was educated and reared to manhood in his native country 
and served for a time in the German army. In i860 he immi- 
grated to the United States, landing in New York City December 
22, and with his brother came to Dubuque. Upon arriving here 
they had sufficient money only to purchase two axes, with which 
they went into the surrounding forests to cut wood at seventy 
cents a cord. The following spring these two boys sent for their 
parents, who arrived on May 6, 1861, and for whom they cared 
ever afterward. In 1865 Charles H. HoUnagel opened a cooper's 
shop, having previously learned the trade, and was thus engaged 
until 1877, when he put a superintendent in charge of affairs, and 
opened a general store, which he subsequently disposed of to his 
son-in-law in 1893. Mr. HoUnagel has been careful in business 
affairs, and by hard work and industry has accumulated a com- 
petenc}'. He is a director of the W^aterloo (Iowa) Casket Com- 
pany, where he has also large real estate properties. He was a 
trustee of St. John's Lutheran church, in which he has held mem- 
bership many years. Originally he was a Republican in politics, 
but now espouses the policies of the Democratic party in local 
affairs, having changed his views when the Iowa Republican party 
inserted the temperance plank in their state platform. He served 
as township trustee for a period of eight years, and as alderman 
of the Fifth ward from 1883 until 1887. To his marriage with 
Miss Fredericka Sass, a native of Germany, solemnized May 2y, 
1861, the following named children were born: Freda (deceased) ; 
Emma F.. now Mrs. Morris Wilson; Carl H. (deceased); and 
Mathilda L. (deceased). On August 15, 1909, Mrs. HoUnagel 
passed away, after a long siege of illness, and was buried in the 
family lot in Linwood cemetery. 

Benjamin Franklin Blocklinger, cashier of the First Na- 
tional Bank of Dubuque, was born in this city January i, 1864, a 
son of Gottfried and Ursula (Hilti) Blocklinger. appropriate men- 
tion of whom is made elsewhere in this publication. Benjamin F. 
Blocklinger received his education in the public and high schools 
of Dubuque, and on January 30, 1882, started as messenger boy 
in the First National Bank. Practically his entire life has been 
passed in connection with the banking industry, and by close atten- 
tion to business he carefullv mastered the details of that line and 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 685 

has arisen to his present position. When twenty-four years old he 
entered the service of his country and served ten years with the 
Iowa National Guard, in which he attained the rank of major. 
When the Spanish-American war broke out, his command was 
ordered to the front, and saw active service during that struggle 
at Havana, Cuba. Mr. Blocklinger also served as captain of Com- 
pany A of the Governor's Greys, which was organized in 1887, and 
named in honor of the famous Governor's Greys who were the first 
company in the State of Iowa to offer its services to President 
Lincoln's call for volunteers to help preserve the Union. This old 
organization was widely known for its splendid serA'ice during the 
Civil war. Aside from his connection with the First National 
Bank, Mr. Blocklinger is treasurer of Finley Hospital, of the Lin- 
wood Cemetery Association and of the Dubuque Telephone Com- 
pany, and is treasurer and a director of the Dubuque Building & 
Loan Association. Socially he is identified with the Masonic fra- 
ternity, in politics is a Republican, and attends the Methodist 
church. On August 23, 1898, he was united in marriage with 
Miss lola Brown, of Waterloo, Iowa, and they reside at No. i 
Coventry Court, Dubuque. 

Michael H. Sauser, a member of one of the old and best 
known families of Dubuque county, is a retired farmer, and is 
now living in the town of Cascade. John B. Sauser, his father, 
was born in Luxemburg, Grand Duchy of Luxemburg, August 16, 
1826, and in the year 1848 came to the United States and first 
located at Detroit, Michigan, where he worked at brickmaking. 
He remained there two years and then removed to Cascade town- 
ship, Dubuque county, Iowa, where he engaged in farming. That 
same year he married Mrs. Mary Kurt (her maiden name being 
Scheitler), a native of Luxemburg, who was born in Krauten, Janu- 
ary 30, 1814, her first husband, Michael Kurt, having died in 1850. 
Year by year Mr. Sauser increased his farming domain until prior 
to his retirement he had accumulated an area of about 1,200 acres 
of the finest land in Dubuque county, and upon which he erected 
most substantial improvements in the shape of residence, barns and 
other buildings, and was a pioneer in farming on a large scale. 
About the year 1886 he disposed of much of his land to his children, 
moved to Cascade, and there lived retired from the more active 
duties of life until his death in 1906. His wife died June 13, 1897. 
They were the parents of the following family. Annie, residing at 
home in Cascade; Susan, wife of N. J. Bisenius, of Cascade town- 
ship; Catherine, now Mrs. P. Pettinger, of Cumberland; J. P. and 
Michael H., the latter two residing in Cascade. Michael H. Sau- 
ser was reared to manhood on the old home place and, as a boy, 
attended the village schools. He followed farming as an occupa- 



686 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

tion until 1891, then embarked in the lumber business in Cascade. 
He later disposed of this and is now practically retired from active 
business pursuits, his home being with his sister Annie. 

Fred Doerrmann, Dubuque's popular ladies' and gentlemen's 
tailor, is a native of the Grand Duchy of Baden, Germany, his 
birth occurring November 24, 1865, and the oldest son of Jacob 
and Barbara (Saam) Doerrmann. For many generations the male 
members of the family have followed tailoring, and Jacob Doerr- 
mann was no exception to this rule, but he also at one time tried 
farming and was so successful at it that he renounced the trade 
of his forefathers and ever afterwards engaged in agricultural 
pursuits. He is still living, but the wife died and is buried in the 
old country. Fred Doerrmann attended the public schools until 
his sixteenth year, and then spent two and a half years as an 
apprentice to the tailor's trade. He then went to Strasburg, Prov- 
ince of Alsace, where he worked at his trade a few months, and 
then took his card, as is customary among journeymen tailors of 
the old country, and started out on foot to further his ability by 
working in various tailoring establishments throughout the coun- 
try, keeping a record of every place in which he worked. For a 
time he was located at Zurich, Switzerland, making army officers' 
uniforms and citizens' clothing, and then went by rail to Geneva, 
where he remained two years, making also ladies' as well as gen- 
tlemen's clothes. Desiring to perfect himself in his life's work, 
Mr. Doerrmann went to Paris, France, the leading city in fash- 
ions, and there studied under the masters of his craft. He found 
employment in an establishment first at the Latin quarter and later 
on the Grand Boulevard, and there remained two years, after 
which he went to London and secured employment in the West 
End tailoring shops, having for customers members of the nobility 
of England. Following a short trip home, he immigrated to 
America, and after visiting relatives in Lansing, Iowa, went to 
Minneapolis and there worked until the fall of the panic. He then 
opened a tailor shop in Glenwood, Wisconsin, but found the place 
too small, and shortly afterwards, in 1894, came to Dubuque and 
embarked in his profession on Clay street. In August, 1910, he 
removed his offices to the sixth floor of the Bank & Insurance 
Building, occupying a suite of rooms and catering to the best of 
trade. Mr. Doerrmann, by reason of his long experience in the 
tailoring business, during which he has studied under the first men 
of the line in the world, conducts one of the best and most com- 
plete tailoring establishments in the city, and guarantees satisfac- 
tion to all his customers. In 1901 he married Miss Maria Wolpert, 
a native of Germany, and after a trip abroad they returned to 
Dubuque and have since made this city their home. 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 687 

William C. Murphy, of Dubuque, local representative for 
R. G. Dun & Co.'s Commercial Agency, was born at Galena, Illi- 
nois, November 11, 1876, one of six children born to the marriage 
of Terrence and Alice (Harris) Murphy. Terrence L. Murphy, 
his father, was a native of Troy, New York. He later came West 
to Galena, Illinois, and there engaged in mercantile pursuits until 
his removal to Dubuque in 1885. Here for fifteen years he was 
engaged in the cigar business, and in 1909 removed to Wilmont, 
Minnesota, where he has since been engaged in the harness busi- 
ness. Mrs. T. L. Murphy, his mother, was the daughter of Will- 
iam Harris, who came from England to America, about 1850, and 
settled at Galena, Illinois, later going to Idaho, where he engaged 
in mining. Shortly after finishing the local schools, William C. 
Murphy entered the employ of The Bradstreet Commercial Agency 
in 1889, remaining with them about two years. He then went with 
R. G. Dun & Co., and has ever since been identified with that firm. 
On November i, 1902, he assumed management of their offices in 
Dubuque, with fifteen counties in Iowa and two in Illinois under 
his supervision. On June 16, 1900, Mr. Murphy was united in 
marriage with Miss Elizabeth R. Rose, whose parents were Jacob 
and Katherine Rose, and who conducted a general store at East 
Dubuque, Illinois, many years ago. Three children have been 
born to them, as follows: Edith R., William C, Jr., and Robert D. 
Mr. Murphy is a member of the Dubuque Club and is one of the 
public-spirited men of the community. 

Frank J. Kearney, manager of the Western Union Telegraph 
office in Dubuque, was born in this city November 28, 1870, a son 
of the old pioneers, Michael M. and Mary (Griffin) Kearney. 
Michael M. Kearney was born in New York state in 1838, and was 
of Irish descent, his parents coming to America at an early date. 
Early in life he attended the public schools and learned the car- 
penter trade, and in 1859 went to Montreal, Canada, where he 
remained two years. He then returned to Waddington, New 
York, and when the government was plunged into war, and all 
patriotic men were urged to come forward to maintain the union 
of the states, the stirring call met with an answer from Mr. 
Kearney, who enlisted with the Eighty-third New York Volun- 
teers, which command was later consolidated with the Ninety- 
seventh, and he served throughout that entire struggle as a mem- 
ber of the Army of the Potomac. He was wounded five times,, 
twice seriously. At the battle of the Wilderness he lost an eye 
and during another engagement was struck in the leg by a bullet 
which splintered the bone and rendered him somewhat crippled 
in after life. In 1865 he was honorably discharged, and came to 
Dubuque, his people having removed to this city during the war. 
Here he worked at his trade of carpenter, and in 1868 was mar- 



688 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

ried to Miss Mary Griffin, a native of Ireland. To them were 
born: Frank J. ; Katherine (Mrs. D. U. Murphy); May (Sister 
Mary Amabihs of the Sisters of Charity. B. U. M. ) ; Agnes; and 
Joseph (deceased). Frank J. Kearney, the oldest of the children 
and the immediate subject of this memoir, received his education 
in the local parochial schools and under private tutors. He also 
attended Bayless Business College and learned telegraphy, at which 
he has been engaged ever since. He is at present manager of the 
Western Union office in Dubuque. In 1902 he was married to 
Miss Effie Adams, who is descended from Rev. Robert Cushman, 
of Colonial fame, and to them Francis A. and Mary Adella have 
been born. It was Robert Cushman who. with Governor Carver, 
chartered the Mayflower, which brought the first Pilgrims to 
America, in December, 1620. He himself came in 162 1, and after 
having been here a few weeks, preached a sermon on "Sin and the 
Danger of Self-Love." It is the oldest sermon e.xtant, delivered 
in America. Mr. Kearney is a member of the Knights of Colum- 
bus, is a Roman Catholic in religious views, and one of the pro- 
gressive and public-spirited men of the county. 

John Spencer, architect, witli offices in the Bank & Insurance 
Building, Dubuque, was born a subject of the British crown, his 
birth, occurring at York. December 26, 1856. Thomas and Anna 
(Armstrong) Spencer, his parents, were natives of Scotland, but 
lived the greater part of their lives and died in England. After 
attending the public schools, John Spencer entered Cambridge Uni- 
versity, but did not, however, complete his course in that institu- 
tion. In 1877 lie was graduated from South Kensington Art 
Institute, and for ten years thereafter followed his trade of archi- 
tect in Great Britain. After coming to America and Dubuque, 
Mr. Spencer was for a time identified as junior member with the 
firm of W. W. Boynton & Company, designers and architects, 
which concern erected the Bank & Insurance Building in Dubuque. 
He tiien spent two years in Chicago, after which he returned to 
Dubuque, and has here been ever since actively engaged at his 
profession. Among the more prominent structures erected by Mr. 
Spencer are the following: Iowa Trust & Savings Bank, German 
Trust & Savings Bank, Young Women's Christian Association 
Building, Carnegie-Stout Library, Iowa Telephone Building, 
Eagle Point Park Pavilion, Pavilion at Tri-State Fair, Glover & 
Company warehouses and offices. German Presbyterian School, 
Carr-Ryder & Adams factory, warehouses and offices, St. Luke's 
parsonages, and the F. D. Stout and many other pri\'ate residences 
of note. He also built St. Peter's School at Keokuk, Iowa. So- 
cially, Mr. Spencer is identified with the Benevolent and Protect- 
ive Order of Elks and the Anglican Society, being secretary of the 
latter organization. To his marriage with Miss Marcia Cynthia 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 689 

Pomeroy, daughter of Andrew and Elizabeth Pomeroy, of Chi- 
cago, one son and two daughters have been born, named : John 
Armstrong, attending the Prescott School ; Marcia Catherine, and 
Elizabeth Ward. Mrs. Spencer is a member of the Daughters of 
the American Revolution. The family residence is at 1025 Locust 
street. 

William Craft was born January 15, 1854, a son of Samuel 
and Elizabeth (Schaeffer) Craft, of whom proper mention is 
made in the biography of George W. Craft, appearing elsewhere in 
this work. William Craft was reared on a farm, receiving his 
education in the public schools. In 1881, while in Cass county, 
Iowa, he married Estella Pence, who was born in Brown county, 
Ohio, March 3, 1859, daughter of Samuel and Fannie (Payne) 
Pence. He later moved to Linn county, Iowa, but eventually 
returned to Dubuque county and established a home, where he 
now resides. Mr. Craft is known as one of the progressive, mod- 
ern and successful farmers of this county, and his graded stock 
have attracted wide attention. Besides his present farm, he is the 
owner of a half section of land in Barnes county, North Dakota, 
an interest in the creamery at Fillmore, and other properties in 
various localities. Mr. Craft is a member of the Ancient Free & 
Accepted Masons, the Eastern Star, and the Modern Woodmen 
of America, and is a Republican in politics. To Mr. and Mrs. 
Craft the following named children have been born: Samuel, an 
undertaker residing in Montana ; Charles, engaged in mining in 
South Dakota; George, a farmer of North Dakota; William; 
Stanley ; Sidney ; Melvin ; Estella ; and Celia. 

Rudolph Jones, for the past quarter of a century successfully 
engaged in carpenter contracting in Dubuque, with offices and 
residence at 1029 Rhomberg avenue, was born at Crete, near Chi- 
cago, Cook county, Illinois, August 3, 1855, the son of John and 
Elizabeth Jones. John Jones, who changed the name from Joens to 
Jones, was a native of Holstein, Germany, and came to America 
in 1853, locating in Dubuque, Iowa, about tliree years later. He 
was originally a contractor by occupation, but later took up and 
for thirty years engaged in farming in Table Mound township. 
Both he and wife are now living in Dubuque, eighty years of age, 
retired from the acti\e cares of life, and on April 4, 1904, they 
celebrated their golden wedding in this city. Before coming to the 
United States Mr. Jones was a member of the German army, and 
he saw active service in the international struggles of that country. 
Rudolph Jones came with his parents to Dubuque when very 
young. He assisted his father in carpentering, and also remained 
some nine years on the home farm in Table Mound township. In 
1878, when twenty-three years old, he came to the city of Dubuque. 



690 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

and after working as a journeyman carpenter for a time, embarked 
in the contracting business on liis own account, and has ever since 
been successfully engaged in that line of business. He has erected 
many of Dubuque's fine commercial houses and private residences, 
churches and public buildings, among which are the Masonic Tem- 
ple and German Lutheran Church of Emanuel. Mr. Jones is a 
Republican in politics and for eight years, 1898 to 1906, served as 
Alderman-at-large, and in religious views is a German Lutheran. 
November 28, 1883, at Earlville, Iowa, he married Miss Elizabeth 
Werkmeister, and three children have been born to them, named, 
LHa; Richard, engaged in life, fire and accident insurance business 
in Davenport, Iowa; and John F., now studying law. Mrs. Jones 
was the daughter of Finton and Juditha Werkmeister, natives of 
Baden, Germany, and pioneer settlers of Dubuque. 

Alexander Simplot, the oldest of the living native-born citizens 
of Dubuque, in fact in the state of Iowa, first saw the light of day 
on January 5, 1837. His father, Henry Simplot, was born in Besan- 
con, France, in the year 1800, and when twenty-two years old 
married Miss Susan Le Clair, with whom, at an early date, he 
iminigrated to America. They first located in Chicago, where 
they started to erect a home, but disposed of this and removed to 
Nauvoo, Hancock county, Illinois, this being before the JNIormons 
settled there. In 1836 they came to Dubuque, then little more 
than a frontier settlement, and purchased a lot at the corner of 
what is now Main and First streets, where for many years the 
father engaged in the mercantile business. As his business grew 
he added the buying and selling of grains, pork packing, etc., and 
during Dubuque's early history was one of the leading business 
men. He passed away in 1846. a member of the first Board of 
Aldermen under Mayor Booth, the first Mayor, and was buried in 
the Catholic cemetery, but when his wife died in 1877 his remains 
were taken up and laid beside her in the family lot in Linwood 
cemetery. 

Early in life Alexander Simplot displayed considerable talent 
as an artist and portrayer of landscape scenes, but this profession 
was looked down upon by his friends, and, his relatives sought to 
discourage him. But the ability and instinct to draw were born in 
him, and many valuable scenes have been preserved through his 
talented efforts. Mr. Simplot was unusually well educated, being 
a graduate of Union College, New York, and a student for two 
years at Mount Morris, Illinois, where he was a classmate of Sen- 
ator Cullom and Mr. Rawlins, who was Secretary of War under 
President Grant. When, in answer to President Lincoln's first 
call for volunteers in 1861, the troops were embarking on the Al- 
hambra for Cairo, Illinois, Mr. Simplot made a sketch of the scene 
and sent same to Harper's IVcckly. This was published and he at 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 691 

iheir request went to Cairo as war correspondent. He was also 
appointed assistant engineer in the War Department and was thus 
enabled to portray many of the battles and engagements on the 
Mississippi river. His sketch of the battle of Memphis was the 
only one taken at the time of the actual battle. At the close of 
the war he returned to Dubuque and in 1866 was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Virginia Knapp. To them the following children 
were born: Ella (Tschirgi); Mary A. (Metz); Frank, deceased; 
Harry A. ; LeRoy B. : Julian D. ; Alvin R., and Orville G. Mrs. 
Simplot departed this life in 1904 and now lies at rest in the family 
lot in Linwood cemetery. At the time of his marriage Mr. Sim- 
plot took active charge of his dry goods establishment, which he 
successfully conducted for some time, but subsequently disposed of 
his interests and embarked extensively in the buying and shipping 
of grain. He also owned considerable real estate properties in 
Dubuque and elsewhere. In religious views he is an adherent of 
the Presbyterian faith. He is secretary of the Dubuque County 
Old Settlers' Association and secretary of the Julien Dubuque 
Monument Association. As a good man, a loving father, and an 
honest citizen he stands second to none in the county. 

George Collis, president of the Collis Company, Dubuque, is a 
native of England, his birth occurring April 26, 1852, and a son 
of George and Tamer (Palmer) Collis. Early in life he lost his 
father, and what schooling he received was managed by the mother. 
When eleven years old he became an apprentice to the copper- 
smith's trade, and in 1869 brought his mother and two sisters 
across the ocean to Hamilton, Canada, where for two years he 
worked at his trade. He then entered the employ of the Canada 
Southern Railroad Company as coppersmith at St. Thomas, but in 
1876 he embarked in the plumbing business on his own account. 
Dull times followed the exposition in that city and he secured 
employment with the Grand Trunk Railway at Hamilton, Ontario, 
but in 1891 he came West to Rockford, Illinois, and helped to 
organize the Andrews Iron & Wire Works, of which concern he 
was secretary for thirteen years. In 1907 he disposed of his inter- 
ests and joined his sons in Dubuque, Iowa, putting considerable 
money into the concern, of which he has been for some time presi- 
dent. In 1873 Mr. Collis was united in marriage with Miss 
Thirza Dallyn, and these children have been born to them : Nor- 
man P., Harold G., Oliver D., Florence M., living, and Frank B. 
and Herbert G., deceased. In 1898 Mrs. Collis passed away, and 
two years later Mr. Collis married Miss Isabella Dallyn, a cousin 
of his former wife. One of Mr. Collis' remarkable characteris- 
tics is his great love of children and his associations with them. 
He was reared in Sunday school work, is a teacher in the Congre- 
gational Sunday school, and to this day delights in gathering 



692 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

young people about him and studying with them. In politics he is 
a firm believer in the Progressive movement. Socially he is iden- 
tified with the Royal Arcanum, the Ancient Order of Foresters and 
the Masonic fraternity, of which latter organization he is a Royal 
Arch Mason. He is xtvy positive in his convictions that alcoholic 
beverages are a curse to humanity. His library and garden are 
his chief pleasures. 

Joseph Gehrig, who died April 13, 1885, was a notable man in 
the early annals of Dubuque and had a remarkable career. He 
was born in Canton St. Gallen, Switzerland, in 1819, and when a 
young man immigrated to the United States. He landed at New 
Orleans in June, 1844, remained there a short time, and then 
worked his way by boat to Galena, Illinois, which was at that time 
the principal distributing point for the Northwest. He came to 
Dubuque in that year ; there were but four brick buildings in the 
place at that time. He worked in P. E. Lorimier's stone quarry 
for fifty cents a day and chopped wood for thirty cents a day. 
When the Mexican War broke out he, desiring to enlist, walked to 
Galena three times to meet the recruiting officer, but never found 
him and was therefore denied the privilege of satisfying his ambi- 
tion for a military life. The news of the discovery of gold in 
California next fired his imagination. In 1849 ^^ joined a com- 
pany and with ox teams started on the six months' journey over- 
land across the plains. Three hundred miles this side of the 
Rocky Mountains their cattle died and the remainder of the trip 
was made on foot with incredible hardships. Upon their arrival 
at Sacramento they found it a place consisting of a few tents. 
The first work he did there was the digging of the first two cellars 
that were ever dug in Sacramento. For this work he received 
$120. Then, after paying a debt of eighty dollars, he "grub- 
staked" himself with the remainder and started mining for himself. 
He staked out a claim in the vicinity of Captain Sutter's discovery 
and was successful. He remained there until 185 1, and then re- 
turned to the States via the Istlimus of Panama and was compelled 
to walk from ocean to ocean under a tropical sun. Upon arrival 
at New York he had decided to visit his native land, but changed 
his mind and returned to Dubuque, traveling by rail to Elgin, 
which was then the western terminus of the road, and the remainder 
of the distance by stage. Here he bought the ground upon which 
the Jefferson House now stands and which was then an Indian 
mound. In order to erect the hotel he thought an excavation of 
thirty-two feet was necessary, and in this excavation, in a rudely 
constructed coffin, was found the body of O'Connell, who was the 
first man hanged in Dubuque county. His ofifense was the murder 
of his mining partner in order to obtain sole control of their dis- 
covery. Mr. Gehrig erected the hotel and it became one of the 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 693 

most noted hostelries of early times. He began building in 1852, 
but did not complete it before 1854, when it was first opened to the 
public. All the hardware and glass had to be brought from 
Chicago. He accumulated considerable property and was ac- 
coimted wealthy. 

In 185 1 he married Ursula Kiene, a sister of the late Peter 
Kiene; she died in 1872. They became the parents of six children : 
Mary, Paul, Henry, Lena, John, and Joseph. Before building the 
Jefferson House Mr. Gehrig conducted the old Farmers' Home on 
Clay street. The Jefferson House has always been owned and 
operated by the Gehrigs. 

Of the foregoing children Henry Gehrig is the present proprietor 
of the hotel. He was born in Dubuque, April 3, 1864, attended 
the public .schools during boyhood, aided his father in operating 
the hotel, and upon the latter's demise took charge of the estate, 
and in 1893 became proprietor of the hotel, which he has since 
managed. As was his father before him, Henry Gehrig is a Demo- 
crat in politics and an active worker in the ranks of his party. The 
elder Gehrig served in the City Council when Messrs. Turck and 
Graves occupied the office of Mayor of Dubuque. On May 29, 
1893, Henry Gehrig married Miss Mary Schrup, daughter of 
Joseph and Wilhelmina Schrup, and they have five children : Joseph, 
Paulina, Lucile, Rosaline and Paul. 

Herman Brinkman, deceased, long a resident of Dubuque, was 
born in Germany in 1829, and when twenty-one years old crossed 
the Atlantic ocean to America. He first located in Cleveland, Ohio, 
where for two years he worked at his trade of cabinetmaker, and in 
1853 came to Dubuque and embarked in the cabinet and furniture 
business at the corner of Ninth and Main streets. In 1861 he 
opened a pork packing establishment on Eighth street between 
Main and Iowa streets, which he conducted successfully for a period 
of fifteen years. He then disposed of his interests and entered 
the grocery business at the corner of Seventeenth and West Locust 
streets, later remo\'ing to Sanford and Windsor avenues, where he 
remained until his death in 1888. To his marriage with Miss 
Xararia Kleiner, daughter of Joachim Kleiner, pioneer farmer of 
Dubuque county, four children were born as follows : Oscar, Mary, 
Herman W., and Ida, now Mrs. Meisch. Mrs. Brinkman died in 
1909 and was laid at rest beside her husband in Mount Calvary 
cemetery. Of the above named children Herman W. Brinkman 
received his scholastic training in the local public and parochial 
schools, and at the age of twenty, in 1888, entered his father's gro- 
cery establishment, learning thoroughly the details of that line of 
work and eventually succeeding to the business. As a Democrat 
in politics he was elected City Treasurer in 1902, holding that office 
until 1910, when, in partnership with Thomas Federspeil, he pur- 



694 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

chased the wholesale and retail cheese establishment of the A. Hasel 
estate. Under their management this business has since been 
greatly increased and is now regarded as one of the solid and sub- 
stantial commercial houses of the city. On April 4, 1895, ^^r. 
Brmkman was united in marriage with Miss Theresa A. Frey, and 
one son, Joseph, has been born to them. They are also rearing 
Carl and Leo, sons of Mr. Brinkman's brother-in-law. Mr. Brink- 
man is a Catholic in religion, and is a member of the Catholic Order 
of Foresters and of the St. Aloysius Society. 

Anton Friedman, deceased, for many years prominently identi- 
fied with the farming interests of Dubuque county, was a native of 
the state of Ohio, born October 14, 1844, a son of Joseph and 
Katherine Friedman. He came with his parents to Dubuque 
county, Iowa, in 1856, and for a time attended the New Vienna 
school. Joseph Friedman died in 1883, aged sixty-nine years, and 
was buried in Luxemburg; his wife died' in i860 and is buried at 
New Vienna. Shortly after his marriage Anton Friedman farmed 
on rented land, and later bought 120 acres which he improved. In 
1882 he sold this and purchased 160 acres, six years later adding 
another 80 acres to his holdings, and by hard work he brought his 
property to a high state of cultivation. He gradually prospered 
and became one of the foremost men of his community. July 20, 
1900, he passed away and his loss was mourned generally through- 
out the county. On February 18, 1868, he w-as united in marriage 
with Miss Elizabeth Westendorf, who was born July 31, 1849, in 
Maryland, the daughter of Joseph and Catherine Westendorf. Her 
parents came to Dubuque county at an early date and here engaged 
in farming. To them were born these children: Mary, the wife 
of Herman Sassen. retired farmer of Adrian, Minnesota ; Cather- 
ine, married George Friedman, retired farmer of Alton, Sioux 
county, Iowa; Anna, wife of John Stalzer, farming in Marshall 
county. Iowa: Theresa, wife of Henry Pottebaum. farming in 
Liberty township ; Bernardina, married John Hoefler, of West- 
phalia, Kansas, and Elizabeth, wife of Anton Friedman. Mr. 
Westendorf died April 10, 1890, aged seventy-one years, followed 
by his wife December 8, 1895, aged seventy-one years, and both 
are buried at Luxemburg. Mrs. Friedman attended the old Vor- 
wald school during her girlhood days, and resided at home until 
her marriage. She now resides on the old homestead, where she 
and her husband lived happily together for many years. To them 
were born the following named children: John J., died at the age 
of twenty-six, March 12, 1905, while studying for the priesthood, 
and is buried in the family lot at Luxemburg; Joseph, farming 
in Liberty township ; Mary, who married John Pottebaum, a 
farmer of Millville township, Clayton county, Iowa; Jacob, pro- 
prietor of the Dyersville Automobile Company ; George, farmer of 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 695 

Clayton county; Theresa. Sister Lucilla of St. Francis, Dubuque; 
Henry J., at home; Magdalena, residing at home; WiUiam Anton, 
at home, and Anna M., a graduate of Luxemburg parochial school. 
Mr. Friedman always took an active interest in the growth and 
development of his section of the county and for years held the 
office of township trustee. 

Nicholas John Bisenius, farmer and stock raiser, residing on 
section 27, Cascade townsiiip. is a son of Mathias and Ann Bisenius, 
natives of Germany, who immigrated to the United States in 185 1 
with their three children, Mary, Catherina and William. .The 
family first settled at Holy Cross, Iowa, but at an early period in 
the history of Dubuque county. Iowa, moved here and established 
a home on section 11, Cascade township, taking up government 
land at $1.25 an acre. After their arrival in this country the 
parents had born to them five more children : Margaret, Nicholas, 
Anna M., E211en, and Mathias. Mathias Bisenius was noted for his 
industry, honesty, his love of home and his veneration for the tenets 
of the Catholic church. He and wife are now dead. Nicholas 
John Bisenius was born (1856) in the township where he now 
resides and was here educated in the public schools and grew to 
manhood. After his father's death he rented the home farm, which 
he later bought of the heirs, and continued to reside there until 1880. 
at which time he moved to his present home. Mr. Bisenius is one 
of the foremost farmers and stock raisers in this locality, his Poland 
China hogs, high-bred Polled Angus cattle and registered Clydes- 
dale horses being particularly noteworthy. He is a Democrat in 
politics and has served as township trustee and school director 
several terms. In 1878 he married Miss Susan Sauser, who was 
born February 29, 1856, a daughter of John B. Sauser, of whom 
proper notice is given elsewhere in this volume. Fourteen children 
have been born to this union, as follows : John Albert, Mary Lucy, 
John Charles, Frank Peter, Rose Catherine, Mathilda M., Henry 
Michael, Clara Ann, Anthony Frank, Mary Theresa, Joseph M., 
Ida Celestine, Margaret Alvira, and Reginald Frank. The family 
are of the religious faith of their forefathers and belong to the 
Roman Catholic church. 

Frederick I. Massey^ deceased, was, during his long residence 
in the city of Dubuque, European manager for the Massey-Harris 
Company, of Toronto, Canada. He was born in Lockport, New 
York, May 2, 1842, a son of Isaac Frederick Massey. When the 
great struggle between the North and the South became imminent 
Mr. Massey answered President Lincoln's call for volunteers and 
joined tiie LInion forces as a member of Company A, 105th New 
York Volunteer Infantry, being mustered in at Batavia. New York. 
Shortly thereafter he was transferred to the Ninetv-fourth New 



696 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

York Volunteer Infantry, commissioned first lieutenant, and joined 
tlie famous Army of the Potomac. At the battle of Chancellors- 
ville, for valiant services, he was breveted major-colonel, and after 
a long and honorable service was discharged by the War Depart- 
ment of the United States Government at Yorktown, Virginia. 
He was wounded twice. At the conclusion of the war he re- 
enlisted in the regular army and was given charge of the IMilitary 
Commission at Yorktown, where he remained four years, and by 
judicious attitude and shrewd tactics won many friends to "recon- 
struction." In 1869 he resigned from the army and came to 
Dubucjue, immediately engaging as European manager for the 
Massey-Harris Company, and operating same from headquarters 
in Dubuque. Although ever taking an active interest in local affairs 
of importance, Mr. Massey always refused to hold office; he was a 
Republican in politics and a member of the Presbyterian church. 
He was a memebr of the Masonic fraternity and of the Loyal 
Legion, in each of which he was prominent. On October 2, 1866, 
he was united in marriage with Miss Alleen L. Langworthy, of 
Dubuque, and she now resides in the old Lang^vorthy mansion 
known as "Ridge Mount." In 1908 Mr. Massey passed away 
and his loss was mourned generally throughout the county. He 
died as he had lived, an honorable and respected man, and was 
greatly esteemed by all with whom he came in contact. 

James Lyon Langworthy, deceased, was one of the earliest 
white settlers to arrive in Dubuque county. He was born January 
20, 1800, near Windsor, Vermont, and was a direct descendant of 
Andrew Langworthy, who came from England to America in 1630 
and settled in New Haven. This family, in years past, has taken 
a prominent part in the wonderful growth and development of our 
country, assisting the colonies in the struggle for independence and 
in many other ways proving their love and loyalty for the land of 
their adoption. Until nineteen years of age James Lyon Langworthy 
remained on the old home place in Vermont, securing the limited 
educational advantages of the day as afforded by the country 
schools, and then, being possessed with a strong desire to see the 
West, he journeyed to St. Louis. He was of a roving disposition, 
however, and before long left there and, accompanied by his brother, 
Lucius H. Lang^vorthy. came to Dubuque county, Iowa. It has 
been said that they were the first white men to settle in this locality 
after the death of Julien Dubuque. At that time the latter's earthly 
remains were found at rest in a small stone house near the river, 
reclining in a corner, with a pipe thrust between his teeth and his 
body adorned and surrounded by the various implements of the 
chase, after the usual manner of Indian burials. Mr. Langworthy 
had been told of the great mineral wealth of Dubuque county, and, 
guided by friendly Indians, explored the surrounding regions for 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 697 

several months without seeing a white face. He was an honest, 
fearless man, and by square dealing with the Indians gained their 
undying friendship and was given by them the title of "White 
Chief." For 3'ears he continued his mining and trading operations, 
and witnessed the rise of Dubuque from the primitive conditions 
in which he found it to be one of the great metropolitan cities of the 
Middle West. He was one of those sturdy pioneers who have 
done so much for America. — one of those who will live forever in 
the hearts and minds of all people. On March 17, 1840, he was 
united in marriage with Miss Agnes Miln, a native of Edinburgh, 
Scotland, and to them the following children were born : James 
Douglas; Alleen L., widow of F. I. Massey; Herbert, deceased; 
Augusta, and Clara, deceased. To many of the present generation 
the trials and hardships experienced and overcome by the early 
pioneers can scarcely be realized ; it was theirs to do, and with 
hearts full of confidence in a God above and their own strong hands 
they gave America the start that subsequently made her the pre- 
mier country of the world. Such a man was James Lyon Lang- 
worthy. On March 14, 1865, he was summoned to the great un- 
known, and in 1907 he was followed by his wife, both now lying at 
rest in Linwood cemetery. 

Horace Poole. Chief Deputy United States Marshal, Northern 
District of Iowa, and for fifty-two years a resident of Dubuque, 
was born in Danvers, Massachusetts, on December 18, 1836. His 
parents were Fitch and Mary (Poor) Poole, of English ancestry, 
the progenitors of the family in America being John and Margaret 
Poole, who came to this country in 1632, and settled in Newtown 
(now Cambridge), Massachusetts. The early life of Horace Poole 
differed but little from that of other boys in those days; after grad- 
uating from the high school of his native town he entered Kimball 
Union Academy at Meriden, New Hampshire, and upon the com- 
pletion of his course made a voyage to China for the purpose of 
learning navigation, returning in 1857. 

The alluring possibilities of the new West attracted his attention 
and in 1858 he came to Dubuque with Aaron Bayless, the founder 
of Bayless' Commercial College, and remained with him until i860, 
when he accepted the position of bookkeeper in the commission 
house of Smith & Cannon. At the breaking out of the Civil W^ar 
he was a member of the Governor's Greys, a military company 
composed of young business men of the city, and upon the call of 
President Lincoln for 75,000 men he enlisted on April 20. i86r, 
and was enrolled a member of Company I, First Iowa Infantry. 
His first military experience was under General Nathaniel Lyon 
in Missouri, who was killed early in the battle of Wilson's Creek, 
August 10, 1 86 1. 

In 1862 he was appointed adjutant of the Twenty-first Iowa 



698 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Infantry, but soon after taking the field was detailed as staff officer 
with General FitzHenry Warren, and later with General Banks 
commanding the Department of the Gulf. In February, 1864, he 
was appointed by President Lincoln an assistant adjutant general 
with rank of captain and assigned to General Warren, with whom 
he served until the spring of 1865, when he was ordered to Nash- 
ville and assigned to the staff of Major General Thomas, and was 
mustered out after the close of the war, in July, 1865. Upon 
returning to Dubuque he resumed liis old position, but with change 
of firm, and on the death of the proprietor in 1870, a new firm 
was organized by some of the employees, under the firm name of 
Poole, Gilliam & Co., of which Mr. Poole was the active head for 
twenty years. Ever since the year 1898 he has been Chief Deputy 
United States Marshal for the Northern District of Iowa. There 
are but few men in northern Iowa more widely known or more 
universally respected. He has been a vestryman of St. John's 
Episcopal church for many years : is a member of Mosaic Lodge. 
A. F. and A. M., the Grand Army of the Republic and the Military 
Order of the Loyal Legion. 

In 1864 he was united in marriage with Miss Frances Lang- 
worthy, a member of one of the oldest and most respected pioneer 
families of Iowa. They have two sons, Clark Langworthy and 
Horace Stephens, now in business in Chicago. 

William R. Tibbals, who has lived a retired life in Dubuque 
since 1904. was born in Bennington, \^ermont, on June 2y, 1832, 
and is a son of Charles S. and Emaline (Spencer) Tibbals. The 
parents came West to Chicago at an early date and four years later 
went to Elgin, Illinois, and there engaged in the hotel business. In 
1852 they removed to Galena, same state, and there also conducted 
a hostelry. Their son, William R., the immediate subject of this 
memoir, received his education in the common schools and at the 
age of twenty entered the river traffic as a pilot on a steamboat. 
This he followed until 1904, his last service being as captain of the 
Diamond Jo steamer "Quincy." which plied between St. Paul and 
St. Louis. In 1895 Mr. Tibbals was appointed by President Cleve- 
land Supervising Inspector of Steamboats, which position he held 
four years. On August 6, 1856, Mr. Tibbals was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Catherine R. Black, who was born in Pennsylvania 
and educated in Indiana, and to them two children were born, 
William O., residing at the Larches, four miles north of Dubuque, 
and Catherine M., now Mrs. William M. Clewell, of Dubuque. In 
politics Mr. Tibbals espouses the policies of the Democratic party, 
and in religious views is an Episcopalian. In 1904 he retired from 
the active business cares of life and is now residing with his daugh- 
ter at 1660 Iowa street, his wife having passed away in 1906. He 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 699 

is one of the pioneer settlers of Dubuque and bears the respect and 
esteem of all who know him. 

Charles F. Akendt, present humane officer of Dubuque, was 
born in Germany on November 15, 1858, the son of Charles F. 
and Amelia (Conrad) Arendt, both of whom were natives of that 
country. The grandfather was at one time a wealthy brewer, but 
became involved in government affairs, lost his property and escaped 
to Switzerland, where the father of the subject of this sketch took 
up the trade of shoemaker, in which he continued until 1867, when 
he crossed the Atlantic to America, where he believed that chances 
for success were much greater, and the first two years worked at 
his trade in Cleveland, Ohio. In 1869 he came to Dubuque county, 
and with the money he had saved bought a farm in Taljle Mound 
township which he conducted until his death in 1899. His son. 
Charles F., Jr., received his education in the public schools of his 
native country, also of this, and later attended high school two 
terms and the Epworth Seminary two terms, defraying his ex- 
penses at the latter by teaching school. In 1875 he went to Charles 
City, Iowa, to learn the cabinetmaker's trade, and four years later 
returned to Dubuque and practiced same two years. He then 
traveled for various commercial houses until 1890, when he again 
took up the cabinetmaker's trade as foreman of the cabinetmaking 
department of Carr, Ryder & Adams Company, with whom he 
remained until May i, 1902, when he was elected City Recorder; 
he was reelected in 1904 and served until 1906. The following 
year he received the appointment of local humane officer and still 
holds this position. He is a Republican in politics, a Congrega- 
tionalist in religion, and socially is identified with the Masonic fra- 
ternity, the Eagles, the Orioles and the Modern Woodmen of Amer- 
ica. To his marriage with Miss Caroline Capretz, of Wisconsin, 
solemnized in 1880, Charles C, Bartholomew, Henry (deceased) 
and Harold have been born. Mrs. Arendt was the daughter of 
Bartholomew Capretz, who served in the Civil War as a member 
of the Eighty-first Wisconsin Volunteers, participating in the Mis- 
souri and Red River campaigns, and died in 1904. He and wife 
were early settlers of Wisconsin. 

Leonard P. Allen is one of the more recent additions to the 
population of the city of Dubuque, and is presenting before the 
people of the county the new system of analyzing the symptoms 
and adjusting the physical cause of disease known as the chiro- 
practic idea. The basic principles of this system are that the source 
of bodily health or disease is to be found at a point at the base of 
the skull, where the nerves of the brain converge with the spinal 
cord, and along the spinal cord with its attending nerve filaments. 
Chiropractic affords an exact and scientific method of determining 



700 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

the location of any vertebra which on account of its misaHgnment 
is responsible for nerve compression, and also an original, unique 
and most effective manner for correcting this abnormal condition 
by means of the hands alone, using either the spinous or transverse 
processes of the vertebrae as handles or levers. Shortly after com- 
ing to Dubuque Dr. Allen formed a partnership with Dr. Glen L. 
Chamberlain, but this firm has since been dissolved and Dr. Allen 
has continued the practice of his profession alone. He was born 
in Cache county, Utah, June i6, 1885, the son of Andrew B. and 
Susan (Preece) Allen, and is of the ninth generation directly 
descended from Charles Allen, who came from England to the 
American colonies in 1630 and settled in Massachusetts. Dr. 
Allen was reared and primarily educated in Utah, subsequently 
entering the Palmer School of Chiropractic at Davenport, Iowa, 
from which he was graduated June i, 1909. He practiced inter- 
mittently at several points until his location in Dubuque the fall of 
191 o. To his marriage with Miss Lena M. Wallace, solemnized 
in 1909, one daughter. Eva, has been born. 

Robert Young, foreman of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul 
passenger car shops, is of Scotch-English extraction, and was born 
June 8, 1857, in Newbattle, near Edinburgh, Scotland. His father, 
Robert Young, was a native of Scotland, and the mother, whose 
maiden name was Alice Bond, was born in England. Robert 
Yoimg, Sr., was a surveyor and mining engineer in the service of 
the British Government and his duties carried him to nearly every 
portion of the civilized world. After attending the public schools 
Robert Young, the immediate subject of this memoir, learned the 
cabinetmaker's and carpenter's trades, and in 1882 came to America 
by way of New York, stopping for a short time in the state of 
Pennsylvania. He then decided to cross the States to Seattle, 
Washington, with the intention of journeying west to Australia, 
if not pleased with his prospects in the rapidly growing city of the 
Northwest, but stopped off at Dubuque and has since made this 
city his home. He secured employment in the shops of the Chicago, 
Milwaukee & St. Paul road, and in 1884 was made foreman of the 
passenger car department, in which capacity he has remained ever 
since. Mr. Young has been twice married. His first wife, Mary 
Johnstone, of Bonnyrig, near Edinburgh, Scotland, was a descend- 
ant of the Johnstones of Annandale, and a second cousin to Sir 
Charles Johnstone. She died in 1891 and was buried in Linwood 
cemetery. One daughter, Janet, was born to them. She is now 
the wife of Rev. Albert Vonder Lippe, of Kansas City, Kansas. 
In 1893 ^i"- Young married Miss Julia Rose, of Dubuque, and 
one son, Robert E., was born to them. Aside from business affairs 
Mr. Young takes great interest in church work, and was one of the 
organizers of the Third Presbyterian church of Dubuque, of which 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 701 

he is now superintendent of the Sunday school. He is also a mem- 
ber of the Modem Woodmen of America. 

Francis H. Dersch, foreman of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. 
Paul railroad shops, Dubuque, was born in Reading, Pennsylvania, 
January 31, 185 1, the son of Caspar and Elizabeth (Hofifmaster) 
Dersch. The father was born in Tsweibach, Germany, November 
10, 1810, and the mother was a native of Reading, Pennsylvania. 
The father followed railroading all his life and died November 
10, 1886. At the age of eleven Francis H. Dersch entered the 
cotton mills of his native state as spinner. His savings were in- 
vested in books and all spare time was spent in reading, which was 
practically the only education he ever had. The habit of study has 
followed him all through life, and he is today called a well-educated 
man, althougii he had but little actual schooling. When thirteen 
years old he secured employment in the roundhouses of the Phila- 
delpliia & Reading Railroad, where he remained until his twin 
brother was killed by accident and then decided to give up road 
work. He entered the foundry of the same road, and fifteen 
months later was transferred to the machine shops as an appren- 
tice. By close attention to business he mastered the details of that 
department, and at the age of eighteen was made gang foreman and 
had under his charge fifteen machines. In 1878, owing to the 
depressed times in the East, he came West and became a machinist 
in the shops at Hannibal, Missouri, remaining there about three 
years. Succeeding this he spent seven months as brass finisher in 
the Wabash shops at Moberly, Missouri, and in 1881 came to 
Dubuque, where he was made foreman in the Chicago, Milwaukee 
& St. Paul shops, having charge of 120 men and 75 machines. In 
1870 Mr. Dersch married Miss Katherine Trace, of Reading, Penn- 
sylvania, and to them have been born: Elizabeth (Daggendorf) ; 
Frank T. ; John; Kate (Ludwig) : Henry; Herman; Minerva; 
Winifred (Volue), and Irene. Several tools and machines per- 
fected by him are used extensively in the various shops throughout 
the country, but he never patented any of them. In forty-five 
3'ears of active work he has lost but thirty-eight days, which fact 
speaks well for his bodily health. He was the founder of the 
Mutual Relief Society of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul shops 
in Dubuque, which started in 1883 with seventy-five members and 
now has 650 members. E\-ery member pays as dues twenty-five 
cents per week, and receives four dollars per week during sickness 
and seventy-five dollars for funeral expenses. In religious views 
Mr. Dersch is a Presbyterian; socially he is a member of the 
Masonic fraternity, in which he has attained the rank of Knight 
Templar; he also is identified with the Ancient Arabic Order of 
Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, and holds membership in the Modern 
Woodmen of America. 



702 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Joseph L. Fober, farmer and stock raiser, and president of the 
Farmers' Insurance Company, was born August 6, 1866, on the 
farm on which he now resides. Joseph Fober, his father, was a 
native of Ontario, Canada, his birth occurring May i. 1830. The 
family came originally from France. When a small lad Joseph 
Fober was left an orphan by the death of his parents. He grew 
to manhood in New York state with but limited advantages of any 
kind. He learned to be a mechanic, especially as applied to wood- 
working, and for many years was employed in the government 
arsenal at Springfield, Massachusetts, was there married to Ellen 
Tate, the mother of the subject of this sketch. In 1864 he came 
to Dubuque county, Iowa, and bought a farm of sixty acres on 
section 35, Cascade township. He there farmed until 1888, when 
he retired to the village of Cascade and there died March 3, 1903. 
He was a Republican and for fifty years a member of the Baptist 
church. His wife was born February 22, 1829, in County Antrim, 
Ireland, and died September 30, 1908. Joseph and Ellen Fober 
had the following children; Anna, born February 2, 1853, married 
E. Moore, and died in 1885; Margaret, born June 11, 1854, died 
when ten years old ; Martha, born July 8, 1855, married E. Moore, 
her deceased sister's husband: Mary, born December 14, 1856, died 
the following July ; William, born May 24, 1864, died February 4, 
1877; Joseph L., the subject of this sketch; Albert, born May 24, 
1869, died May 20, 1870; Mabel, born October 8, 1871, died Octo- 
ber 12, 1872. 

Joseph L. Fober was educated in the public schools and the 
Central University at Pella, Iowa. Farming has always been his 
occupation and he has always resided on the old homestead, until 
March i, 191 1, when he sold the old farm and engaged in the real 
estate and insurance business. March 18, 1891, he married Miss 
Hattie Battey, who was born in Jones county, Iowa, October 4, 
1865, the daughter of Alexander and Mary (South) Battey. Mr. 
Fober is a Republican, a member of Cascade Lodge No. 127, A. F. 
and A. M. ; Black Jack Camp No. 1077, Modern Woodmen, and of 
the Mystic Workers No. 161. In connection with farming he de- 
votes considerable attention to dairying. 

Leonard L. Lightcap, engaged in the real estate business in the 
city of Dubuque, is a native of Wisconsin, his birth occurring Sep- 
tember 29, 1853, the son of Solomon and Sarah (Low) Lightcap. 
The father was born in the state of Pennsylvania in 1804, and when 
but eighteen years of age came West to Galena, Illinois, and there 
became the proprietor of a grist mill. In 1832 he was married to 
Miss Low and the year following removed to Hazel Green, Wis- 
consin, to continue the milling business, and there passed their re- 
maining days. The parents of Mrs. Lightcap were among the 
early settlers of Vermont, but later came to Illinois and settled on 




e^. 




o 



/^^^ 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 703 

a tract of 160 acres, now a part of the city of Chicago, which they 
were forced to leave because of the cHmatic conditions, subsequently 
removing to northwestern Illinois. The boyhood days of Leonard 
L. Lightcap were spent in assisting his father with the work of the 
home farm and mill and in attending" tlie public schools. He 
entered the Normal school at Platteville, Wisconsin, and later 
took a classical course in the State University at Madison. For 
thirty years thereafter Mr. Lightcap was identified with the field of 
education. He was one time superintendent of schools at Boscobel, 
Grant county, Wisconsin, and later principal of the Lincoln school 
in Dubuque. In the year 1906 he gave up his school work and 
embarked in the real estate business in Dubuque, and has been thus 
successfully engaged ever since. On August 12, 1890, he was 
united in marriage with jNIiss M. C. Culton, and to them the follow- 
ing named children have been born : Anna and Lena. Mr. Light- 
cap takes an interest in church work and is superintendent of the 
Methodist Sunday .school, is a Republican in politics, a director of 
the Young Men's Christian Association, and a Kniglit Templar 
Mason. 

GuSTAV H. BoLDT, deceased, the founder of the Boldt confec- 
tionery and catering establishment, Dubuque, was a native of Ger- 
many, his birth occurring in the Free Town of Hamburg on Febru- 
ary 16, 1850. He was one of five children born to the union of 
Johan Heinrich and Maria Elizabeth ( Widemann ) Boldt, who were 
born and reared in the fatherland and there died after long and 
honorable lives. After attending the common schools of his native 
country Gustav H. Boldt took a course in languages and also one 
in bookkeeping at a commercial college. Succeeding this he served 
for three years in the German nav}', but in 1870 came to the United 
States with a view to bettering his condition in life. He first 
located at Galena, Illinois, and for three years followed bookkeep- 
ing, but in 1873 came to Dubuque, and here was employed as purser 
by the Diamond Jo steamboat line for a period of about nine years. 
He then accepted a position as bookkeeper with Mr. Hugh Smyth, 
and later was employed by the firm of Myers, Cox & Co. as 
bookkeeper and was thus engaged for six years. In 1890 Mr. 
Boldt spent six months in traveling throughout Europe, visiting the 
scenes of his childhood and recovering his health which had for 
some time been failing. L'pon his return to Dubuque he opened a 
confectionery and catering establishment, which in 1904 was incor- 
porated for $10,000 under the name of Boldt's (Inc.), retaining the 
following personel : Gustav H. Boldt, president and general man- 
ager; Louisa C. Boldt, vice president, and Alfred Claussen, secre- 
tary and treasurer. Lender the excellent business management of 
Mr. Boldt this concern prospered and is now recognized as one of 
the solid and substantial commercial houses of the city. On No- 



704 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

veniber 5, 1908, after a long and useful career in the land of his 
adoption, Mr. Boldt passed away, and now lies at rest in Linwood 
cemetery. To his marriage with Miss Louisa C. Claussen, solemn- 
ized in 1885, the following named children were born: Herbert 
H., connected with the firm founded by his father, born July 29, 
1886; Carl F., born January 3, 1889, also with firm; Alfred H. 
(deceased), and Cecelia, also deceased. Mr. Boldt was one of 
Dubuque county's best citizens and his loss was greatly mourned 
by all who knew him. 

Christopher H. Berg, senior partner of the long established 
printing firm of Berg & Briggs, is a native of the state of Pennsyl- 
vania, his birth occurring March 15, 1841, at Pittsburg. He was 
the son of William Francis Berg, a clerk on an Ohio river steam- 
boat, who disappeared during the Civil War, leaving no clue by 
which his family could ever trace him. They have never been able 
to determine what happened to him. In 1852 the family came to 
Galena, Illinois, and here our subject learned the printing trade in 
the office of the Galena Gazette. In 1861, when the memorable 
struggle between the North and the South became imminent, Mr. 
Berg enlisted for the preservation of the Union in Company A, 
Ninety-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and after being mustered 
in at Camp Fuller, Rockford, Illinois, the regiment was ordered to 
Kentucky and afterwards joined the Army of the Cumberland. 
He served under Stedman, and it was his division that saved the 
day at Chickamauga. After an honorable military career he was 
mustered out by the War Department of the United States Govern- 
ment at Nashville, Tennessee, in June. 1865, and immediately came 
to Chicago, where for a short time he worked as compositor for 
the Chicago Republican. In August, 1865, he came to Dubuque, 
and for eighteen months followed a similar line of work in the office 
of the Dubuque Times. He then was instrumental in organizing 
the Palmer, Winall, Bott & Berg Printing Company, which associa- 
tion erected the building now occupied by Mr. Berg and his partner. 
Later he acquired by purchase the interests of his former partners, 
and with Mr. Briggs organized the present firm of Berg & Briggs, 
whicli has since become one of the largest concerns of its kind in 
Dubuque. Aside from the above mentioned business interests Mr. 
Berg is vice president of the Dubuque National Bank, a director of 
the German Trust & Savings Bank, and president of the Berg- 
Arduser Jewelry Company. As a Republican in politics he has 
served as alderman from his ward one term, and in 1898 was 
elected Mayor of the city, serving as such eight years in all. So- 
cially he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, 
the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Iowa Legion 
of Honor. 

In 1867 he was united in marriage with Miss Ella C. Helm, a 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 705 

native of Illinois, and to them the following named children have 
been born: Charles E., of the Dubuque Electric Supply Company; 
Harry, associated with his father in the jewelry business, and Pay- 
son, with the Tiiiies-Joitnial. Mr. Berg is one of the representative 
men of Dubuque and has made life a success. 

John Ad.^m Koch, deceased, long a resident of the city of 
Dubuque, and a man well remembered for his many sterling quali- 
ties of mind and character, was born in St. Louis, Missouri, Janu- 
ary 8, 1830, the son of Captain Henry Koch. During the Mexican 
troubles of 1846 the father was instrumental in raising a company 
of volunteers, entirely at his own expense, which was later known 
as Company B, First Regiment, St. Louis Volunteers, and which 
won distinction in that struggle. As a member of his father's com- 
mand John Adam Koch, the immediate subject of this memoir, 
served throughout that war. He later went with the family to 
Galena. Illinois, and shortly afterwards came to Dubuque and 
accepted a position with the firm of Hammond & Markle. In 1849, 
with two associates, he was sent by this firm, by team and wagon, 
to California, but later returned to Dubuque. For a time he then 
had charge of a land office at Fort Dodge for Mills & McClure, but 
subsequently was offered and accepted the position as clerk in the 
postoffice. He then took a position as bookkeeper in the hardware 
establishment of Westphal & Hinds. He spent eighteen years 
traveling for this firm, and was then admitted to partnership, but 
after twenty-four years' connection with that firm and a year or 
two as financial manager for A. A. Cooper, retired from the active 
business cares of life, and in 1890 moved to Guttenberg, Clayton 
county. Iowa, to spend his remaining days near a widowed daugh- 
ter. As a Democrat in political views Mr. Koch was ever active 
in local affairs of importance; he served as City Auditor for several 
terms, and during President Buchanan's administration clerked in 
the postoffice under Postmaster O. M. Heath. He was united in 
marriage with Miss Sophia Koepfli, daughter of Dr. C. M. Koepfli, 
and to them were born the following named children: Hugo (de- 
ceased). Bertha. Alice (deceased), and Robert L., of Spencer, 
Iowa. On November 2y, 1894, Mr. Koch answered the final sum- 
mons, and with his death Dubuque lost one of her loyal citizens. 
He was a self-made man and ever ready to assist by any means 
within his power enterprises which he considered worthy and for 
the good of his home and country. 

J.\MEs F. Segur, superintendent of the A. Y. McDonald Manu- 
facturing Company, Dubuque, was born in Connecticut, November 
17. 1853. His parents. John and Jane (Trowbridge) Segur, were 
also of Connecticut nativity. John Segur was a machinist by trade 
and occupation. He moved West to Rockfoi'd, Illinois, and until 



7o6 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

he retired from the active labors of Hfe in 1895 ^^'^^ superintendent 
of the machinery department of Emmerson & Talcott, of that city. 
Mrs. Segnr died at Rockford in 1900 at the age of seventy-three 
years. James F. Segur is the eldest of the two children born to his 
parents, his sister Sarah being the widow of Judge J. C. Garver, of 
Rockford, Illinois, who died in 1902. He attended the public 
schools in youth, and when eighteen years of age began serving an 
apprenticeship at the machinists' trade. In 1879 he came to Du- 
buque as machinist for the A. Y. McDonald Manufacturing Com- 
pany, serving as such one year, then becoming superintendent, in 
which capacity he has since affiliated. At Rockford, in 1876, he 
married Miss Nellie E. O'Connor. The parents of Mrs. Segur, 
James and Mary O'Connor, were natives of Ireland and came with 
their respective parents to America when young and were married 
at Buffalo, New York. They later moved to Wisconsin and be- 
came the parents of eight children. Mrs. Segur was the sixth in 
the familv, her birth occurring in February, 185 1. She was teach- 
ing school at Rockford immediately preceding her marriage. To 
Mr. and Mrs. James F. Segur one son and one daughter have been 
born, named Clare P. and Bessie, both living in Dubuque, the latter 
married. Mr. Segur is a member of Dubuque Lodge No. 297, 
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, is a Republican in politics 
and he and wife belong to the First Congregational church of 
Dubuque. 

Dr. M. J. MoES is one of the rising generation of Dubuque's 
medical practitioners. He is a native of this county, his birth 
occurring January 22, 1882, and a son of Mathias J. and Anna 
(Arnoldy) Moes, the father being a native of Luxemburg, Ger- 
many, and the mother of the state of Iowa. The elder Moes came 
to America at an early date, and in 1866 located at Rockdale, 
where for a period of forty years he engaged in merchandising. 
He served as postmaster of that place for twenty-five years and is 
now living a retired life with his wife in their home there. Their 
son. Dr. M. J. Moes, the immediate subject of this memoir, received 
his early education in the Dubuque public schools, and subsequently 
attended the Dubuque high school, graduating from the latter in 
1902. As he grew older the study of medicine appealed more 
strongly to him than any other profession, and accordingly he 
entered, and in 1906 was graduated from, the medical department 
of Northwestern University of Chicago, with the degree of Doctor 
of Medicine. He served eighteen months as house physician and 
surgeon in the Cook County Hospital, Chicago, and then came to 
Dubuque, where he has since been actively and successfully engaged 
in the general practice of his profession, making a specialty of the 
diagnosis of disease. Although a comparatively young man, the 
doctor has, by hard and conscientious work, won the confidence of 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 707, 

the public and at present enjoys a large and pleasing clientele. He 
is a member of tbe Illinois State Medical Society, the Iowa State 
Medical Society, the Dubucjue County Medical Society, of which he 
is the present secretary ; the American Medical Association, and 
the Cook County Hospital Alumni Association. In his political 
views he is a Republican : in religion he is an adherent of the 
Roman Catholic faith, and socially he is identified with the Knights 
of Columbus and the Alpha Kappa Kappa college fraternity. He 
is one of the present local examiners on the United States Pension 
Board, as well as local examiner for a number of insurance com- 
panies. Dr. Moes is unmarried, takes an active interest in local 
politics and afifairs of importance, and has offices in the I. O. O. F. 
Building. 

Mathias Moes, for forty-five years a resident of Dubuque 
county, is a native of Luxemburg, Germany, his birth occurring 
January 21, 1846. He was reared to manhood in his native coun- 
try, receiving a practical education, and when twenty years of age 
crossed the ocean to the United States and has ever since made 
his home in Dubuque county. For ten years he was employed in 
the Rockdale mills, but immediately after the disastrous flood of 
July, 1876, at which time thirty-nine people lost their lives, he 
founded the business now conducted on the same site by his two 
sons, John and Anton. He continued in active business until Octo- 
ber, 1906. since which time he has been retired from the more 
active cares of life. In 1871 Mr. Moes married Anna Arnoldy, a 
native of Chicago, and ten children have been born to this union, as 
follows : Anna, married and living in Springfield, Illinois ; John, 
who with a younger brother conducts the business founded by his 
father; Margaret, single and residing with her parents; Charles, 
accidentally killed in a quarry ; Mary, married and resides in Ot- 
tumwa, Iowa ; Dr. M. J., a practicing physician of Dubuque; Anton, 
associated in business with his elder brother, John ; William, a clerk 
in the postoffice at Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Fred, a bookkeeper in the 
Second National Bank at Dubuque, and Alvin, attending the Du- 
buque high school. Mr. Moes is a Roman Catholic in religion and 
an independent Democrat in politics. He has held several local 
positions of honor and trust and is one of the substantial men of the 
county. 

Thomas Mebkes. one of the successful farmers of Liberty town- 
ship, is a native of the Prussian Government of Trier, Germany, 
born October 15, 1850, and a son of Michael and Lucia Merkes, 
both of whom died in the old country. He was educated in the 
National public schools .and served for some time in the German 
army. In 1880 he immigrated to the L^nited States, landing at 
New York City, and for a year was located at Dunkirk, New York, 



7o8 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

\vorking during the summer months in a brickyard and in winter 
hauling lumber. He then came West to New Wine township, 
Dubuque county, Iowa, and here worked for two years. Succeeding 
this he rented the farm he now owns, 220 acres, in sections 26. 27, 
34 and 35, Liberty township, and in 1905 purchased same from 
his father in-law. This property he improved by erecting a modern 
home, five barns and necessary outhouses, and today it is regarded 
as one of the best and most productive farms in the community. 
Mr. Merkes follows general farming, and also deals extensively in 
cattle and hogs. He is a Democrat in politics, takes an active 
interest in local affairs of importance, and in religious views is an 
adherent of the Roman Catholic faith. On February 15, 1886, at 
Luxemburg, this coimty, he was united in marriage with Miss 
Catherina Heiderscheit, and to them these children have been born : 
Maria, died in infancy ; Susie, educated in parochial school ; Michael, 
Nicholas and Peter, assisting with the work on the home farm; 
Elizabeth, Clara, Mathilda, Johanna and Wilhelm, all of whom 
have been reared in the Catholic faith. Mrs. Merkes is 
a daughter of John and Maria Heiderscheit, who were among the 
earliest settlers of the entire county. Dubuque was their nearest 
market place and they had to go to that city with a team of oxen 
for necessary provisions. The father died October 21, 1904, aged 
eighty-six years, and was preceded by his wife in August, 1874, 
aged thirty-seven years. Both are buried in the family lot at 
Luxemburg. 

Thomas T. Carkeek, architect, with offices in the Lincoln Build- 
ing, Dubuque has been engaged at his profession in this city since 
1891. He was born at Redruth, County Cornwall, England, on 
March 29, 1843. the son of Thomas and Elizabeth Carkeek, who 
came to America in 1849 ^^id located in Wisconsin, where the 
father followed his trade of stonemason. He died in 1882, aged 
sixty-two years, and was followed by his wife in 1909, aged eighty- 
seven years. Both are buried in the cemetery at Dodgeville, Wis- 
consin. Thomas T. Carkeek was yet a very young child when 
brought to the United States, and received his education in the 
public schools at Dodgeville. He early studied and learned the 
cabinetmaker's trade, and then became a carpenter, working at that 
trade for eighteen years, or down to 1882. He then entered the 
employ of the Carr, Ryder & Wheeler Company as an architect, 
which profession he had learned from experience and theoretical 
study, and had the distinction of being an entirely self-made archi- 
tect. He remained thus connected until 1891, and then opened 
an office at his present headquarters and embarked in business on 
his own account. Since then he has designed and erected over 
200 private and public edifices, among the more prominent of which 
are the Second National Bank, the William Lawther Building, the 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 709 

Bell Bros. Building, the Presentation Convent and many others. 
Socially Mr. Carkeek is identified with the Masonic fraternity. On 
June 13, 1868, at Mineral Point, Wisconsin, he was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Jennie Keyes, daughter of Harvey and Louisa 
Keyes, both deceased and pioneer settlers of that locality. To Mr. 
and Mrs. Carkeek nine children, six of whom are living, were born, 
as follows : Bina, Alton R. and Clara R., deceased ; Harvey T., 
department manager of James B. Clow & Co. ; Jennie, the wife of 
J. C. Hinde, real estate and insurance dealer at Madison, Wiscon- 
sin; Marjorie, married F. J. Cunningham, of Anamosa, Iowa; Eva 
M., a graduate of the Dubuque high school, and George C. and 
Edna C., also graduates of the Dubuque high school. The family 
residence is located at 128 West Eighth street. 

Fred L. M. Luchterhand, junior partner of the Keller & 
Luchterhand brick building contracting concern, located at 579 
Windsor avenue, Dubuque, was born in the Province of Mecklen- 
burg, Germany, February 10, 1868, and is the son of Christ and 
Marv Luchterhand. The family came to America in or about 1876 
and located in Dubuque, Iowa. Here the mother died February 4, 
1905, at the age of fifty-nine years, but the father is yet living and 
resides in this city, active and in good health. Fred L. M. Luchter- 
hand spent one 3'ear in the public schools of his native country, and 
finished his education in the Audubon school of Dubuque, from 
which he was graduated when fourteen years old. Immediately 
thereafter he began the study of the contracting business with 
Christ Burdt, with whom he remained seven years, and afterwards 
was employed by various contracting firms until he, in partnership 
with Mr. Keller, engaged in the business under the firm name of 
Keller & Luchterhand. They are today regarded as one of the 
best firms in their line of business in the city, and have erected 
many fine buildings, public and private, among which are the Home 
for the Aged, the Casino, the N. J. Schrup residence and many 
others. Mr. Luchterhand is independent in his political views, 
voting for the best man regardless of party affiliation, and in re- 
ligious views is a member of St. Matthew's Lutheran church. On 
December 9, 1896, at Guttenberg, Iowa, he was united in marriage 
with Miss Martha Block, a native of Glen Haven, Wisconsin, and 
to whom two sons have been born, named, Clarence, born January 
10, 1899. and Carl, born March 4. 1904, both attending school. Mrs. 
Luchterhand is a daughter of Joseph and Louisa Block, the father 
dying March 22, 1875, and buried at Guttenberg, Iowa, and the 
mother yet surviving and residing in that city. Mr. Luchterhand 
and family reside at 579 Windsor avenue, Dubuque. 

Fred Tschudi, traveling auditor for the Dubuque Brewing & 
Malting Company since its incorporation in 1892, was born in 



710 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Dubuque October 25, 185 1, the son of Joseph and Magdalene 
Tschudi. The father, a native of Switzerland, immigrated to 
America in 1844, locating for one year at St. Louis, Missouri, and 
then came to Dubuque, Iowa, where he resided until his death. He 
was a contractor and builder by occupation and for 3'ear3 followed 
that line in Dubuque. He died on August 5, 1875, aged sixty-five 
years, followed by his wife February 24, 1910, within four days 
of the great age of ninety years, and both are buried in Mount 
Calvary cemetery. Until fifteen years old Fred Tschudi attended 
the local parochial schools, and then until 1869 worked as an appren- 
tice in the cigarmaker's trade. Two years later he embarked in 
the manufacture of cigars on Ninth street, between Main and 
Locust, and remained thus engaged until 1876. He was then em- 
ployed as traveling auditor for the A. Heeb brewery until the A. 
Heeb Brewing Company was organized, and continued with the 
new concern. When the Dubuque Brewing & Malting Company 
was organized he still retained his position, and has remained with 
the concern down to the present time, a period of thirty-four years 
in all. Mr. Tschudi is vice president of the East Dubuque Supply 
Company, a member of the Dubuque Brewing & Malting Company, 
and of the Dubuque Realty Company. He is a Democrat in poli- 
tics and a member of tlie Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, 
and of the St. Mary's Roman Catholic church. On October 25, 
1876, he married Miss Caroline Heeb, who was a daughter of the 
old pioneer Anthony Heeb, of whom appropriate mention is made 
elsewhere in this publication. To Mr. and Mrs. Tschudi three 
daughters and six sons have been born, as follows : Maria Josephine, 
graduate of Dubuque high school; Clara Catherine, wife of Dr. 
Heles of Dubuque ; Maria Emily, at home ; Rudolph Joseph, book- 
keeper for East Dubuque Supply Company ; Fred Anton, machinist 
in C., M. & St. P. shops; Robert Edward, clerk in the Hub clothing 
store; Albert Benjamin, attending St. Mary's high school; Leo 
Louis and Edmund Carl, attending same. The family residence 
in Dubuque is located at 2126 Couler avenue. 

John F. Brede, proprietor of the Eagle Chemical Company, 
which was established at 165 Locust street, Dubuque, on May 17. 
1910. is descended from one of the first German families to settle 
in Dubuque county. The pioneers. Frank and Christine Brede. 
were his parents. Frank Brede was brought to Dubuque by his 
father in 1842. at which time the city was little more than an Indian 
trading pOst and the surrounding country was rough and unsettled. 
Here he was reared and educated, and later in life represented the 
Schlitz Brewing Company of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The birth 
of John F. Brede occurred on March 30, 1866, and he was pri- 
marily educated in the local public and parochial schools. He 
subsequently took a commercial course in the Sacred Heart College 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUKIY 711 

at Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, then returned to Dubuque and 
started as messenger boy, later becoming bookkeeper, in the Du- 
buque National Bank, where he remained two years. For the 
succeeding twenty-one years he represented as salesman the follow- 
ing concerns: Ryder Bros., Coates & Walters, John Mehlhop & 
Son, and John T. Hancock & Sons. He then for three years was 
associated with Edward Peaslee in the ale brewing and cigar busi- 
ness, but disposed of his interests and became a partner in the Louis 
Lang liquor business, operating under the firm name of Brede & 
Lang Company, wholesale liquor dealers. In 1910 this association 
was dissolved and Mr. Brede founded the Eagle Chemical Company, 
manufacturing chemicals, and has been thus engaged ever since. 
He is a Democrat in politics, and socially is identified with the 
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the U. C. T., Catholic 
Order of Foresters, the Eagles, and the Dubuque Traveling Busi- 
ness Men's Association. To his marriage with Miss Nellie WiI-= 
Hams, solemnized in Dubuque, November 26, 1889, three daughters 
have been born, named Mabel, Helen and Estelle. Mrs. Brede is 
the daughter of V. J. and Mattie (Dean) Williams, the father com- 
ing to Dubuque in 1848 ; he served as postmaster four tenns. County 
Treasurer two terms, and was proprietor of the V. J. Williams 
Implement Company. The Brede residence in Dubuque is located 
at 431 Alpine street. 

George Friedmann, who for many years farmed in Liberty 
township. Dubuque county, and who now resides at Alton, Sioux 
county, Iowa, was born in the state of Ohio, April 18, 1855, and is 
a son of the late Joseph and Catherine Friedmann, mention of whom 
is made in connection with the sketch of Anton Friedmann else- 
where in this publication. Early in life he came to Dubuque county, 
Iowa, with his parents, and was educated in the parochial schools 
and reared to manhood. He followed general farming and stock 
raising and was very successful in his business undertakings. Like 
his father before him, he took an active interest in the welfare of 
his community and was prominent in local affairs of importance. 
February i, 1876, he was united in marriage to Miss Catherine 
AVestendorf, a sister of Mrs. Elizabeth Friedmann, wife of the 
deceased farmer Anton Friedmann. To this union nine children 
were born: Joseph, born November 7, 1876, studied for the priest- 
hood, was ordained at Sioux City April 25, 1905, labored several 
years at Carroll, Iowa, died there February 2, 1910, and was buried 
at Alton February 5 ; Mary, wife of Fred Odenbrett, of South 
Dakota; Anton, who died in 1883, aged one year; Jacob, a farmer 
near Alton, Iowa; Paul, who died in 1891, aged three and one-half 
years; Anna, married to John Schneider, a farmer near Alton, 
iowa; Elizabeth, John, and Julia, at home. All of the children born 
to Mr. and Mrs. George Friedmann have been reared in the Catho- 



712 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

lie faith and are earnest members of that church. The Friedmann 
family is numbered among the pioneers of Dubuque county, coming 
here at a time when the country was in the primitive state, and 
by hard work has prospered generally and today bears the respect 
and esteem of all who know them. 

John B. Noel, senior partner of the Noel & Wagner retail gro- 
cery establishment, Dubuque, with offices at 1850 Couler avenue, 
is a native of Dubuque county, Iowa, a son of John N. and Susanna 
Noel and grandson of the old pioneer, John B. Noel. The latter 
was a native of Belgium and came to America in 1825. He located 
in Dubuque at a very early date and was one of the county's pio- 
neers, experiencing all the trials and hardships of those times. In 
1889 he passed away, aged seventy-eight years, and was buried in 
St. Catherine's cemetery. John N. Noel was born in Dubuque 
county and has known practically no other home. For many years 
he served on the local police force, was employed in the Chicago, 
Milwaukee & St. Paul shops, and conducted the old Centennial 
House, one of Dubuque's early hostelries. He and wife are at 
present residing in Dubuque, having lived happily together for 
over forty years. John B. Noel was born August 3, 1872, at Gor- 
don's Ferry, and received his early education in the First Ward 
(Franklin) school, graduating also from the Dubuque high school 
in 1889. For a year thereafter he clerked in the John Wilson 
retail grocery, then went with the Farley & Loetscher Sash, Door & 
Blind Manufacturing Company as machine hand, remaining thus 
employed for thirteen years. Succeeding this, he again clerked in 
a grocery store, then returned to the Farley-Loetscher company 
two years, and afterwards was employed by the Knapp-Stone Com- 
pany, with whom he remained two years. A third time he returned 
to tlie Farley-Loetscher company, and in 1899 began clerking for 
Mettel Bros., wholesale and retail grocers, and remained with them 
until he and A. E. Wagner, an uncle, embarked in that line of 
business on Couler avenue in 1901. From a comparatively small 
beginning they have grown and prospered and today the Noel & 
Wagner concern is regarded as one of the best, of its kind in the 
city. Mr. Noel is independent in politics, a Roman Catholic in 
leligion. and a member of the Knights of Columbus, Fraternal 
Order of Eagles and the Holy Name Society. On April 16, 1907, 
he was united in marriage with Miss Clara Bell Connolly, of Du- 
buque, and to them two sons have been born, named John Robert, 
born February 11. 1908. and Joseph Willis, born March 29, 1910. 
Mrs. Noel is a daughter of John and Alice Connolly, pioneer 
farmers of Dubuque county, who died May 5, 1902. and March 28, 
1896, respectively. Both are buried in Holy Cross cemetery, Du- 
buque. Mr. Noel is one of Dubuque's representative business men 
and bears the good will of all who know him. 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 713 

John J. McCollins, proprietor of the McCollins Express & 
Transfer Company, Dubuque, is a native of this city and the son of 
Barney and Jane McColHns. The father was a native of County 
Cavan, Ireland, and came to America and Dubuque in or about 
1844, dying ten years after his arrival here, aged forty-five years, 
and followed by his widow twenty years later, aged sixty-five years. 
The father is buried in the Third Street cemetery and the mother 
in Key West. John J. McCollins was born in 185 1, and received 
his primary education in the local public schools, later taking a 
course in Christian Brothers' College, which he left in 1865. Dur- 
ing the next five years he carried papers for the Dubuque Herald 
and learned the blacksmith trade, which he subsequently followed 
for ten years. In 1880 he established himself in the grocery busi- 
ness at the corner of Fifth and Main streets in partnership with J? 
J. Dunn, the present County Sheriff, continuing thus for seven 
years. The partnership was then dissolved, and Mr. McCollins 
conducted the business alone for one year. Then James M. Mc- 
Fadden was admitted to partnership, and some few months later 
Mr. McCollins sold out to his partner. In 1889 he located on 
government land in South Dakota, but shortly returned to Dubuque 
and established a buffet, whicli he conducted for five years. Dur- 
ing this time he also operated a teaming and transfer line which he 
still continues, and at the present writing is also engaged in the 
coal and wood business. The concern has grown extensively under 
Mr. McCollins' management and is one of the largest of its kind 
in the city. He is a Democrat in politics, a member of St. Raphael's 
Cathedral, and socially is identified with the Catholic Benevolent 
Society and the Modern Woodmen of America. On May 16. 1877, 
in Dubuque, he was united in marriage with Miss Catherine Butler, 
and to them five children have been born, as follows: Louis B., in 
business with his father: Bernice M., graduate of Lincoln school 
and Visitation Academy; Genevieve M., attending Visitation Acad- 
emy; Marjorie M., a student in St. Joseph's Academy; one child 
died in infancy. The family residence in Dubuque is located at 
,304 Julien avenue. Mrs. McCollins was the daughter of Patrick 
and Margaret Butler, who were pioneers of Hazel Green, Wis- 
consin, where for years the father followed mining and was a 
prominent citizen. 

Jacob Friedman, farming on 237 acres of land in Liberty town- 
ship, has followed agricultural pursuits practically all his life, 
and has been unusually successful in this line of endeavor. He was 
born in Stark county, Ohio, April 27, 1848, and is a son of the 
old pioneers, Joseph and Catherine Friedman, who are appropri- 
ately represented elsewhere in this work. For a time during boy- 
hood he attended school in his native county, and after coming 
with his parents to Dubuque county, Iowa, pursued his studies in 



714 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

the Liberty township district schools. He remained at home assist- 
ing his father until twenty-seven years of age, and then bought 
ninety-one acres of his present property to which as his means 
afforded he added until he acquired 237 acres of \aluable farm land. 
This he has cleared and improved by hard work, erecting one of 
the finest modern residences in the township with barns and vari- 
ous outhouses to correspond. He follows general farming and 
also has about forty head of cattle, ten horses and some one hundred 
and thirty swine. He is a Democrat in national politics, but on 
local issues votes for the man who in his opinion is best fitted for 
public office without regard to party affiliation. In religious views 
he is an adherent of the Roman Catholic faith. On January 19, 
1875, he was united in marriage with Miss Rachel Crevir, daughter 
of one of Dubuque county's earliest white settlers, Joseph Crevir. 
He was of French descent and in 1832 came from Canada to 
Dubuque, Iowa. He secured and broke ground where the present 
market house of Dubuque stands, and on December 12, 1909, 
passed away, aged ninety-two years. To Mr. and Mrs. Friedman 
the following named children have been born : Joseph, cement con- 
tractor ; John, a carpenter, Dubuque ; George, assisting his father ; 
Albert, same; Clemens, in school; Mary, wife of Peter Pfohl, farm- 
ing in Concord township; Annie, Sister Mary Florentine, of St. 
Francis Convent ; Mathilda, at home ; Theresa, Sister Mary Flor- 
ence of St. Francis Convent ; Frances, at home, and Mabel, attend- 
ing district school. These children have all been reared in the Cath- 
olic faith, and the family is well and favorably known throughout 
the county. 

Since the days when Dubuque was a village her lumbermen 
have been a help to her, and every structure within her borders 
speaks in commendation of them and their labors. Conspicuous 
among the lumber establishments here during recent years has been 
that of Spahn & Rose Lumber Company, located at Eighth and 
Washington streets since its incorporation in 1904. Charles J. 
Spahn, president of this well-known concern, was born in Dubuque, 
Alay 22. 1872, the son of Peter and Sophia (Franke) Spahn. Peter 
Spahn, who for years followed the occupation of a miner, came 
from the Grand Duchy of Hessen Darmstadt, Germany, to Amer- 
ica and Dubuque in 1845, '^"^l after an honorable residence of thirty- 
four years in this city died in 1879. His widow yet survives him, 
aged sixty-three years. The boyhood days of Charles J. Spahn 
were spent in attending the local public and parochial schools dur- 
ing winter months and in working in a saw mill in summer. When 
his education was completed he spent eight years perfecting his 
knowledge of the saw mill industry, and in 1890 accepted a position 
with the Carr, Ryder & Adams sash and door manufacturing con- 
cern, being promoted to the head of a moulding department and 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 715 

remaining thus engaged until 1896. He then was given charge of 
the cutting department, where he remained until 1900. The fol- 
lowing year, such was his knowledge of lumber, he was sent to the 
Pacific coasf to bu\' factory lumber. While on the Coast his firm 
acquired an interest in a large saw mill proposition and he was made 
the general superintendent. He remained thus occupied until the 
organization of tlie Spahn & Rose Lumber Company, of which he 
was made president, and of which lie has since been the active head. 
Due to excellent business management this concern has become 
one of the solid and substantial commercial institutions of Du- 
buque, and their business covers a field of three states. Aside 
from the above Mr. Spahn is a director of the German Savings 
Bank, is a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters and an 
adherent of the Roman Catholic faith. On August 8, 1893, at 
Dubuque, he was united in marriage with Miss Anna Simon, the 
daughter of Carl and Anna Simon. Her parents were natives of 
Luxemburg, Germany, but immigrated to the L^nited States in 
1872 at the time of the French Revolution. Both died at Dubuque, 
the father on July 15, 1905, aged seventy-five years, and the 
mother October 25, 1908, when seventy-three years old. Their 
final resting place is in Mount Calvary cemetery. To Mr. and Mrs. 
Spahn four children ha\e been born, as follows : Fred, died in 
March, 1895, aged ele\en months; Irene A., attending St. Mary's 
Academy at Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin; Marie G., student at 
St. Joseph's Academy, Dubuque, and Charles S., three years old. 
Mr. Spahn is a Democrat in his political views, and the family 
residence is located at 2565 Couler avenue. 

Dr. Joseph Henry Schrup is one of the successful and well- 
known physicians and surgeons of Dubuque, and although but a 
comparatively short time here, has succeeded in building up a large 
and lucrative practice. Joseph J. and Wilhelmina (Strueber) 
Schrup, his parents, were natives of the Duchy of Luxemburg, and 
Germany, but left the old country and immigrated to the United 
States, settling on a farm in Mosalem township, Dubuque county, 
Iowa, in 1856. Subsequently the family removed to the city of 
Dubuque, where the father was engaged in mercantile pursuits. 
He is now retired from the activities of life. The mother passed 
away January 9. 1902. Dr. Joseph H. Schrup was born in the city 
of Dubuque, February 3, 1882, and after attending the public 
grammar school, entered and in 1900 was graduated from the high 
school. The succeeding four years he attended the Northwestern 
Medical College at Chicago, and upon his graduation therefrom 
in 1904 served until 1906 as interne on the medical and surgical 
stafif of Mercy Hospital, Chicago. He then returned to Dubuque, 
where he has since resided, commanding the respect and good-will 



yi6 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

of his brother practitioners and tliat of the public in general. Dr. 
Schrup is the local examiner for the State Tuberculosis Hospital, 
is bacteriologist and pathologist of the Iowa State Board of Health, 
and is local medical examiner for various fraternal organizations. 
He is a member of the Dubuque County, Iowa State, and Amer- 
ican Medical Societies, and specializes in surgery. He belongs to 
the Dubuque Business Men's Club, the Golf Club, the Knights of 
Columbus, and the Catholic Order of Foresters. He is also a mem- 
ber of St. Mary's Roman Catholic church. 

George Kremer was born July ii, 1847, at what is now West 
Chicago, Illinois, and is a son of Nicholas and Anna Mary (Klein) 
Kremer. The father, Nicholas Kremer, was a native of Prussia, 
Germany, a son of Mathias and Margaret (Berringer) Kremer. 
His father, in 1868, when eighty years old, came to America to 
join his family, and even at his advanced age often remarked that 
if he had an ox team he could even then take a hand at plowing. 
He died in 1883. preceded by his wife about the year 1859. They 
were the parents of Nicholas, Martha, Barbara, Catherine and 
Adam. Nicholas married Mary Klein in Germany, in 1846, came 
to the United States shortly thereafter, followed farming two years 
in Illinois, and from there in 185 1 drove with two yoke of oxen 
to Cascade township, Dubuque county, Iowa. They had four chil- 
dren : George, Elizabeth, Mary and Catherine, the first two named 
only now li\ing. Mr. Kremer established a home on section 10 
and to his first possession of forty acres added until he became the 
owner of 500 acres. A few years after coming here his wife died 
and he then married Catherine Klein, a native of Luxemburg, Ger- 
many, but not related to his first wife, although of the same name. 
By this marriage he was the father of two children : Mathias and 
an infant who died unnamed. Both parents are now dead. George 
Kremer, the subject of this sketch, grew to manhood in Cascade 
township and has always made his home on the old place originally 
owned by his father. In 1872 he married Barbara Merfeld, who 
was born August 6, 1849, in Prussia, a daughter of Mathias and 
Susan (Heinz) Merfeld, who came to America in 1869, and were 
the parents of these children: Barbara, Nicholas, John, Gertrude, 
Susan, Kate, Frank and Mary. Mathias Merfeld was a son of 
Peter and Catherine ]\Ierfeld, farmers of Germany, and Mrs. Mer- 
feld was the daughter of Nicholas and Margaret Heinz. To the 
marriage of George Kremer and Barbara Merfeld there are eight 
children living: Kate, John, Joseph, Nicholas, Mary, Gertrude. 
Frank P.. Rose and Ida Barbara. Three children are dead, named 
George Flenry. Frances Mary and Susan. Mr. Kremer is one of 
the substantial and best known men of Cascade township. He and 
family are Roman Catholics in religion. 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 717 

Joseph F. Harragan. assistant cashier of the Dubuque National 
Bank since 1906, was born in this city, and is a son of James and 
Martha Harragan. James Harragan was a native of Ireland, and 
came to the United States and Dubuque, Iowa, at an early date. 
He was one of the organizers of the Dubuque National Bank, and 
served as cashier of the institution from 1884 up to the time of his 
death, which occurred in January, 1909, at the age of sixty-seven 
years. He is well remembered by the present generation of busi- 
ness men, and liis loss was mourned generally throughout the 
county. Before entering the banking business he was a dry goods 
merchant, and as a Democrat in his poHtical affiliation was twice 
the successful candidate of his party for treasurer of Dubuque 
county. His widow yet survives him and resides in this city. 
Joseph F. Harragan received his education in the local public and 
high schools, finishing when si.xteen years of age, and then began 
his banking career as messenger boy. By close attention to busi- 
ness he was gradually promoted, and in 1906 was made assistant 
cashier, a position he has since occupied. He is also a director of 
the institution, and manager of the Dubuque Clearing House Asso- 
ciation. In politics he is a Democrat, and in religious views is a 
Roman Catholic and a member of St. Raphael's Cathedral. He 
is unmarried and resides at 436 Bluff street. 

John J. Mihm for the past thirty years has been actively and 
successfully engaged in Dubuque as a stone mason contractor. He 
was born in this city March 22, i860, and is the son of Peter and 
Barbara (Allbinger) Mihm, the father being a native of Muenchen, 
Bavaria. He was a soldier in tlie Bavarian army and came to 
Dubuque about the year 1853. and here for many years fol- 
lowed his occupation of stone mason contractor. He was active 
in local affairs of importance, a staunch Democrat in his 
political views, and died in 1902, aged seventy-eight years. His 
wife died in 1884, at the age of sixty-six years, and both are buried 
in Mount Calvary cemetery, Dubuque. John J. Mihm, the imme- 
diate subject of this review, attended the local public and parochial 
schools until fifteen years old, and also assisted his father during 
the summer months in the contracting business. He worked at 
his trade as a journeyman until joining his father in partnership in 
1884. He has ever since been actively engaged in contracting in 
Dubuque, and many fine public and private foundations have been 
erected by him, among which are the Sacred Heart Church, St. 
Matthew's Church, Third Presbyterian Church, and the Home for 
the Aged. Like his father before him. Mr. Mihm is a Democrat, 
but he never mixes in politics, preferring to confine his attentions 
to private business matters. In religion he is a Roman Catholic and 
a member of the Holy Ghost Church. April 30, 1890, in Dubuque, 
he married Miss Wilhelmina Louisa Giessler, daughter of Charles 



7i8 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

F. and Agatlia (Jaeger) Giessler, and one daughter has been born 
to their union, named Agatha Barbara, now attending the Academy 
of the Immaculate Conception. Mrs. Mihm was the daughter of 
one of Dubuque's pioneer bakers, who died in 1908, aged seventy- 
five years, preceded by his wife in 1901, at the age of sixty-five, 
and both are buried in Mount Calvary cemetery. The family resi- 
dence in Dubuque is located at 2900 Couler avenue. 

Benjamin Hawkins, a grandson of Thomas Hawkins, was 
born in Somersetshire, England, Alarch 22, 1847, and when but 
two or three years old was brought to the United States by his 
parents, William and Sarah (Morgan) Hawkins. The family 
resided in New York state two years, then came by railroad to Chi- 
cago and from tliere by wagon to Cascade, Iowa. For a while 
the father worked as a day laborer at farming, but finally bought 
a farm on section 14, Cascade township, which he improved and 
on which he continued to reside until his death in 1888 at the age 
of seventy-eight years. Mrs. Hawkins died in 1852. They were 
the parents of four children: Benjamin, Joseph, Reuben and 
Simeon, who died in infancy, and were members of the Baptist 
church. Benjamin Hawkins in early youth attended the Spring 
Valley district school, and when only fourteen years old started out 
in life for himself as a farm laborer. Having accumulated some 
means, he bought forty acres of his present farm, to which he has 
added as his means permitted, until he now owns 310 acres of the 
best land in Cascade township. In 1873 he married Mary Hill, a 
native of Dubuque county. Iowa, and the daughter of Robert and 
Hester (Gane) Hill, old pioneers of this section of the county. 
Robert Hill and wife were also natives of Somersetshire, England, 
and came to America and this county in 1850. They lived at Spring 
Valley a year, then bought a farm in Cascade township, where the 
father died in November, 1884. and the mother in the following 
January. Benjamin Hawkins is deserving of much credit for the 
success he lias achieved. He began life for himself when but a 
small lad, and without the aid of others he has, by hard work and 
economy, accumulated a competency. He and wife are the par- 
ents of nine children, as follows: Nellie, the wife of O. G. Web- 
ster ; William, a farmer near Charles City, Iowa ; Jennie, now 
Mrs. Howard Carlton, of near Portland, Oregon; Alice; Edwin; 
Arthur ; Mignon ; Joseph ; and Ivan. Being deprived of many 
of the advantages that by right belong to youth, Mr. Hawkins has 
spared neither effort nor money in the education of his children and 
their proper start in life. His home is a model one in all respects. 
The refining influence of works of art, rare paintings and china, 
music and good books has made his an exceptional home, and the 
visitor is delighted with the courtesy and reception accorded him 
at the Hawkins residence. 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 719 

Da\'id J. Heisev, one of Dubuque's successful dental practition- 
ers, is a son of John H. and Charlotte Esther Heisey, and was 
born in Monticello, Iowa, August 18, 1878. Succeeding his attend- 
ance at the Monticello public and high schools, he entered the 
Northwestern Dental School and in 1901 was graduated there- 
from with the degree of D. D. S. For three years thereafter he 
practiced his profession in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, but in 1904 came 
to Dubuque and has here since been located. Dr. Heisey is a mem- 
ber of the Iowa State and Dubuque District dental societies, the 
Chicago Odontographic Society and the Iowa Chapter of the Psi 
Omega college fraternity. He also is identified with the Masonic 
order, in which he has attained the Royal Arch degree, and the 
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. On October 16, 1908, 
he was united in marriage with Miss Birdeva Bayless, daughter of 
Cornelius Bayless, appropriate mention of whom is made else- 
where in this work. Mrs. Heisey is active in local social and musi- 
cal circles, and she and husband affiliate with the Westminster 
Presbyterian church. 

Prof. Rudolph Franz Otto, instructor of voice and harmony, 
with studio in the Security Building, Dubuque, is a native of Ger- 
many, born at Berlin, May 9, 1875, the son of Rudolph and Clara 
Otto. The father was a prominent dry goods merchant in the old 
country, and after his son Rudolph had graduated from the Berlin 
public schools, they traveled extensively over the Continent. In 
1899 Prof. Otto left Berlin, came to America and took a complete 
course in the Chicago ^Musical College, and later also a course in 
the Columbian School of Oratory. For a time thereafter he main- 
tained a studio in Chicago and was director of various choirs, and 
during 1903-4 he traveled throughout the Southwestern states, giv- 
ing recitals. He then returned to Berlin, Germany, and took a 
post-graduate course in Stern's College of Music, after which he 
again came to the United States and during 1904-5 traveled, giv- 
ing concerts. In 1906 he located at Winnipeg, Canada, but in 1910 
came to Dubuque, where his efforts have been unusually well re- 
ceived. The winter of 1907-8 he spent in his native city as a 
member of a grand opera company. Prof. Otto opened a studio 
in the Security Building shortly after his arrival in Dubuque, 
where he gives lessons and hears singers, and also is instructor in 
voice, harmony and public school music in Epworth Seminary. He 
is director of a male choral club of Dubuque, which is known as 
the Schumann Club. In 1908 he was united in marriage with Miss 
Eddy, of Winthrop, Iowa, and they, with their one son, Ralph, 
Ixirn August 12, 1909, reside in the city of Dubuque. 

Andrew Ellwanger, deceased, one of the founders of the firm 
of Ellwanger Brothers, dealers in harness, trunks, valises, leather 



720 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

goods, etc., Dubuque, was born in the Grand Duchy of Hesse- 
Darmstadt, Germany, November 30. 1843, and when ten years old 
was brought to Dubuque, Iowa, by his parents, Peter and Agatha 
Elhvanger. Here the father followed his profession of music 
teacher and piano tuner until his death in 1884. Andrew Ell- 
wanger was educated in the public schools of his native country 
and Dubuque, and from i860 to 1869 ^^'^s in the employ of George 
W. Bogan, learning the harnessmaking trade. The latter year, 
in partnership with his brother. Otto Elhvanger, he embarked in 
the harnessmaking business, locating at 1256 Clay street, and here 
the establishment has since continued under the firm name of Ell- 
wanger Brothers. To his marriage with Aliss Fredericka Neu- 
bauer, of. Dubuque, the following children were born: Herman, 
Edward, Charles, Frederick and Amanda, all of Dubuque, and 
Ferdinand, of Chicago. Mr. Elhvanger passed away in 1901 and 
now lies at rest in the family lot in Linwood cemetery. Mrs. Ell- 
wanger still survives him and resides in Dubuque. 

Otto Elhvanger, who now conducts alone the firm of Elhvanger 
Brothers, is also a native of the Grand Duchy of Hesse-Darmstadt, 
Germany, and came with the family to Dubuque in 1852. Here his 
education was completed, and he learned the harnessmaking indus- 
try under the tutelage of Fred Lehr, beginning his apprenticeship 
in 1861 and continuing until 1869, when he joined his brother, 
Andrew, in that line of business. Since the latter's death Mr. Ell- 
wanger has conducted the business alone. In 1872 he married Miss 
Eliza Heisler, of Dubuque, and three sons, Frank, Otto and Wal- 
ter, have been born to their union. The first two named are dead 
and the latter is associated in business with his father. Mr. Ell- 
wanger is a Republican in national politics, independent in local 
afifairs, and has had a long and honorable business career, and 
socially is identified with the following organizations : Independ- 
ent Order of Foresters, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, An- 
cient Order of United Workmen, Modern Woodmen of America, 
and the Woodmen of the World. 

Edward Fuhrman for the past twenty years has been engaged 
in the express and transfer business in Dubuque. He was born in 
St. Louis, Missouri. August 9, 1852, a son of John and Caroline 
Fuhrman. Upon the completion of a railroad to the north, John 
Fuhrman brought his family to Dubuque in 1854, and for the next 
eight or ten years was a horse dealer ; he then opened a clothing 
store on Clay street. He was a native of Alsace, Germany, and 
came to the United States in 1850. He died in Dubuque, August, 
1898, one month after having been accidentally injured by a street 
car, aged seventy years, and was followed by his wife in 1905, 
aged seventy-se\en years. The mother was born in Baden, Ger- 
many, and came to this country at an earlv date. Both are buried 




14 





HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 721 

in Mount Calvary cemetery. Their son, Edward Fuhrman, the 
immediate subject of tliis review, was educated in St. Mary's old 
rock schoolhouse. which he left when sixteen years old. He then 
learned the chair-making trade in Hancourt's chair factory, no 
longer operating, and tor ten years followed that line, being fore- 
man of a concern at Wabasha, Minnesota. The succeeding four 
years he spent in St. Louis learning the bakery business, then 
returned to Dubuque and for several years engaged in that line of 
work. For the next fifteen years he worked at farming, then estab- 
lished his present business and has ever since been thus success- 
fully engaged. Mr. Fuhrman is a Republican in politics, is a mem- 
ber of the fraternal order of Maccabees, and was a member of the 
old volunteer fire brigade of Dubuque. At St. Paul, Minnesota, on 
May 29, 1895, he married Miss Catherine Theiring, daughter of 
Frank and Anna Mary Theiring. the father being a stone mason 
by occupation and a Union soldier in the Civil war. He came to 
Dubuque from Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1854, and here died in June, 
1902, aged eighty-two years, and was followed by his wife in 
November, 1908, both now buried in Mount Calvary cemetery. To 
Mr. and Mrs. Fuhrman one daughter, Sylvia, now attending St. 
Mary's Catholic school, was born on August 28, 1900. Mr. Fuhr- 
man is one of Dubuque's representative and enterprising men, and 
is highly regarded by all who know him. 

Prof. Harry B. Smith, for many years actively identified with 
the field of education in Dubuque county, was born in Dubuque 
township, October 30, 1872, the son of Maj. E. Howard and Sid- 
ney (West) Smith. Major Smith is a direct descendant of George 
King Smith, the progenitor of this particular branch of the Smith 
family in America. The latter, who was the captain of an English 
merchantman, and sailed the seas for many years, settled in Salem, 
Massachusetts, about 1630, and his descendants for se^'eral gen- 
erations followed the sea. Various members of the family partici- 
pated in the early struggles of the Colonies, the grandfather of our 
subject being taken prisoner by the French in the disturbances of 
1799. The ancestors of his father's mother were descendants of 
Elihu Yale, the early benefactor of Yale University. 

After attending the Prescott grammar school. Prof. Harry B. 
Smith further pursued his studies in the Dubuque high school, grad- 
uating therefrom in 1893, and later entered and in 1897 was duly 
graduated from the State University of Minnesota, with the degree 
of Bachelor of Science. For eight years thereafter he was in- 
structor of mathematics in the Dubuque public schools, and later 
became teacher of mathematics in St. Joseph's College, this city. 
For three years following this he occupied the chair of mathe- 
matics in the West Side high school of Des Moines, Iowa, but in 
1906 returned to Dubuque and became an instructor of algebra in 



722 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

the high scliool. Professor Smith has become widely and very 
favorably known in educational circles, and is a recognized author- 
ity on mathematics. He is a member of the State Teachers' Asso- 
ciation and of the Northeastern Iowa Educational Society; he is 
also a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the Sons of Vet- 
erans. In religious views he is identified with the Congregational 
cliurch, in the Sunday school department of which he has been a 
teacher for years. As a Democrat in politics he was the candidate 
of his party in 1910 for the county superintendency of schools, and 
such was his record that he met with little or no opposition. 

Michael Edward Lyons, the present auditor of the city of 
Dubuque, was born April 23, 1861, in St. Louis, Missouri, a son 
of Daniel and Margaret (O'Callaghan) Lyons. The father was a 
native of Ireland, but in 1854 immigrated to the L^nited States, 
locating at St. Louis, and was there married in 1856. and died in 
1864. Three years later his widow remarried, taking for her hus- 
band Thomas Lynch, with whom she removed to McGregor, Iowa, 
and lived until her death in 1873. Two sons, Michael Edward 
and Daniel (deceased) were born to Daniel L3'ons and wife, and 
were educated and reared to early manhood in McGregor, Iowa. 
Michael Edward Lyons, the subject of this review, was thrown 
upon his own resources early in life, but managed to attend the 
public and parochial schools, and for a time the high school at 
McGregor. After quitting school in 1876, he worked on a farm 
for three years. He then went to St. Louis and was a street car 
conductor in that city from 1879 to 1883. He then came to Du- 
buque and engaged in the retail liquor business, in which he con- 
tinued till 1906. While in business he made profitable use of spare 
time by studying law with the Sprague Correspondence School, suc- 
cessfully completing same and receiving the degree of Bachelor of 
Laws in 1904. Erom 1904 to 1906 he served as alderman from 
his ward. In 1906 he was elected cit}' auditor, and was re-elected 
in 1908 and 1910. He is a Democrat in his political views and a 
member of St. Raphael's Roman Catholic Cathedral. For three 
years he was president of the Saloon Dealers' Association, which 
position he relinquished upon his election to his present office. He 
was also a charter member of the local lodge of the Eagles. In 
1887 he was united in marriage with Miss Helen McKinna, whose 
parents were among the early farmers of Concord township, this 
county, and the following children, all at home, were born to them : 
Mae, Nellie and John. 

Alphons Matthews. A life that rose to the zenith of its 
splendid powers in Dubuque and then was blotted out as a star 
from the sky was that of Alphons Matthews. Born, reared, edu- 
cated and dying here, he made his impress on the destiny of the 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 723 

city, state and nation, and established great principles of law, aided 
public education and advancement, and in a thousand ways was a 
benefit and blessing to humanity. He was born in Dubuque in 
1856, the son of Dr. Nicholas B. Matthews, remembered as one 
of the ablest of the early medical men, and knew practically no other 
home. Mr. Matthews early determined to make the study and 
practice of law his life's work, and how well he reasoned may read- 
ily be determined by a survey of his career. Shortly after gradu- 
ating from the public schools he entered the law ofiices of Pollock 
& Shields, reading and studying with this firm until twenty years 
old, and then took an examination before the Supreme Court and 
was duly admitted to practice before the State Bar of Iowa. He 
immediately began the general practice of his profession in Du- 
buque, the first two years being spent in partnership with H. H. 
Regan. He then until 1888 continued alone, and that year formed 
a partnership with Judge Austin Adams, and continued thus until 
the death of the latter. On September 15, 1899, Mr. Matthews 
formed a partnership with J. R. Lindsay and J. P. Frantzen, which 
was continued until January i, 1901, when Mr. Lindsay retired 
from the firm to take up other business, and Messrs. Matthews and 
Frantzen continued until the former's death. Mr. Matthews' natu- 
ral ability as a legal practitioner became more and more pronounced 
and among the men of a bar noted for its eloquence, honorable tac- 
tics and thoroughness he became a bright and shining light. His 
unquestioned integrity and fitness for public life was shown by the 
various elective and appointive positions he held. As a Democrat 
in politics he was, in 1883, appointed attorney for Dubuque county, 
and held this position until 1887, when the state legislature made 
the ofiice elective. Two consecutive terms Mr. Matthews was 
elected to this position, but a third term was declined in favor of 
his brother, M. C. Matthews, who later became judge of the district 
court. Li 1886 our subject was honored b}' the state legislature 
by being elected a member of the board of regents of the State 
University of Iowa, and in this connection he for years displayed 
his loyalty to the cause of advancement and education. Also, as 
a member of the local Board of Education, he was active, and as 
president of same performed his duties in a highly creditable man- 
ner. Mr. Matthews' strongest claim to being one of the ablest 
attorneys in the state lay, perhaps, in his remarkable and unusual 
success as a trial lawyer. Naturally observant, and a great student 
of human nature, his eloquence and arguments, always directed on 
the side he thought just and right, seldom failed to move and con- 
vince a jury, and many of the most important cases that came up 
in the Dubuque courts were won by his honest and conscientious 
reasoning. On January i, 1907, this unusual man suffered a col- 
lapse, due to a combination of ailments, from which he never recov- 
ered. His day of life was waning, but he awaited the night with 



724 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

the calmness of a man who has tried to do his duty, trusts in God 
and fears no future. July 15, 1909, the cold hand of Death beck- 
oned him, thus claiming one of Dubuque's best and most deserving 
citizens, toward whom the finger of scorn and suspicion could never 
be directed. Aside from his great interest in legal work, Mr. Mat- 
thews was also interested as stockholder in several concerns in this- 
city. He was one of the founders of the Dubuque Fire & Marine 
Insurance Company, and of the German Trust & Savings Bank. 
December 2, 1885, he was united in marriage with Miss Amelia B. 
Bowdish, and to them were born Dorothea, Carl, Mona, and Eleanor. 
His mother, Mrs. Anna Matthews, is still living, and now resides in 
this city. Such, in brief, is the record of his rise up the ladder of 
life, from comparatively moderate circumstances as a youth, to 
a position of highest honor and respect among his fellowmen. 
For months before his death the end was hourly expected, but when 
he finally passed away it was a shock to his family and many loyal 
friends who knew him to be a kind and loving husband and father 
and an honorable man. 

Mathias M. Hoffmann, who founded the Dubuque Investment 
Company in August, 1892, and who has been the president and 
director of this organization since its inception, is a native of this 
city, his birth occurring May 28, 1857, a son of Mathias and Bar- 
bara Hoffmann, both natives of Germany. The father immigrated 
to the United States first in 1852, but shortly thereafter returned 
to his native land, married, and moved here permanently in 1855. 
He was a cooper by trade, also a carpenter, and considerable of his 
time was devoted to railroad construction work. He died in 1905. 
in his seventy-third year, preceded by his wife in 1883. Both were 
members of the Roman Catholic church, and were buried at Mount 
Calvary. Mathias M. Hoffmann was attending the parochial 
school in Dubuque when his father was injured in an accident, thus 
necessitating his putting his shoulders to the wheel and helping ,in 
the care of the family when but twelve years old. For a number 
of years he worked at anything he could get to do, subsequently 
learning the cabinet-maker's trade. He established himself in the 
imdertaking business, and becoming a licensed embalmer, soon 
acquired a large and increasing business. Mr. Hoffmann was one 
of the first licensed embalmers in this section of the country, and, 
becoming an expert, lectured on the subject of embalming in various 
portions of the country and attained a wide reputation. He was 
the organizer and for twelve years president of the Dubuque 
Casket Company. During his business career in Dubuque he has 
been exceedingly active and energetic in various lines. As a Demo- 
crat in politics he was elected coroner of Dubuque county, serving 
as such twelve years. He is a member of the Catholic Order of 
Foresters, the United Workmen, the Modern Woodmen of Amer- 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 725 

ica, the Elks, tlie Independent Order of Foresters, of whicli he 
was at one time High Chief Ranger of Iowa ; the Dubuque Travel- 
ing and Business Men's Association, the Knights of Columbus and 
other social and benevolent organizations. His entire life has been 
passed as a member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic church. May 
28, 1880, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Voelker, 
daughter of Leopold Voelker, and to their union six sons and three 
daughters have been born, as follows : Leo A., a graduate of St. 
Joseph's College, and a licensed embalmer at Omaha, Nebraska ; 
Mathias, Jr., attending St. Paul Seminary; Alfred A., a student at 
Creighton Medical College; Herbert J., who is a graduate of St. 
Joseph's College, as are his elder brothers ; Aloysius and Martin, 
students at St. Joseph's College; Martha, the wife of Dr. Henry 
Thill ; Mary, who married M. J. Graves, the present deputy county 
court clerk ; and Josephine, now Sister Mary Jeanette, of St. 
Frances Convent. Mr. Hoffmann is an ardent advocate of the 
cause of education, and his practicability is demonstrated in the 
opportunities gi\'en his children. 

Christian Loetscher. president of the Farley-Loetscher Man- 
ufacturing Company, of which he was one of the founders, and a 
recognized factor in the business world of Dubuque, is a native 
of the Republic of Switzerland. He was born August 2, 1850, a 
son of John Loetscher, and until his eighteenth year attended the 
public schools and served an apprenticeship at woodworking. Like 
many of the enterprising youths of the old countries of Europe, he 
concluded that better opportunities for advancement existed in 
America, and accordingly, in 1868, immigrated to the United States. 
For two years he worked at his trade in San Francisco, continuing 
the same occupation thereafter in other parts of California until 
the fall of 1872, when he located permanently in Dubuque. He 
secured employment with the sash, door and blind manufacturing 
establishment of Patch & Waite, but resigned this position to 
embark in business for himself. For one year, beginning January 
I, 1875, he was in business alone, then was associated in partner- 
ship with A. B. Carling, W. R. Clarke and J. A. Rickert. In 1881 
the Farley-Loetscher Manufacturing Companv was incorporated 
with J. P. Farley, H. L. Stout, J. M. Griffith, A. B. Carling, 
Christian Loetscher and A. A. Loetscher as stockholders. The 
first officers were J. P. Farley, president ; H. L. Stout, vice-presi- 
dent, and A. W. Dougherty, secretary and treasurer. Mr. Farley 
continued as president until 1894, when he was succeeded by 
Christian Loetscher, who has since continued as the active head of 
the corporation. C. M. Peaslee was secretary and treasurer from 
1892 to 1908, when he was succeeded by the present occupant, 
John A. Loetscher, son of the president. This concern has had a 
remarkable commercial growth. The original capitalization at time 



726 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

of incorporation was $75,000, but this has since been several times 
increased in order to keep abreast of its transactions, until its 
capital stock is now $1,000,000. In 1875 ten men were employed; 
now there are six hundred employes, eight men being continuously 
on the road in the interests of the establishment. The Farley- 
Loetscher Manufacturing Company enjoys the distinction of being 
one of the largest sash and door manufacturing concerns in the 
country, and its phenomenal success is largely attributable to the 
keen foresight and business sagacity of the immediate subject of 
this sketch. Soon after coming to Dubuque, Christian Loetscher 
married Miss Mary Loetscher, daughter of Tobias Loetscher, of 
Dubuque, and to this union have been born the following children : 
John A., who began as office boy in the establishment of which he 
is now secretary and treasurer; F. W., educated in the public 
schools of Dubuque. Princeton University, a seminary and post- 
graduate course of five years, special courses of one year each at 
Berlin and Strasburg, professor of church history at Princeton 
three years, for a like length of time pastor of the Oxford Presby- 
terian Church at Philadelpliia, and since 1910 has held a full 
professorship in Princeton Theological Seminary: E. C, connected 
\mX\\ the Loetscher & Ryan Manufacturing Company, and a grad- 
uate of Cornell University, Ithaca, New York; Lydia C, wife of 
Professor Funk, of McAllister College, St. Paul, Minnesota: Mary, 
deceased; Alma A., the wife of M. C. Bardell, a banker at Marion, 
South Dakota: Elizabetii M. (Mrs. Lachner), whose husband is 
identified with the Loetscher & Ryan Manufacturing Company, of 
Dubuque; Ernst, deceased; T. B., associated with the firm of which 
his father is president; Arnold E., now taking a mechanical engi- 
neering course in the State University of Wisconsin; and Florence, 
deceased. No family stands higher in the religious, social and 
commercial world of Dubuque than that of Christian Loetscher. 

John F. McNamara, for many years engaged in mining and 
farming in Dubuque county and now living a retired life in the 
city of Dubuque, was born in Putnam county. New York, June 24. 
1834, the son of Roger McNamara. In 1836 the family came to 
Dubuque county and here the father engaged in mining until his 
death in 1865. John F. McNamara was educated in the local public 
schools and early in life joined his father in mining operations, 
continuing until the latter's death, when he purchased the Carson 
farm of 149 acres in Mosalem township, which he later increased 
to 215 acres. From t86i to 1867 he also engaged in the mining 
business, being part owner of the Driscoll and famous McNamara 
mine, from which 1,500,000 pounds of ore were extracted. About 
seven years ago Mr. McNamara disposed of his farming interests 
and retired from the active cares of life, removing into the city 
of Dubuque, where he now resides. To his marriage with Mis? 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 727 

Catherine Callahan, daughter of Cornelius Callalian, who died in 
1857, solemnized in the year i860, the following children were 
born, nine of thirteen now living: Clement B., contractor: Austin; 
Cyril ; Lucy ; Margaret Priestly ; Martha Grace ; Agatha : Katherine 
Kinsella ; Celia Gassman ; and four deceased. The family are devout 
members of the Roman Catholic church, and Mr. McNamara is 
a member of the Holy Name Society, and Mrs. McNamara of 
tlie Rosary Society and of the Mercy Hospital Association. Mr. 
McNamara has been a lifelong Democrat in his political views; 
served two years as justice of the peace in Mosalem township, two 
years as township trustee, and as supervisor from i860 to 1864 
and from 1885 to 1891. He is one of the oldest living residents of 
the county and bears the respect and good will of all who know him. 

Shubael A. Monger, since 1904 city editor of the Telegraph- 
Herald of Dubuque, Iowa, was born in Anamosa, Iowa, Feb- ■ 
ruary 13, 1875, a son of C. H. and Katherine L. Monger. Both 
sides of the family are of English extraction. Shubael A. Monger 
was educated in the public schools of his native town, finishing in 
the Anamosa high school. From 1896 to 1904 he was editor and 
proprietor of the Anamosa Journal, succeeding his father upon the 
latter's death. Disposing of his newspaper property, he accepted 
the city editorship of the Telegraph-Herald in Dubuque and has 
been thus connected ever since. He is a Democrat in his political 
affiliations, and socially is identified with the Benevolent and Pro- 
tective Order of Elks. 

Dr. Robert J. Sweeney, one of the most prominent of the 
younger generation of dental practitioners, was born and raised 
in Dubuque county. He is the son of James and Margaret (Nevins) 
Sweeney, early settlers. He received his early scholastic training in 
the Dubuque public schools, later entering and duly graduating 
from Bayless Business College. He determined to make the study 
and practice of dentistry his life work, and accordingly attended the 
Keokuk Dental School, from which institution he was graduated 
in 1904. Dr. Sweeney then began the practice of dentistry in 
his present spacious quarters in the Telegraph-Herald building, 
Seventh and Main streets, Dubuque, Iowa, and has here since been 
actively and successfully engaged in the general practice of his 
profession. He is a member of the Dubuque District Dental 
Society, the Iowa State Dental Association and the Catholic Order 
of Foresters, Knights of Columbus and the Loyal Order of Moose, 
being president of the latter organization. In 1910 he was united 
in marriage with Miss Ella J. O'Connell. daughter of Mrs. Mary 
O'Connell, of Graf, Iowa, and who for a number of years was one 
of Dubuque's most successful teachers. Dr. Sweeney is one of 



728 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Dubuque's public-spirited and progressive men, and takes an active 
interest in local affairs of importance. 

John D. Denison, Jr., well-known resident of Dubuque, was 
born in Clarion. Iowa. September 29. 1872, and is the son of 
John W. and Triphina June (Gorton) Denison. He is of English, 
French and Dutch extraction. The family came from England to 
America at an early period. John Denison, Jr., received his early 
educatir:n in the public and high schools of his native city, grad- 
uating from the latter in 1889, and then took a collegiate course in 
the Upper Iowa University, graduating with the class of 1893. 
He then determined to take up the study and practice of law, and, 
accordingly, entered and in 1898 was duly graduated from the 
law department of the University of Nebraska with the degree of 
Bachelor of Laws. He immediately began the active practice of 
his profession, at which he has been unusually successful. He is a 
member of the American Bar Association. Mr. Denison has always 
taken a keen interest in his relations with other men, and socially 
is identified with various fraternal and benevolent organizations. 
In 1901 he served as head auditor in the Modern Woodmen of 
America; from 1905 to 1908 as beneficiary committeeman of the 
Royal Neighbors of America; in 1904 he was president of the Iowa 
Fraternal Congress: and from 1905 to the present he has been a 
director of the Brotherhood of American Yeomen. Mr. Denison 
has also taken great interest in public affairs of importance, and 
as a Democrat in politics was the candidate of that party in 1902 
for the office of attorney-general of Iowa and in 1906 for lieu- 
tenant-governor. In 1908 and again in 1910 he was the Demo- 
cratic candidate in the Third district for Congress. His oratorical 
ability is well known throughout the state, and there are but few 
men in Iowa whose services are in as great demand in political 
campaigns and public celebrations as those of Mr. Denison. At 
Freeport, Illinois, in the year 1900, he was united in marriage with 
Miss Maud Lulu Clark, a native of that place, and one son, John 
DeLoe, was born to them in March, 1903. 

William A. Palmer, now living a retired life in Dubuque, was 
born December 18, 1836, in Genesee county, New York, the son 
of David and Ann (Cochran) Palmer, both natives of Ireland and 
of Scotch-Irish extraction. David Palmer was a carpenter by 
trade, and spent his declining days at the residence of his son, 
William A., in Dubuque. On January 12. 1877, Mr. and Mrs. 
Palmer celebrated their golden wedding, and three days later she 
passed away, aged seventy-four years. Mr. Palmer sur\'ived her 
until July 21, 1879, when he died as he had lived— an honest and a 
loyal citizen. William A. Palmer was educated in the public 
schools of Batavia, New York, came to Dubuque in i860, and here 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 729 

established the printing and bookbinding business now conducted 
by Berg & Briggs. He was the active head of that estabhshment 
until 1905, at which time he retired from participation in business 
affairs. He has always taken great interest in church work and 
has taken an active part in civic and charitable affairs. He has been 
an elder of the Westminster Presbyterian Church for thirty years. 
He is regarded as one of Dubuque's leading citizens, has the respect 
and esteem of the entire community, and has assisted materially 
a number of the city's younger business men when they were boys, 
in whom he still retains an interest. In 1861, at Galena, Illinois, 
he was united in marriage with Miss Caroline Strong, a native of 
that place. She was a lifelong member of the Presbyterian church, 
devoting much of her time and means to the interests of church 
work, and died at Dubuque on September 30, 1905, greatly belo\'ed 
by all who knew her. 

Prof. John A. McFadden, instructor in elocution at the German 
Presbyterian Seminary, Dubuque, was born October i, 1844, in 
Baltimore, Alaryland, the son of Hugh and Susanna S. McFadden. 
After attending the public schools he entered St. Timothy's College, 
and later was graduated from the department of elocution in Mur- 
dock College. His ability as a public speaker led him to believe 
that lie would be most successful in life as a lawyer, and, accord- 
ingly, he entered the office of Congressman J. Morrison Harris and 
for three years read law. He was duly admitted by examination 
to practice before the Baltimore and Maryland state bars, but his 
continued interest in the subject of elocution caused him to aban- 
don a legal career, and he has since devoted his time to educational 
work, particularly as regards elocution and public speaking. After 
having spent two or three years in the Etonian School of Elocution, 
at Philadelphia, and after the completion of a course with the 
Monroe School of Elocution, at Boston, he was for a time associate 
professor at Johns Hopkins University and at Martyn College, 
Washington, District of Columbia, as well as instructor in the 
Central Young ]\Ien's Christian Association at Baltimore. Pro- 
fessor McFadden came to Dubuque about fifteen years ago and 
for the last six years has been connected with the German Presby- 
terian Seminary as instructor in elocution. His success in this 
particular line of endeavor has been unusual : aside from his con- 
nection with the seminary, he maintains a studio for private instruc- 
tion. Many of his students have acquitted themselves with credit 
and distinction in the other institutions of the Northwest, thus 
demonstrating the thoroughness of his teaching. Professor Mc- 
Fadden married Miss Bernice M. Langworthy, the daughter of 
l^ucius H. Langworthy, of Dubuque, and they reside at 606 West 
Third street. 



730 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Henry P. Lemper, of Dubuque, is a native of the state of 
Illinois, his birth occurring at Galena, December 6, 1869, the son 
of A. J. and Catherine (Mumm) Lemper. The father was a cooper 
by trade, and after attending the public schools of Galena, Henry P. 
Lemper learned that occupation under his father's tutelage. For 
fi\e years thereafter he worked at his trade in Waterloo, Iowa, then 
returned to Galena and until 1907 was associated in business with 
his father. In that year he was elected city treasurer of Galena 
and held the office one year. Mr. Lemper then came to Dubuque 
and purchased the grocery business of his sister, Mrs. George A. 
Piffner, and in the adjoining building opened a buffet, the first in 
Dubuque to operate under the Mulct law, and he has since con- 
ducted both these establishments with unusual success. In 1907 his 
mother passed away and was buried in Galena, and since then the 
elder Lemper has made his home with his son in Dubuque. Henry 
P. Lemper is unmarried; is a member of Eagle Lodge (Galena), the 
State Liquor Dealers' Association, the Grocery-men's Association, 
and is one of Dubuque county's progressive citizens. In religious 
^•iews he is an adherent of the Roman Catholic faith, as were his 
parents before him, and affiliates with the Holy Ghost Church. 

George Traufler, who for years engaged in general farming 
and stock raising in Dodge township. Dubuque county, Iowa, and 
who now is living a retired life in the city of Dyersville, was born 
in Independence, Iowa, August i, 1865, the son of Nicholas and 
Margaret Traufler. Nicholas Traufler was a native of Germany 
and came to America in 1855. He first located at Chicago, then 
at Dubuque, Iowa, and later at Independence, Iowa, where he fol- 
lowed his trade of blacksmith. He then located on a farm of 320 
acres in Bremer county and operated same until 1904, at which 
time he retired and came to Dyersville. Iowa, to pass his remaining 
days. By hard work he accumulated a competency. He passed 
away September 22, 1910, aged eighty-seven years. His wife 
died February 4, 1899, at the age of seventy-two years, and both 
are buried in St. Francis Cemetery at Dyersville. The following 
named children were born to them : Margaret, who married J. W. 
Shields; Nicholas, sheriff, of Virginia City, Montana; Catherine, 
residing at Chicago; Anna, the wife of James Maron, farmer, of 
Jackson Junction, Winneshiek county, Iowa; George, subject of 
this sketch ; and Elizabeth, who married Fred Farwell, creamery 
manager and contractor. George Traufler attended the public 
schools of Dayton township, Bremer county, Iowa, vmtil sixteen 
years old, and then remained at home assisting his father until 1898. 
He then bought a farm of 194 acres in Dodge township, Dubuque 
county, near Dyersville, where he resided until his retirement. 
Although practically retired from the active cares of life, Mr. 
Traufler is not altogether idle, doing some teaming in Dyersville. 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 731 

He is a Democrat in politics, a Catholic in religion, and a member 
of the Roman Catholic Mutual Protective Association of the state 
of Iowa. November 19, 1901. at Luxemburg, this county, he mar- 
ried Miss Elizabeth, daughter of the old pioneers, Peter and Mary 
Gaul. Her father came from Luxemburg, Germany, to Dubuque 
county, in 1845, and here secured land from the government. 
After a long and honorable life he died on April 15, 1894, aged 
seventy-two years, and was followed by his wife, April 10, 1895, ^^ 
the age of sixty-two years. Both are buried in the family lot in the 
cemetery at Luxemburg. To them these children were born : John, 
a carpenter ; Peter, farmer ; Joseph ; Henry, farmer at Luxem- 
burg; Nicholas, farming on homestead; Margaret, residing in 
Dyersville, widow of Charles Duster; Mar}', died in 1903 in a 
wagon accident ; Clara, married Jolin Moores, contractor in Luxem- 
burg; Josephine, wife of John Goetzinger, farming in Oklahoma; 
Catherine, married Nicholas Clemen, farming in Dodge township; 
and Elizabeth, wife of George Traufler. Mr. and Mrs. Traufler 
have one child, whom they adopted when one year and nine months 
old, named Elizabeth. 

Dr. Cornelius M. Steffens, president of the German Presby- 
terian Theological Seminary of Dubuque, was born in Veldhausen, 
Germany, September 28, 1867, the son of Rev. Dr. N. M. and Jane 
(Sutherland) Steffens. The father was a native of Germany, was 
educated for tlie ministry and for a number of years prior to his 
coming to America was a teacher in Roberts College, Constanti- 
nople, Turkey. The mother was born in Dundee, Scotland, grad- 
uated from Edinburgh University, and was a teacher of languages 
in Roberts College, where she met and married her husband. For 
a time after immigrating to the LTnited States the elder Steffens 
filled several important pulpits and later occupied tlie chair of 
theology in the German Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Du- 
buque. He is now professor of theology in the Western Theolog- 
ical Seminary, Holland, Michigan, where he and his wife reside.. 
Their son, Cornelius M.. was prepared for a collegiate education 
and entered Hope College, Holland, Michigan, graduating there- 
from in 1892 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Three years 
later he was granted the degree of Master of Arts from that insti- 
tution, succeeding which he studiied two years in the Moody 
Biblical Institute, Chicago, and three years in the Western Theo- 
logical Seminary at Holland, Michigan. He was ordained in 1895, 
and created Doctor of Divinity by Lenox College, Hopkinton, 
Iowa, and Coe College, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in 1905. In June of 
the year 1904 he was elected to his present position as head of the 
German Presbyterian Seminary, and as such has proved an impor- 
tant factor in the upbuilding of that institution. He has written 
numerous articles on religiotis topics, etc., for various publica- 



732 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

lions, and has delivered a number of notable addresses before con- 
ventions of Presbyterian assemblies, college convocations, etc. 
Before assuming his present position Dr. Steffens was for three 
years pastor of the Second Reformed Church of Rochester, New 
York, and for a like length of time was pastor of the church at 
Little Falls. New Jersey. His entire life has been spent in the 
-Interests of his church and in educational work. In 1897 he was 
united in marriage with Miss Anna Muehlendyke, daughter of 
A. and Mina (Zec\-eld) Muehlendyke, of Rochester. New York. 
She was educated in the high school and normal school of that 
city and was engaged in teaching when married to Dr. Steffens. 
To them one son, Ralph Sutherland, was born on April 2, 1898, 
now attending Lincoln school in Dubuque. Dr. Steffens has been 
a member of nvimerous associations and other meetings held in 
various parts of the country, and is identified with the National 
Teachers' Association. His residence is at 543 Third street. 

BERN.A.RD HoLSCHER, Sr. With the passing of Bernard Hol- 
scher, Sr., March 6, 1892, Dubuque county lost one of her best 
and most deserving citizens and a man who bore the respect and 
esteem of all who knew him. He was born at Telgte, Prussian 
province of Westphalia, Germany, April 30, 1830, and was there 
educated and reared to manhood. When old enough he enlisted in 
the Prussian army, serving his country a number of years, and on 
May 5, 1857, left Bremer Harbor for the LTnited States, with a 
view to making this country his future home. He landed at Balti- 
more, June 29, 1857, and on July 7 of the same year came to Dyers- 
ville, Dubuque county, Iowa. For a few months he was employed 
in a local lumber yard, and on January i, 1858, in partnership with 
his brother, Henry Holscher. embarked in mercantile pursuits. This 
association continued until the death of the brother, February 21, 
1883, and Mr. Holscher then continued the business alone until 
about 1890, at which time he disposed of his interests to his son-in- 
law, Joseph Pilmaier. He continued active business operations, 
however, dealing in grain until within a few weeks of his death. 
Upon the organization of the German State Bank at Dyersville, in 
1886, Mr. Holscher was elected to the position of president by the 
stockholders, and so popular was the choice and so well did he 
perform his duties that the head of the institution never changed. 
On February i, 1859, he was united in marriage with Miss Eliza- 
beth Stoeckel, who yet survives him. She was born at Zeinrierth, 
November 15, 1838, the daughter of Joseph and Margaret Stoeckel, 
and received her education in the public schools at New Vienna, 
Iowa. To her marriage with Mr. Holscher seven children were 
born, as follows: Bernard H. and Anna M., both dying in infancy; 
Joseph, born October 15, 1861, died June 4, 1886; Katherine, wife 
of Joseph Pilmaier, she dying May 27, 1887. aged twenty years: 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 733 

Elizabeth B., widow of Joseph Pihnaier, she dying September 3, 
iSgi, aged twenty-two years, the mother of one daughter, Bertha, 
born May 7, 1889; Annie, wife of Henry Goerdt ; and John, capi- 
tahst, who married Anna Kortenkamp, a niece of the first priest at 
Dyersville. When death haUed the career of Mr. Holscher he was 
but sixty-two years of age, but he did much toward the growth and 
development of Dubuque county, and his memory will long linger 
in the hearts of his many friends and neiglibors. 

Nicholas Martin Phillip Lenz, of Dubuque, is a native of 
Germany, his birth occurring at Caub, on the banks of the River 
Rhine, Alay 24, 1854, and the son of Philip Egelbert and Christina 
( Villman ) Lenz. The father was a musician and dancing teacher 
by occupation. Nicholas Lenz was educated in the public schools 
of his native country, and in 188 1 immigrated to America, coming 
tO' Davenport on July 17 of that year. He had served two years 
in the German army band and was associated with his father in 
teaching music and conducting a vineyard. He took a course in 
free-hand drawing in Germany, and after coming" to the United 
States he studied photograph developing in Davenport, Iowa, and 
on June 15, 1887, opened his present studio in Dubuque, doing all 
kinds of photographic work. On May 14, 1 891, he married Miss 
Anna Stuber, daughter of John S. Stuber, of Dubuque, and to 
them have been born: Louise, April 22, 1893, Audubon school 
graduate; Norma, February 14, 1895, attending high school; and 
Edward John, attending high school, born August 17, 1896. Mr. 
Lenz is one of the representative business men of Dubuque, ,is a 
member of the Germania Veteran's Society, the Saengerbund, 
Modern Woodmen of America and the Modern Brotherhood of 
America, being an ex-\ice-president of the first named organization. 
In politics he is a Democrat with socialistic tendencies, and resides 
with his wife and family at 2266 Jackson street. His studio is 
located at 1338 Clay street. 

John Henry Von Der Heide, living a retired life at New 
Vienna, was born at Oldenburg, Germany, November i, 1835, and 
is a son of Bernard and Katherina, both of whom lived and died 
in the old country. He attended the German public schools and 
early in life served an apprenticeship to the cabinetmaker's trade, 
which lie followed for a time. On April 15, 1864, he joined the 
German army and for seven years was a member thereof, seeing 
three years active service and four years on the reserve force. In 
1869 he immigrated to America, landing at New York city, and 
came directly west to New Vienna, Iowa, which place has since 
been his home. For years he followed the trade of carpenter con- 
tractor, and nearly every residence in the village of New Vienna 
has been erected by him. From 1882 to 1890 he followed mer- 



734 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

cantile pursuits, and during this time conducted also an undertaking 
establishment, manufacturing by hand all caskets, of which he sold 
seven hundred and eighty-four. Mr. Von Der Heide invested his 
money in real estate properties in and around New Vienna, and 
has acquired a competency. He is a Democrat in his political views 
and a Roman Catholic in religion. He is also a member of the 
Roman Catholic Mutual Protective Association of the State of 
Iowa. On January 24, 1864, if his native country, he was united 
in marriage with Miss Margaretta Dickstahl, who died Decem- 
ber 15, 1885, and is buried in St. Boniface Cemetery, New Vienna, 
Iowa. To them were born the following named children: Frank, 
deceased, born on the voyage to America; Frances, died in 1878 
and is buried at New Vienna; z^ugust C, residing in the state of 
Washington; Mary, wife of Joseph Erdmann; Louis, of Reliance, 
South Dakota ; Henry, conducting a buffet in Dubuque ; Bernard, 
clerking; and Frances, widow of George Steinl, who was acci- 
dentally killed in 1908 by a falling tree. Mr. Von Der Heide 
retired from active participation in business affairs in 1908 and has 
since resided in New Vienna, highly respected by all who know him. 

Otto Fernando Lange, general agent at Dubuque for the 
Royal Union Mutual Life Insurance Company of Des Moines, 
Iowa, was born in this city, February 16, 1869, the son of 
Robert W. and Ottilie (Lange) Lange, both of whom were natives 
of Berlin, Germany. Robert W. Lange participated in the German 
Revolution of 1848, which caused his removal to Vienna, Austria. 
In 1854 he came to America and two years later to Dubuque, 
where he engaged in brick contracting and building. In i860 
he enlisted in Company K, Seventeenth Missouri Volunteer In- 
fantry, and served to the end of the war as a Union soldier. He 
returned to Dubuque after that memorable struggle and resumed 
his occupation as a contractor. In later years he opened a grocery 
establishment on Lake street, now Garfield avenue, which he con- 
ducted for over twenty-five years, or until his death in 1900. 
His wife also died that year. To them were born these children: 
H)igo A., a jeweler at Little Rock. Arkansas; Otto F., the subject 
of this sketch; Selma wife of John W. Taylor, comptroller for the 
Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad Company, at Chicago; 
and Hulda, the wife of George L. Smalley, of Los Angeles, Cali- 
fornia. Otto F. Lange, whose name heads this sketch, received his 
education in the Dubuque public and high schools, succeeding which 
he became bookkeeper for Ryder Brothers, wholesale grocers, for 
one year, after which he traveled for Glasser & Bradley, cigar 
dealers, and for various other firms. In 1907 he received the 
appointment of general agent for northeastern Iowa for the Royal 
Mutual Life Insurance Company of Des Moines, Iowa, and he has 
been thus connected, with offices in the Bank and Insurance build- 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 735 

ing, ever since. In 1892, Mr. Lange was united in marriage with 
Miss Lyde Brendel. of Galena. Illinois, and to them Harvey, Philo 
and Neva have been born. The family are communicants of the 
Westminster Presbyterian Church, and Mrs. Lange is active in 
church and social circles. Mr. Lange is identified with several 
social and benevolent organizations, among which is the Chicago 
Athletic Association of Chicago. His residence is at 1344 Locust 
street. 

Anton Drexler, one of tlie representative business men of 
Dyersville, where since 1895 he has been engaged in the general 
mercantile business, was born near this city, March 4, 1867, and 
is a son of John and Mary (Heusler) Drexler. The father came 
from Bavaria, Germany, to the United States in 1853 and located 
on a fami of a hundred and sixty acres in Delaware county, Iowa. 
There he lived and farmed until coming to Dyersville in 1853. 
He died in October, 1S96, followed ten years later by his wife. 
To them were born the following named children : Matt and 
Annie, who died at age twenty-one ; John, retired farmer, residing 
in Dyersville; Katie, the wife of C. Kramer, farmer; Rev. Joe 
Dre.xier, Catholic priest at Norway, Iowa ; George, grocer at St. 
Louis : August, Catholic priest at Neola, Iowa ; Mary, who married 
Nicholas Jekel, of Independence, Iowa; Anton, subject; and Frank. 
Anton Drexler finished his scholastic training at Dyersville when 
twelve years old, and assisted his father in farming until of age. 
He then farmed on rented land for two years succeeding, when 
he came to Dyersville and for three years clerked in the Bagge 
hardware store. He then entered the Goerdt Brothers mercantile 
establishment and remained thus engaged eight years. In partner- 
ship with John Koelker he embarked in the general mercantile 
business, but six years later, when the store burned down, he 
engaged in that line of business alone and has been very successful. 
He is a Democrat in politics, but has never aspired to hold office. 
In religious views he is a Catholic and a member of the Roman 
Catholic Mutual Protective Association of the State of Iowa. Feb- 
ruary 28, 1889, at Dyersville, he was united in marriage with Miss 
- Annie Goerdt, daughter of Charles and Elizabeth Goerdt, pioneer 
farmers of Delaware county. To this union have been born seven 
children : Albert, in father's store ; Charles, same ; Rosa, at home ; 
Emil, with father; Frances, attending school; Alma, also in school; 
and Edward, six years old. The Drexler family are highly 
regarded in the community where they reside. 

Eugene Traub, of the firm of Traub & Feigner, real estate and 
insurance dealers and makers of abstracts of titles. Dubuque, was 
born May 8, 1858. in the kingdom of Wurtemburg, Germany, the 
son of Emil Traub, a Lutheran pastor. He was educated in the 



736 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

German schools and came to Dubuque, Iowa, in February, 1882, 
entering the abstract office of Wright & Company, with whom he 
remained until 1900. He then for three years engaged in the same 
line of business on his own account; in 1903 he admitted Emil 
Feigner to partnership and the business was continued under the 
firm name of Traub & Feigner, with offices in the Bank and Insur- 
ance building. To his marriage with Miss Clara M. Brandt, of 
Dubuque, one son, Eugene, Jr., attending Dubuque high school, 
has been born. Mr. Traub is a member of the Lutheran church 
and in politics is independent. 

Emil Felgner, member of the firm of Traub & Feigner, dealers 
in real estate and insurance and makers of abstracts of titles, is a 
native of Lengefeld, Kingdom of Saxony, Germany, born July 13, 
1866, and the son of Frederick and Christina Feigner. His early 
education was acquired in the Saxon schools, and after coming to 
America he continued his studies at Waverly, Iowa, and in Bayless 
Business College, Dubuque. For a time he was in the employ of 
the John T. Hancock Company, dealers in groceries, and on Janu- 
ary I, 1903, became associated with Eugene Traub under the firm 
name of Traub & Feigner. To his marriage with Miss Lizette 
Jeoffrey, of Dubuque, one daughter, Ruth, now a student in St. 
Joseph's Academy, has been born. Mrs. Feigner is a member of 
St. Mary's Catholic church and Mr. Feigner is a Lutheran. He is 
independent in politics. 

Theodore Schemmel, of Dyersville, was born at New Vienna, 
Dubuque county, Iowa, June 16, 1852, and is a son of Henry and 
Mary Schemmel. The father came from Germany to America, 
locating first in Ohio and later coming to New Vienna, this 
county, with his brother. He here farmed 200 acres of land and 
also engaged in the manufacture of woolen goods. He died 
at the age of forty-five years, followed by his wife in the fall 
of 1907, and both are buried in St. Boniface cemetery. Theodore 
Schemmel attended the parochial school at Dyersville and later took 
a college course at Dayton, Ohio. In 1868 he returned to the old 
homestead and assisted his mother in the management of the farm 
until 1871. He then bought a farm of 120 acres near Worthing- 
ton, Dodge township, and about five years later purchased another 
150-acre tract. He engaged in farming and stock raising and 
improved his property, which as time passed on increased in value. 
In 1900 Mr. Schemmel came to Dyersville and lived retired. He 
is a Democrat in politics and has served as Alderman of Dyersville 
and Road Supervisor of Dodge township. Socially he is identified 
with the Catholic Order of Foresters ; in religious views he is a 
Catholic and holds membership in tlie Roman Catholic Mutual Pro- 
tective Association of the State of Iowa. To his marriage with 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY Jij 

Miss Elizabeth Hopley, solemnized in Dyersville, October 3, 1871, 
seven children were born, as follows : Three who died in infancy ; 
Lewis, farming near Worthington; Elizabeth, wife of Joe Rupeley; 
Frank, twin brother of Anthon who died in infancy, farming: and 
Mary, living with her father. Mrs. Schenimel died February 7, 
1908, aged fifty-eight years, and is buried at Dyersville. Mr. 
Schemmel served fifteen years as a director and treasurer of the 
Board of Education at Worthington, and has always assisted from 
his means in the support of all laudable enterprises. 

Eugene E. Frith, proprietor of the Union Stock Yards, Eight- 
eenth and Sycamore streets, Dubuque, and otherwise prominently 
identified with local commercial interests, was born in this city, 
April 5, 1859, the son of Thomas E. and Amelia (Borden) Frith. 
The parents were both natives of England, were there married, and 
at an early date immigrated to America and came to Dubuque. 
Here the father engaged in fertilizing and rendering, which busi- 
ness is still conducted by Eugene E. Frith with a complete and 
modern plant. Eugene E. Frith received his education in the 
Dubuque public schools, and while yet young in years entered busi- 
ness with his father. The Union Stock Yards, now owned and 
operated by him, was established twenty-five years ago by the 
Dubuque Butchers' Association and was incorporated in April, 
1904. They are engaged in killing and packing, and in the selling 
of tallow, hides, pelt, wool, etc. Mr. Frith is a staunch Republi- 
can in his political views, has served as Alderman from the Fifth 
Ward for ten years and^ during this time many bills for civic im- 
provement brought up by him have become laws. Socially he is 
a member of the Elks, Modern Woodmen of America, the Free- 
men's Association of Des Moines, and the Independent Order of 
Odd Fellows. To his union with Miss Mary E. Collins, daughter 
of Jacob Collins, one of Dubuque county's pioneer miners, these 
children have been born : Eugene T., a graduate of Bayless Busi- 
ness College and now traveling for his father; Nettie Irene, at 
home : Belle, now Mrs. Emil Tropp. The family are communi- 
cants of St. Luke's Methodist Episcopal church, and Mrs. Frith is 
identified with the Woman's Relief Corps and is prominent in social 
circles. 

Anton Bockensted has lived at New Vienna, Iowa, retired 
from the active cares of life since 1900. He is of German nativity, 
born at Oldenburg, December 12, 1838, and is the son of Frank H. 
and Elizabeth Bockensted. who came to America by way of New 
Orleans in 1845. The voyage across the ocean was of ten weeks' 
duration, and u])on arrival in this country immediately started up 
the Mississippi river, locating at New Vienna, Iowa. In the spring 
of 1846 the family removed to a farm in Delaware county, princi- 



738 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

pally wild prairie land which Mr. Bockensted bought at $1.25 per 
acre, and brought to a high state of cultivation. He died October 
2y, 1886, aged eighty-four years, preceded by his wife April 3, 
1864, and both are buried in St. Boniface cemetery. Mr. Bocken- 
sted possessed the sturdy tlirift cliaracteristic of the German people, 
and by hard work accumulated a competency. At his death he 
was the owner of 200 acres of fine farm land, which he left to his 
children, named as follows : Frank, retired farmer ; Henry, died 
in 1910, buried in St. Boniface cemetery at New Vienna; Clemens, 
retired farmer; Marianna, died in May, 1897, buried at Dyersville, 
was the wife of Frank Bullinger; Elizabeth, who married Bernard 
Vaske, of Delaware county, Iowa; Josephine, died March 4, 1885, 
buried at Dyersville ; John, died at age of seven years, buried in St. 
Boniface cemetery; Arnold, farming in Delaware county, and 
Anton. Anton Bockensted received his schooling in one of the 
old-fashioned log-house schools, having a farmer for a teacher, 
and has followed farming and stock raising all his life as a means 
of livelihood. For a time he remained with his father, then farmed 
for himself, and at one time was the owner of 300 acres. He still 
possesses 120 acres, and gave his daughter an eight-acre tract. 
Aside from his farming interests Mr. Bockensted owns six lots 
in New Vienna and various buildings. He is a Democrat in poli- 
tics, has served as school director and on the Council a number of 
years, and for over sixty years has been a staunch adherent of the 
Roman Catholic faith. He was married at New ^^ienna on Sep- 
tember 8. 1863, to Miss Angela Rohenfohl, daughter of Frederick 
and Catherine Rohenfohl, the former coming to Dubuque county 
about 1838 and subsequently dying at Lindsay, Texas. Mrs. Bock- 
ensted passed away October 21, 1872, when in the prime of life, 
aged twenty-six years, having borne her husband these children : 
Frank, who died when six years old; three who died in infancy; 
Elizabeth, married Henry Klosterman, farming near New Vienna, 
and Mary, the wife of Frank Kruse, also a farmer. Mr. Bocken- 
sted, by hard and honorable work, has accumulated a competency, 
and during his remaining years can live at ease and with the knowl- 
edge that he has made life a success. 

Adolph Warburg Leman, M.Th., since January, 1908, resid- 
ing and practicing his profession in Dubuque, is a native of Sweden, 
born at Gothenburg, August 29, 1870, and of German extraction. 
Maxmilian and Bernhardina (Von Behrens) Leman were his par- 
ents, the father being an importer by occupation. Until sixteen 
years of age Adolph W. Leman attended the military academy, 
then spent one year in preparatory instruction previous to entering 
the medical department of the LTniversity of Stockholm, where he 
studied until 1890. Fie then entered and in 1892 graduated from 
the Royal Central Institute, succeeding which he was for two sea- 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 739 

sons assistant to Dr. E. Kleen, of Karlsbad, Austria. Following 
this he came to this country, where he practiced in New York 
nearly seven years, after which he returned to Europe, where for 
three years he divided his practice between London (summers) 
and Paris (winters). While there he had several patients from 
San Francisco, who finally induced him to return to America, and 
he practiced in the latter city until the earthquake, after which he 
went East. Since January 16, 1908, Dr. Leman has been a resi- 
dent of Dubuque, Iowa, and is endeavoring to bring before the 
people of this city a branch of the medical profession known as 
mechano-therapy. In order that this system may be thoroughly 
understood and appreciated by the citizens of Dubuque county a 
short history and account of mechano-therapy herewith follows : 

Manual treatment, in one form or another, has been in use for 
all time of which there exists any historical record, but the first 
attempt to place a system of movements on a scientific basis was 
made by a Swede named Pehr Henrik Ling. He was born in 
Ljunga, southern Sweden, in 1776. His life was primarily in- 
tended for the ministry, but being of a roving disposition he rebelled 
against this and started wandering over the Continent. Little is 
known of his travels save that he visited Germany, France and 
England, but in 1804 he returned to Sweden and in the town of 
Lund was established as an instructor in the arts of fencing and 
gymnastics. While traveling he had been compelled in consequence 
of pecuniary difficulties to undergo many hardships and privations, 
resulting in serious damage to his health, and upon his return to 
Sweden he was sorely afflicted with rheumatism. Bodily ailments 
did not, however, prevent him from pursuing an active life, and 
his reputation as a master of fencing and gymnastics developed into 
considerable fame. The movements and exercise necessitated by 
his daily work proved of great benefit to his physical condition, and 
shortly after his appointment as fencing master to the L^niversity 
of Lund he found that his rheumatism had disappeared and that he 
had regained his former strength and vigor. These facts turned 
his thoughts in a new direction. What had been of benefit to him- 
self might also be of benefit to others, and he came to the conclu- 
sion that it ought to be possible to devise various movements with 
different physiological effects for the treatment of various ail- 
ments. He likewise argued that a further series of movements 
could be contrived which would tend not only to keep healthy per- 
sons in that condition but also to strengthen their bodies equally 
in all directions. The question now arose : how could these theo- 
ries be turned into practical account? Ling saw that it would be 
impossible to work out a rational system of gA'mnastics without 
previous knowledge of the structure of the human organism and 
of its complex functions, and accordingly brought the matter before 
the Senatus of the university and made formal application to study 



740 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

anatomy and physiology. This was readily granted, and he went 
through nearly the entire curriculum required for candidates for 
degrees in medicine and surgery without, however, actually taking 
any qualification. In the light of the extensive knowledge thus 
obtained Ling at last produced a practically new system of gym- 
nastics whicli is called after him. In time his efforts to induce the 
Swedish Government to found an institution for the practice were 
rewarded, and in 1813 the Royal Central Institute, subsidized by 
state, was opened in Stockholm, and he was appointed its first 
principal. Ling died in 1839, and, according to his own words, 
uttered shortly before his death, left behind him only two men who 
really understood his system and were capable of furthering its 
progress. These were Lars Gabriel Branting, the greatest of all 
his pupils, and Karl Augustus Georgii. By them, Hjalmar Ling 
(son of P. H. Ling) and Thure Brandt the system was developed 
and handed down, but it is a matter of great regret that neither 
ever issued a comprehensive work on the subject of Ling's medical 
gymnastics. Mechano-therapy, also called Swedish manual treat- 
ment, or medical gynmastics, consists of a series of movements, 
eitlier unduplicated (without resistance) or duplicated, which latter 
are either concentric or eccentric, and the object of the system is 
to replace pathological conditions by physiological ones — effected 
by executing movements in physiological harmony with the require- 
ments of the particular case. Dr. Leman, the immediate subject of 
this memoir, is endeavoring to prove to the people of Dubuque 
county the value of this system. He does not claim that mechano- 
therapy is a panacea, but prefers to work hand in hand with the 
medical profession, and in this manner mechano-therapy has become 
a valuable adjunct to medicinal and surgical treatment. 

Joseph W. Sch.^etzle. well-known resident of New Vienna, 
was born in this \illage June 3, 1868, the son of Sigismund and 
Elizabeth Schaetzle. The father was a native of Alsace, Germany, 
and prior to coming to America in 1856, followed the career of a 
soldier as a member of the French army. He located in New 
Vienna, Dubuque county, Iowa, and here resided until his death in 
1901, at the age of seventy-four years. His wife followed him on 
July 16, 1909, aged seventy-two years, and both are buried in St. 
Boniface cemetery. Joseph W. Schaetzle was educated in the pub- 
lic schools of New Vienna, which he attended until fourteen years 
old. From 1884 to 1889 he was employed as clerk and teamster 
by Jacob Kerper, of New Vienna, and then for two years was 
similarly engaged by A. P. Brunsman. Succeeding this he estab- 
lished a hotel and saloon which he has since conducted and to which 
his brother, Henry T. Schaetzle, was admitted to partnership. He 
is a stockholder in the First National Bank of Dyersville, owns 
considerable real estate, among which is ninety acres of valuable 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 741 

timber land, and also conducts the Washington House at New 
Vienna. In politics Mr. Schaetzle is a Democrat and he has served 
as town clerk of New Vienna for two years. In religious views 
he is of the Roman Catholic faith, and has long held membership 
in St. Boniface church. On June 7, 1892, at New Vienna, he was 
united in marriage with Miss Frances Keuter, who died December 
19, 1894, having borne her husband one daughter, Gunilda, July 
2, 1893. ^^- Schaetzle has always taken great interest in local 
affairs of importance and has contributed from his means to all 
laudable enterprises. He is one of the county's representative busi- 
ness men and bears the respect and good will of all who know him. 

Frank Boeckensted is one of Dubuque county's retired farmers 
and stock raisers, and at present is residing in the village of New 
Vienna. Fie was born at Oldenburg, Germany, September 8, 1831, 
a son of Frank H. and Elizabeth Boeckensted, both of whom were 
natives of that country. The father's birth occurred July 25, 1800, 
and he was reared to hard work on a farm. He also followed 
fishing. In 1846, accompanied by his family, he embarked on a 
sailing vessel for the United States, the voyage across the ocean 
lasting from August 15 to October 18. They landed at New 
Orleans and immediately came north to New Vienna, Iowa, then 
scarcely more than a cluster of log houses, but shortly thereafter 
removed to Delaware county, Iowa, and located on a farm of eighty 
acres. At that time the country was rough and in a wild state, 
and various bands of Indians could be found roving over the 
country. By hard work the father and his boys cleared and im- 
proved their land and in time accumulated a competency. Their 
neighbors were few and far between, and as far as the eye could 
reach from their farm there was nothing to be seen save a wide 
expanse of prairie land, broken occasionally by a cluster of trees 
along some winding river. To Mr. Boeckensted and wife five sons 
were born, named : Frank, Henry, Clemens, Arnold, and Anton. 
The father died October 24, 1886, aged eighty-six years, preceded 
by his wife April 3, 1864, at the age of fifty-nine years, and both 
lie at rest in St. Boniface cemetery. New Vienna, Iowa. Frank 
Boeckensted attended the public schools of his native county and 
when fifteen years old was brought to America and Delaware 
county, Iowa, by his parents. His education was limited to the 
above schooling and he was unable to speak one word of English 
upon arrival in this country. He learned to make wooden shoes, 
which trade he followed three years, and also assisted his father 
on the home farm until twenty-four years of age. He carefully 
saved his money during that time and was enabled to purchase 120 
acres at $1.25 per acre, which he improved by erecting a home, 
barn and suitable outhouses. He first plowed his land with oxen, 
and later, as his means afforded, bought horses and other domestic 



742 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

animals. Mr. Boeckensted finally disposed of his farm to his son- 
in-law for a consideration of $2,600, and then purchased another 
tract of 120 acres in Connolly township, Delaware county. This 
he held until his removal to New Vienna, Dubuque county, Iowa, 
where he has since resided retired from the active cares of life. 
He is a Democrat in politics and a member of St. Boniface Roman 
Catholic church. July 24, 1855, at Dubuque, he married Miss 
Gertrude Vaska, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Vaska, both 
deceased, and five children have been born to them, as follows: 
Elizabeth, married Bernard Engelken, farming the homestead in 
Delaware county; Mary, born August 29. 1858, died July 6, 1892. 
buried at New Vienna; Josephine, born September 17, 1862, died 
September 23, 1863; Anna K., born April 12, 1864, died November 
20, 1904, and Clemens J., born June i, 1868, died October 13, 
1877. Mr. Boeckensted has always contributed most liberally from 
his time and means toward the support of all laudable enterprises, 
and is at present assisting in the erection of four churches and 
schools at Luxemburg and Dyersville. He attended school at 
Hopetown shortly after coming to this country, with a view to 
bettering his education and command of the English language, and 
by his own unaided efforts has made life a success. He bears the 
highest respect and esteem of all who know him, and is one of 
Dubuque county's best citizens. 

The Dubuque Academy of Music, now under the able super- 
vision of Mr. and Mrs. A. C. Kleine, was founded in the year 1880 
by Miss C. R. Hamblin, who was educated in Leipzig, Germany. 
She was an ardent pupil and lover of music, and through her pro- 
nounced ability as an instructress did much to elevate the taste of 
the public along musical lines. Miss May Worthington was her 
first associate, and when Miss Hamblin relinquished her work in 
Dubuque Miss Rosa L. Kerr, now of Columbus, Ohio, assumed 
charge of the academy. In 1890 it passed into the hands of A. C. 
Kleine, the present director, and through his able management and 
teachings the school has grown and become very popular. The 
object of the school is to furnish the best methods of musical edu- 
cation in the art of pianoforte playing, from the elementary branches 
to the highest stage of artistic development, and to anyone taking 
a course of instruction in the Dubuque Academy of Music Mr. 
Kleine conscientiously guarantees the very best instruction and 
personal supervision. He lias studied the piano imder such mas- 
ters as Prof. Dr. Theodore Kullak and Nathaniel Bottcher, of 
Berlin, Germany; Jean Louis Nicode and Carl Hess, Dresden, 
Germany, and has been instructed in harmony and theory of music 
by Philipp Scharwenka. Dr. Richard Wuerst and Dr. Otto Thiersch, 
of Berlin, and Emil Rischbieter, of Dresden. Associated with 
Mr. Kleine on the faculty are Mrs. Kleine, a pupil of Fredrich 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 743 

Wieck, father and teacher of the celebrated Clara Schumann, and 
a graduate of the Rollfuss Academy of Dresden, Germany. Mrs. 
Kleine also studied under Felix Draescke and Carl Hess, the latter 
court pianist to the King of Saxony. Mrs. Ida Minges, a pupil 
of Hess, of Dresden, and Hirschberg. of Berlin, has been connected 
with the academy for fifteen years. The rest of the faculty con- 
sists of Miss Clara Hetherington, Miss Vivien Lee, Miss Marjorie 
Wilson, and Miss Ada Campbell, who are post-graduates of the 
academy and well known for their efificient work. Many fine 
pianists and teachers who are holding responsible positions have 
been developed at this school. The Academy is located at the 
corner of Tenth and Main streets, city of Dubuque. 

Henry Tegeler, residing on a farm of 200 acres in New Wine 
township, is a native of Illinois, born at Quincy, September 19, 
1852, and is the son of Gerhard and Antonetta Tegeler. The 
parents came to the United States in 1844 and first located at 
Quincy, where for a time the father followed his trade as plasterer. 
They then came to Dubuque county, Iowa, and settled on a farm of 
forty acres in New Wine township. The land was rough and un- 
broken and no buildings were to be found on it, but Mr. Tegeler 
set to work with a will and by degrees brought his property to a 
high state of culti\ation. By hard work and careful saving of his 
money he gradually prospered and became one of the foremost 
farmers in this section of the county. He was deeply in debt 
upon arrival in America, having had to borrow money for the ocean 
voyage, and also borrowed to buy his land in New Wine town- 
ship, but he honorably met all obligations at the proper times and 
accumulated a competency. Mr. Tegeler died December 27, 1900, 
aged seventy-three years, followed by his wife December 9, 1901, 
at the age of seventy-six, and both were buried in the family lot in 
the cemetery at Dyersville. Henry Tegeler attended the district 
schools of New Wine township until twelve years old, and the fol- 
lowing thirteen years remained on the old homestead assisting his 
father. He farmed rented land for a year, and then bought eighty 
acres, on which he paid $10 as a first installment. As time passed 
he prospered, and in 1891 he sold his farm and the following year 
bought his present tract of 200 acres. This is regarded as one of 
the finest farms in New Wine township, and Mr. Tegeler is engaged 
in general farming and extensive cattle raising. He is also a stock- 
holder in the Farmers* State Bank. As a Democrat in politics he 
has served twelve years as township clerk and in 1908 was elected 
to the Lower House of the State Legislature. Socially he is identi- 
fied with the Knights of Columbus, the Catholic Order of Foresters, 
and in religious views is an adherent of the Roman Catholic faith. 
October 18, 1877, at Dyersville, he was united in marriage with 
Miss Anna Burkle, daughter of Ralph and Mary Burkle. Her 






744 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

father was the first teacher in the parochial school at Dyersville, 
was also a carpenter, and later bought a farm of 190 acres near 
that city, where he has since resided. To Mr. and Mrs. Tegeler 
the following named family of children have been born : Nettie, 
who married Joe Bechman, farming in New Wine township; J.ouis, 
a mechanic at Nashua, Iowa ; Frank, government inspector of 
irrigation at Boise, Idaho ; Anthony, carpenter at Waterloo, Iowa ; 
Annie, at home ; Leo, teaching school ; Hago and Victor, assisting 
on the farm at home : Irene, at home ; Eleanora, at home ; Hilde- 
gard, attending school ; Modesta, at school, and Waldemar, also at 
school. Mr. Tegeler has always taken great interest in local affairs 
of importance and is one of the county's representative citizens. 

William Grah.\m: The history of William Graham, lawyer 
and citizen of Dubuque, is one which exemplifies all those good 
qualities which form the character of the self-made man, and as 
such it conveys its own lesson to every young man who may read 
it. Tliis article will commend itself to all citizens of Dubuque as 
an honest, though imperfect, attempt to tell them something of the 
life of one who, in official and private life, has patriotically striven 
to do his whole duty and in so doing has become eminent as an 
honest man and an able attorney. He was born March 2. 183 1. in 
Montgomery. Orange county. New York, the third son of William 
and Hannah (Houston) Graham. The father was a farmer and 
a man of influence and prominent in Orange county. He served 
as a member of the Lower House of the State Legislature, and 
declined the office of State Senator and the nomination for Con- 
gress. His mother was a gra^duate of Miss Pierce's school at 
Litchfield, Connecticut, and both were descended from old Scotch- 
Irish families of the Presbyterian faith. Their son. William Gra- 
ham, the immediate subject of this memoir, was educated in the 
Orange county public schools and the Montgomery Academy, later 
by examination entering the junior class at Union College. Upon 
entering he stood seventieth in his class, but at graduation ranked 
third, the class ranking higher in scholarship than any previously 
graduated from that institution. Many of this same class have 
made names for themselves in the various walks of life and have 
attained prominence in public affairs. Succeeding his graduation 
Mr. Graham entered the office of Hon. John J. Monell, Newburgh, 
New York, and there read law for three years, and was admitted 
to practice before the New York bar on January 8, 1856. While 
thus employed he also was manager of the Newburgh Gas & Light 
Company, using the means thus procured to further his education. 
In August, 1856. he removed to Bellevue, Iowa, and was admitted 
to the Bar of Iowa on September 8 of that year, and then formed 
a partnership with Hon. John B. Booth, ex-judge of the district 
bench, which continued until the death of the latter in 1869. In 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 745, 

1861 Mr. Graham was elected Mayor of Bellevue, and through 
his careful management and economy the city's indebtedness was 
paid up and its affairs put on a paying basis. He was, without his 
consent, the Democratic candidate for State Representative in 1861, 
but was defeated by a small majority through fraudulent tactics of 
opponents, which were later bared and confessed to Mr. Graham. 
He, however, refused to punish the offenders. In 1862 he was 
solicited to run for judge against John F. Dillon, but declined the 
honor, later refusing also to run against Judge Richman. In 1867 
he refused the nomination for State Senator, when same was 
equivalent to election, and that year came to Dubuque, where he 
has since been actively and successfully engaged in the general 
practice of law. In 1873 he was elected City Attorney of Dubuque 
by a majority larger than the total vote received by his opponent, 
and in 1885 received the appointment by President Cleveland of 
Assistant United States Attorney. He was afterwards retained 
by the government as special counsel in the prosecution and con- 
viction of officers of defunct commercial banks. In 1876 he was 
the nominee of the Democratic party for Supreme Court Judge, 
but suffered defeat with his ticket. While a resident of Bellevue 
Mr. Graham served two terms as president of the Board of Edu- 
cation, and was for four years chairman of the Democratic Central 
Committee. At the beginning of that period the Democrats held 
but one count}' office ; at its close the Republicans had but one ; a 
result to which his efforts contributed largely. In June, 1858, he 
was united in marriage with Miss Harriet Watson, of Catskill, 
daughter of Hon. Malbone Watson, Judge of Supreme Court of 
New York ; she died suddenly in 1894, while on a visit to her former 
home. Of their children the following named survive: Malbone 
W., D.D., for fourteen years a missionary of the Presbyterian 
church in South America, and now pastor of the Williams, Iowa, 
church; William. Jr., shoe merchant, of Chicago; Henry L., real 
estate dealer, of South Dakota; Helen, wife of G. G. Davis, real 
estate dealer, of South Dakota. William Graham is in many re- 
spects a remarkable man. He is a member of the Phi Beta Kappa 
college fraternity, the American Bar Association, the Iowa State 
and Dubuque County Bar associations, and for thirty years has 
been a member of the board of trustees of Lenox College, Hop- 
kinton, Iowa, which institution unexpectedly conferred on him in 
1901 the honorary degree of LL.D. He is secretary and director 
of the German Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Dubuque 
and has taken an active and prominent part in the affairs of the 
Presbyterian church, of which he is an elder. Mr. Graham has 
traveled extensively at home and abroad, has a wide acquaintance 
among clergymen and lawyers of prominence, and bears the highest 
respect and esteem of all who know him. His life, both private and 
public, has been remarkably clean and untarnished, and it is with 



746 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

just pride that Dubuque can point to him and say. "That man is 
one of our best and most deserving citizens." 

Henry A. Schunk, for the past three years engaged in the real 
estate and insurance business in Dubuque, is a native of Dubuque 
county and the son of Michael and Catherine Scliunk. Michael 
Schunk was born in Zvveibrucken, Kingdom of Bavaria. Germany, 
and in 1840 immigrated to the United States, locating at Dubuque, 
Iowa, where for many years he conducted the Western Hotel and 
later operated a brick kiln and yards. He was active in local 
affairs of importance, and as a Democrat in politics served as town- 
ship constable for fifteen years. On December i, 1889, he passed 
away, followed by his wife, March 4, 1900. and both are at rest 
in the family lot in Linwood cemetery. Henry A. Schunk, the 
immediate subject of this memoir, was born August 16, 1857, in 
the Western Hotel, Dubuque. Iowa. He received his early edu- 
cation in the old Third W^ard school, later attended Bayless Busi- 
ness College, and for a number of years was employed by various 
concerns as bookkeeper and accountant. From 1882 to 1883 he 
served as Treasurer of Dubuque, from 1885 to 1889 as United 
States Internal Revenue officer and from 1906 to 1910 as Mayor 
of the city of Dubuque. He has always taken great interest and 
an active part in public affairs, and, like his father before him, is 
a staunch Democrat in his political views. For the past three years, 
in partnership with his son, he has been engaged in the real estate 
and insurance business. Socially he is identified with the Eagles, 
Owls, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Ancient Order of 
United Workmen. Catholic Order of Foresters, Woodmen of the 
World, and the Catholic Protective Society. He has served as 
treasurer of the Elks for several years and as secretary and treas- 
urer of the Catholic Protective Society. August 16. 1878, he was 
united in marriage with Miss Margaret F. Broderick. daughter of 
John Broderick. who was born in Dubuque September 21, 1858, 
and to them these children have been born : Loretto M., wife of 
attorney John A. Cunningham, of Dubuque, born in August. 1879; 
Cyril B.. born in October. 1883. residing in Chicago; Henry B., 
born in October. 1887. with father, and Bertrand E., born in Au- 
gust. 1889. who died in infancy. The family are communicants of 
the Roman Catholic church, and Mrs. Schunk is a meinber of Sher- 
man Circle. The Scliunk family stands high in the community 
where they reside and bear the respect and good will of all who 
know them. 

Samuel B. L.\ttner. recognized generally as one of the able 
lawyers of the Dubuque bar. is a native lowan. his birth occurring 
February 5, 1862. at Lattnerville. the son of Paul and Amanda 
(Lasher) and grand.son of Joseph Lattner. The father came to 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 747 

America with his parents in 1854, settHng in Indiana, and after 
tlieir deatiis worked with, liis brothers Jacob and WendoHn on the 
construction of the lUinois Central Railroad between Dubuque and 
Independence, Iowa. Succeeding this he went to Lattnerville, 
Iowa, named for him, and there engaged in merchandising. He be- 
came prominent in the ci\ic affairs of that town, serving as post- 
master a number of years, and also was the first to introduce bees 
in that portion of the country, owning at one time some 200 hives 
and dealing extensively in honey. He was of the Roman Catholic 
faith, and in 1891, after a three days' illness, passed away of pneu- 
monia. His son, Samuel B., the immediate subject of this review, 
received his early education in the public schools of his native town, 
and later took a banking course in Bayless Business College, Du- 
bucjue. Subsequently, deciding to take up the study and practice of 
law he entered and in 1897 was graduated from the Iowa State 
University with the degree of Bachelor of Laws. He then came to 
Dubuque and has here been actively and successfully engaged in 
the general practice of his profession. 

He is also president of the Worthington Savings Bank, general 
counsel of same, and for ten years has been secretary of the Du- 
buque Bar Association. As a member of the Knights of Pythias 
order he has been prominent and has served as delegate to the Grand 
Lodge of that organization. Originally he was a Democrat in poli- 
tics, but since 1896 has been an inactive Republican. Mr. Lattner 
takes great interest in church work, and for ten years has been a 
teacher of an adult class in the Sunday school of the Methodist 
Episcopal church. To his marriage with Miss Mary Gerhardt, 
daughter of David and Rebecca Gerhardt, solemnized in 1885, the 
following named children have been born : Emma, November 2, 
1887; Laura, April 22, 1890: Rebecca, November 2, 1893, a"cl 
Frederick, June 28, 1898. The entire fatnily are prominent in 
church work, Mrs. Lattner being a member of the Ladies' Aid 
Society, and bear the respect and good will of all with whom thev 
come in contact. 

Daniel Sauer, who died in Dubuque, February 2, 191 1, was a 
man deserving of more than passing notice in the annals of this 
county. He was born April 11, 1829, in Unter Franken und 
Aschaffenburg, Kingdom of Bavaria, Germany, and was there 
reared and educated. When a young man he served in the Bavarian 
army, but at the age of twenty-four immigrated to America, located 
first at Forked River, New Jersey, and obtained a knowledge of 
ship carpentry and ship handling. He met and on June 24, 1855, 
married Catherine McGrath, who came to America about the year 
1853. Shortly after his marriage he moved west to Rock Island, 
Illinois, and secured employment as ship carpenter, an officer, on 
boats plying between St. Louis and St. Paul. In the early sixties 



74^ HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

lie moved to Dubuque, bought a home at 2149 Washington street 
in 1864, and there resided until his demise. He continued in 
active employment on the Mississippi for more than fifty years, 
numbering among his friends the prominent men of many cities, as 
well as the great river men of his day. He will long be remembered 
by river men as a trustworthy, kindly, and courteous gentleman, 
faithful to the duties he owed to God and his adopted country. His 
wife died February 15, 1899. They became the parents of the 
following named six children: Helen M. T., a graduate of the 
high school of Dubuque, taught in the graded schools of the city, 
and for the past twenty-three years as instructor of mathematics in 
the Dubuque high school, and is a trustee of the Carnegie-Stout 
Free Library; Edmund J., married Emma Tuegel, is the father of 
three children, resides at 473 Windsor avenue, Dubuque, learned 
the carpenter's trade, served as head engineer of the Diamond Jo 
lines several years, was elected and served two terms in the State 
Legislature from Dubuque county, went to Evarts, South Dakota, 
as superintendent and quarter owner of a transportation company 
shipping cattle, produce, and other commodities across the Missouri 
river at that point, subsequently returned to Dubuque, and is now 
secretary and treasurer of the Dubuque Sand Company and an 
Alderman-at-large of the city; Joseph, who died at the age of seven 
years ; Frank, married in Chicago and went from there to Everett, 
Washington, where he died at forty years of age and was buried 
in Dubuque; George A., a ship carpenter, unmarried and residing 
at the old home in Dubuque, and Catherine, a graduate of the Du- 
buque high school, trained as a teacher in tlie State Normal school 
at Cedar Rapids, and is a teacher in the public schools. 

John B. Walter, residing in Farley, is a native of this county, 
his birth occurring January 9, 1868. and the youngest of two chil- 
dren, his elder sister, Ann Maria, being the wife of James Redding, 
of Farley, and the mother of four children. Joseph and Hannah 
(Toomer) Walter, the parents, were of English nativity and each 
came to the L^nited States when they were young and were here 
married. Joseph Walter was a farmer by occupation, an Episco- 
palian in religion, and a Republican in politics. He died October 
6, 1899, at sixty-seven years of age, preceded by his wife at the 
age of forty-four years. John B. Walter received his education in 
the common schools, and while his parents were living resided 
under the parental roof. Conjointly with his sister he inherited 
310 acres of valuable land acquired by his father which comprised 
the homestead, and here he resided until 1903. Having purchased 
141 >4 acres a short distance southwest of Farley, he farmed this 
property for five years, but in 1909 rented the place, moved into 
Farley and has since devoted his time to looking after his various 
interests. December 10, 1891. he married Miss Carrie Chubb, and 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 749 

to this union four children have been born, named, Elsie, Bert, Eva, 
and Leslie. Mrs. Walter was born October 17, 187 1, and is the 
only survivor of two children born to James R. and Martha Ann 
(Hatch) Chubb, who were natives of England. Her brother Clar- 
ence, the oldest of the children, died in infancy. The parents came 
to America when young, were married in Dubuque in October, 
i860, were farmers the greater part of their lives, and are yet 
living. Mr. Walter is a Republican in his political affiliation, has 
served two years on the Farley school board, and is a member of 
the City Council. Socially he belongs to the Modern Woodnjen of 
America and the Mystic Workers, and he and wife are members of 
the Episcopal church of Farley. 

Henry Charles Kenline, senior member of the well-known 
legal firm of Kenline & Roedell, was born in Elizabeth, Minnesota, 
September 15, 1875. the son of John and Katherine (Racy) Ken- 
line. The family is of German extraction and in that country the 
father was born. Henry Kenline, the subject of this review, was 
educated in the public schools of his native town, the high schools 
in Dulutli and Minneapolis, Minnesota, and in the Bayless Business 
College, Dubuque. In August of the year 1892 he entered the law 
offices of Longville & McCarthy as student and clerk, and in May, 
1897, was admitted to practice before the Iowa State bar by exami- 
nation before the Supreme Court. He then joined the above men- 
tioned firm as junior member, and when Mr. Long\-ille died the 
firm was styled McCarthy & Kenline and remained thus until Mr. 
McCarthy's death in 1904. Mr. R. P. Roedell was then admitted 
to partnership and the firm name changed to Kenline & Roedell. 
Mr. Kenline has general and corporation practice in the State and 
Federal courts, is general counsel for the Law Defense Company 
of Dubuque, and Chicago, Anamosa & Northern Railway, and is a 
member of the Iowa State Bar Association. To his marriage with 
Miss Katherine Egan, of Amboy, Illinois, solemnized in 1905, two 
daughters, Katherine and Mary, attending school in Dubuque, have 
been born. Mr. Kenline is a Roman Catholic in his religious views 
and is independent in politics. He holds membership in the Du- 
buque Club and several fraternal organizations, holds high rank 
among the legal practitioners of Dubuque county, and his offices are 
located in the Bank and Insurance Building. 

Louis H. Brede, well-known resident and business man of Du- 
buque, is a native of this county and a son of the old pioneers Frank 
and Christina (Van Dillman) Brede. Frank Brede was bom in the 
Province of Westphalia, Germany, where he was reared and edu- 
cated, and in 1857 immigrated to America and located at Dubuque. 
Here for many years he conducted a buffet, and in 1897 passed 
away and was buried in the German Catholic cemetery. Mrs. 



750 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Brede still survives him and makes her home in Dubuque. To them 
the following named children were born: John F., of the Dubuque 
Chemical Company; Frank H., Mrs. Flora Meyer, Mrs. Emma 
Klauer, Mrs. Anna Klauer, Mrs. Bertha Kunnert, Christina, and 
Louis H., all of whom reside in Dubuque. Louis H. Brede, the 
immediate subject of this memoir, attended St. Mary's parochial 
school and later entered Sacred Heart College at Prairie du Chien, 
Wisconsin. He then spent some time learning the machinist's 
trade, succeeding which he was for four years in the County Treas- 
urer's office. When the Dubuque Woodenware & Lumber Com- 
pany was organized in March, 1890, Francis Jaeger was elected 
president, A. J. H. Tuegel vice president and Mr. Brede secretary 
and treasurer. Their charter expired on January i, 1910, and the 
new one was issued to the Dubuque Lumber Company, with Mr. 
Brede president and treasurer, Thomas Tully vice president, and 
Joseph A. Peryon secretary. They are engaged in the wholesale 
and retail lumber business, with offices and yards at Lincoln and 
Tenth a\enues, and also deal in coal and cement. Li 1895 the 
Dubuque & Wisconsin Bridge Company was organized by J. A. 
Rhomberg, C. H. Me3'er, George Fengler and others, was char- 
tered by the United States in 1901. and work on the bridge com- 
menced that year by the contracting firm of Linehan & Molo. The 
bridge was opened for traffic in ]\Iay. 1902. The capital stock of 
the corporation amounted to $100,000, of which $83,000 was paid 
in. The bridge is now known as the Eagle Point bridge, with 
Louis H. Brede president of the corporation and L. Lindenberg 
secretary. Aside from the above associations Mr. Brede is a 
director of the German Trust & Savings Bank, has been chairman 
of the Democrat City Central Committee six years, and is a mem- 
ber of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church. He resides at 1018 
Iowa street. 

Reuben Hawkins, residing on section 11, Cascade township, is 
a splendid example of what a youth can accomplish in this country 
by the proper display of courage under difficulties, industry and 
economy. He was born in October, 1849, and is a son of William 
and Sarah Hawkins, of whom appropriate mention is made in the 
biography of his elder brother, Benjamin Hawkins. He attended 
a few terms at the Spring \'alley district schools and at twelve 
years of age was compelled to begin life's battle upon his own 
responsibility. His boyhood days were passed in working as a 
farm laborer and acquiring an education, and when nineteen years 
old he began teaching in the district schools of Cascade township. 
He acquired forty acres of land from his father by making the 
first payment therefor with a horse valued at $100. Long hours 
of hard labor brought him the means to increase his holdings from 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 751 

time to time, until he is now the owner of over 300 acres, and this 
he has improved until it has become one of the finest farms in tlie 
county. When twenty-nine years old he married Mary Mercer, 
daughter of Andrew and Euphemia (Dalgleish) Mercer. Andrew 
Mercer was born in Scotland and immigrated to Canada when 
twenty years of age. He followed his trade of mason and stone- 
cutter, moved to New York state, and from there to Cascade, Iowa. 
Mr. and Mrs. Mercer had these children : James, Robert, Mary, 
Eliza, James, and Isabella. To Mr. and Mrs. Reuben Hawkins 
three children have been born, as follows: Charles D., Effie May, 
who died at the age of six months and three days, and Anna 
Almira, the wife of Harry P. Midkiff, who, with her husband, are 
now in Germany preparing themselves to become Christian mission- 
aries. Mr. Hawkins is one of the well-known raisers of shorthorn 
cattle and Shropshire sheep of the county. He is a Republican in 
politics, has served on the grand jury three years, is a strong advo- 
cate of temperance, and is active in the work of the Presbyterian 
church. 

John P. Kirchen, Sr., is one of the best-known men in Du- 
buque county, and has probably contributed as much good to future 
generations as any man within its borders. He was born in Nie- 
deranven, Grand Duchy Luxemburg, in 1840, a son of Nicholas and 
.Susanna ( Snyder ) Kirchen, and was there reared to man's estate. 
He received superior educational advantages in his native land, also 
in France, and when twenty-one years old came to the United 
States and for two years taught school at Granville, Wisconsin. 
He then engaged in mercantile pursuits at Dubuque, Iowa, but 
after a short time removed to Cascade, which place has since been 
his home. For a great many years Mr. Kirchen has followed the 
profession of school teaching in Dubuque county, serving twenty- 
three years as teacher at Dyersville, and many men here and else- 
where who have become prominent in the various walks of life 
received from Mr. Kirchen their educational start in the world. A 
devout Catholic in religion, he conceived the idea that a journal 
devoted to the cause of the church would accomplish much good 
that could not otlierwise be obtained. He founded the KathoHschcr 
JVaechter in June, 1896, which has obtained a large circulation 
and a flattering recognition among the religious publications of the 
country. Mr. Kirchen. in 1870, married Catherine Ernster, who 
was born in Cascade township in 1855. The children of Mr. and 
Mrs. Kirchen are: Charles Nicholas, born December 14, 1871 ; 
Susanna Theresa, October 9, 1873; John, Jr., August 12, 1876; 
Henry Joseph, March 4, 1879, died March 5, same year; Josephine 
Angela, March 13, 1881 : Emma, March 15, 1886, and John Nicho- 
las, June 24, 1888. 



752 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Dr. Orestes A. Brownson, one of the youngest of Dubuque's 
successful medical practitioners, is a native of this city, his birth 
occurring October 22, 1884. He is the son of Dr. John J. and 
Mary G. Brownson, the father being one of the pioneer men of his 
profession in Dubuque county. After attending an elementar}' 
school our subject, Orestes A. Brownson, further pursued his studies 
at St. Raphael's Academy in Dubuque, and the Jesuit College at 
Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. Inheriting much of the natural apti- 
tude and liking for the medical profession from his father, he sub- 
sequently entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons at St. 
Louis, Missouri, and was duly graduated therefrom in 1906 with 
the degree of Doctor of Medicine. He served a one year's interne- 
ship in the Jefferson Hospital, St. Louis, and was also an associate- 
interne for a time in St. John's Hospital there. Following this he 
returned to his native city, and for some time remained in his 
father's office, where he was enabled to learn much not taught in 
previous schooling. -He then opened an office of his own at the 
corner of Windsor and Eagle Point avenues, which he has since 
maintained. Dr. Brownson has made a specialty of the study of 
surgery, and recently took a post-graduate course in that branch 
of the profession at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Chi- 
cago. He is a member of the Dubuque County Medical Society, 
the Iowa State and American Medical associations, and is examin- 
ing physician for the Foresters, Modern Woodmen of America, 
and the Bankers' Life Insurance Company. He is also physician 
for St. Francis' Orphanage at Dubuque. In politics the doctor is 
a Democrat, and in religious views an adherent of the Roman 
Catholic faith. He is an ardent sportsman and during his vacations 
spends the time in hunting and fishing: he also takes an active 
interest in all branches of athletics, many of which he indulged in 
while at college. Although young in years, Dr. Brownson has 
attained an enviable reputation among the men of his profession, 
and he is highly respected in the community where he resides. 

Harry Barmeier, well-known resident of Dubuque, is a native 
of the State of Indiana, bom October 30, 1871, and the son of 
Bernhard and Henrietta Barmeier. After attending the public 
schools Harry Barmeier entered the University of Illinois, but 
was forced, because of very poor health, to leave same before grad- 
uation. But he finally recovered his health and took up the study 
of music, for which he had a great liking, and has since been a 
member of numerous musical organizations. In 1893 ^^^ came to 
Dubuque from Indianapolis and has since continuously resided in 
this city, taking an active part and interest in local affairs of im- 
portance. Shortly after coming to Dubuque Mr. Barmeier, owing 
to his interest in the field of sports, was appointed chief deputy 
Fish and Game Warden, which position he creditably filled for 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 753 

eight years. He is the author of the present lumters" license law, 
and was one of the organizers of the Iowa Fish and Game Pro- 
tective Association, the first convention of which was held in Du- 
buque, and has been first vice president of the organization since 
its inception. Mr. Barmeier iiad the written support of the leading 
fishermen and hunters of the state for the appointment of Game 
Warden, but was disappointed by Governor Carroll owing to his 
active support of Warren Garst's candidacy for Governor. He 
also for a time served as deputy State Milk Inspector, but resigned 
from this position. Mr. Barmeier has taken great interest in local 
affairs of importance and has the respect and esteem of all who 
know him. His residence is located at 414 Garfield avenue. 

Frank M. Jaeger, engaged in the general hardware and sport- 
ing goods business in Dubuque under the firm name of F. M. Jaeger 
& Co., is a native of this city and the son of the old pioneer, Francis 
Jaeger. Francis Jaeger was born in Dubuque, July 18, 1842, the 
son of Adam and Margaret Jaeger, who came here three vears 
before by steamboat from New Orleans. He received his educa- 
tion in the local public schools, and early in life became interested 
in and learned merchandising. He subsequently became one of 
the organizers of the John Ellwanger Company, the D. C. Glasser 
Tobacco Company, and a director of the Dubuque High Bridge 
Company. He is a Roman Catholic in religion, a member of St. 
Mary's church, and for over thirty years has resided in his present 
residence on Walnut street. After attending the Dubuque public 
schools, Frank M. Jaeger, son of Francis Jaeger, learned the hard- 
ware business under his father, and is at present engaged in that 
line of endeavor under the firm name of F. M. Jaeger & Co. This 
concern was established in i860 at the present location by John 
McClay, who conducted it until 1880, succeeding which for five 
years Messrs. Schreiber and Conchar were the owners. They in 
turn disposed of it in 1885 to Messrs. Reinfried and Leckie, and 
two years later Francis Jaeger purchased the Leckie interest. Ten 
years later Mr. F. M. Jaeger acquired the Reinfried interest, and 
since that time has conducted it on his own account under tiie above 
mentioned firm name. The firm carries a full and complete line of 
general and builders' hardware and sporting goods. In 1893 Mr. 
F. M. Jaeger was united in marriage with Miss Rose Lorenz, who 
was born in Dubuque May 10, 1871, the daughter of R. Lorenz, 
and to them one daughter, Dorothy, was born on October 9, 1901, 
now attending Visitation Academy. Mr. Jaeger is one of Du- 
buque's representative men, is independent in politics, a member 
of St. Mary's Roman Catholic church, and of the Dubuque Club, 
Commercial Club, Elks, Catholic Order of Foresters, is vice presi- 
dent of the Iowa Game Protective League, and for many years 



754 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

has been secretary of the Dubuque Gun Club. The family home is 
located on Prairie street. 

Lawrence Moloney was a prominent figure among the pioneer 
settlers of Dubuque. He was born in Ireland, about the year 1819, 
and when about ten years old his parents immigrated to the United 
States, arriving in Dubuque sliortly after tlie Black Hawk Pur- 
chase. Young Lawrence was thrift}' and industrious, and before 
he reached the age of manliood had acquired a good business educa- 
tion, though there were no schools in those days. He had several 
brothers and sisters, all or nearly all of whom acquired homes in 
Dubuque and vicinity. Lawrence, soon after attaining his majority, 
commenced accumulating property on every favorable opportunity. 
He erected a three-story brick building on the south half of the lot 
now occupied by the A. A. Cooper building, corner of Third and 
Main streets, which he used for a general store several years. In 
tlie meantime General Gehon bequeathed him considerable land, and 
a smaller bequest was made by a Mr. Slater. These bequests were 
made in testimony of the high esteem in which those gentlemen held 
Mr. Moloney. In 1849 h^ married Miss Maria Ouigley. Three 
children were the fruits of the union: Mrs. Kate Sullivan, of Du- 
buque county ; Mr. John Moloney, and Mrs. Nellie Thompson, of 
North Yakima, Washington. 

The great financial boom that struck Dubuque in tlie year 1855 
caused a rapid advance in all kinds of property, especially real estate, 
and, as Mr. Moloney owned large tracts, his wealth increased rap- 
idl}'. In 1856 he was rated as being worth $250,000: that year he 
conceived the idea of tearing away the frame building adjoining his 
store, on the north side, and erecting in its stead a three-story brick 
building. He was offered $30,000 for the ground, including the 
brick store, which he occupied, but he concluded to build. He could 
see his way clear without going in debt, and he felt that with the 
property clear he was running no risk. The workmen, however, in 
excavating for the foundation, undermined the north wall of the 
store, and it had to be taken down. This changed the plans and 
very materially added to the expense. The building was completed 
about the time the panic of 1857 struck Dubuque. Real estate, rents 
and nearly everything else, except money, went on a slide. Money 
could not be realized, chiefly because there was but little of it in the 
country. The paper money was rendered worthless by the failure of 
the banks and the gold and silver was needed in New York City, 
where it was sent to pay debts. Mr. Moloney borrowed $10,000 
from Mr. Corwith, banker, of Galena; this run at 10 per cent for 
five years, when the mortgage was foreclosed, and the house that 
cost $55,000 and the ground for which he had been offered $30,000 
sold for this sum with interest. Mr. Moloney died in 1864, leaving 
an estate consisting of considerable land, most of which was taken 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 755 

to satisfy a claim made by the E. Shine Estate. Mr. Moloney was a 
gentleman of many fine qualities. Wealth made no change in his 
demeanor. Without pride or vanity, he was dignified and courteous 
to all, with habitual self-possession and self-respect, as well as honest 
and honorable in all his dealings. 

Dr. Albert Herman Blocklinger has for the past ten years been 
actively identified with the general practice of medicine in Dubuque, 
A native of this city, he was born November 26, 1868, the son of 
Gottfried Joseph and Ursula (Hilti) Blocklinger. the father being 
a native of Sargens, in the canton of Saint Gall, Switzerland, and 
the mother of Grabs, in canton of Saint Gall. They came to America 
and Dubuque at an early date and here their son, Albert Herman, 
received his early education in the Audubon and Fifth Ward public 
schools, subsequently also graduating from the high school here. 
Possessing a natural liking for the medical profession, our subject 
determined early in life to make it his life's work, and accordingly 
entered and in 1894 was duly graduated from the Iowa State 
Medical School with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. The doctor 
began the practice at La Motte, Iowa, where he remained six years, 
and then took a post-graduate course in internal medicine at Vienna, 
Austria, receiving a diploma from the institution there. In 1901 he 
returned to Dubuque, immediately embarked in the general practice 
of his profession and has since continued, with the exception of the 
year 1905, when he again went abroad and further pursued the 
study of internal medicine at Vienna, Berlin and Berne. Previous 
to this, however, in 1904 he took a course in electro therapeutics 
in Chicago. He is a member of the American, Iowa State and 
Dubuque County Medical associations, being president of the latter 
at this writing, and is now delivering a course of lectures in the 
Dubuque County schools. He has contributed extensively to various 
papers and medical magazines, and has written articles which have 
been read before and approved by medical societies. He is a recog- 
nized authority on X-ray work. Aside from his profession, the 
doctor is identified with the Masonic fraternity, in which he has 
attained the thirty-second degree, and also is a member of the 
Modern Woodmen of America, the Benevolent and Protective 
Order of Elks and the Foresters. In religious views he is a Pres- 
byterian and in politics an independent Republican. He is an ex- 
member of the Iowa National Guard, formerly an officer of Com- 
pany A, and has attained high rank among the members of the 
medical profession in Dubuque County. 

On November 25, 1903, he was united in marriage with Miss 
Mary Ellen Hodgdon, the only daughter of General Hodgdon, who 
was one of Dubuque's pioneer attorneys, having begun practice 
here in 1853. 



7S6 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Timothy Sullivan, of Dubuque, is descended from one of the 
old and hightly respected families of Dubuque County. Timothy 
Sullivan, his father, was a native of County Cork, Ireland, and 
his mother, Mary (Mehan) Sullivan, of the State of Pennsylvania. 
The father immigrated to America in 1843 <i"d for two years 
worked in the coal mines of Pennsylvania. He then came to 
Dubuque County and here resided until his death. Timothy Sul- 
livan Jr., was born in Dubuque Township, this county, on March 
25, 1858, and recei\'ed his education in the public schools of Center- 
ville and in St. Patrick's Academy, Dubuque. He remained on the 
home farm until twenty-eight years old and then married Miss 
Katherine Moloney, daughter of Lawrence Moloney and a niece of 
P. J. Quigley. To them five children were born, all of whom are 
residing at home, as follows; William A.. Frank, Clarence, Robert 
and Amy. Mr. Sullivan is the owner of 400 acres of land in 
Dubuque Township, known as ''McKnight's Springs," 200 of which 
is under cultivation, and also has thirty fine milch cows, selling 
milk and cream to the Dubuque markets. He has always taken an 
active interest and part in public afifairs; from 1901 to 1904 he 
served as county supervisor, from 1904 to 1908 as county clerk of 
District Court, and as a Republican has served as delegate to sev- 
eral State con\-entions. Socially he. is identified with the Modern 
Woodmen of America, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, 
the Woodmen of the World and the Yeomen, carrying insurance 
in all of these orders. The Sullivan family are staunch adherents 
of the Roman Catholic faith, affiliating with St. Patrick's Church, 
and are among the first people of the county. 

Bernard Schulte, deceased, founder of the cut stone contract- 
ing firm of B. Schulte & Son. was born in the Prussian Province 
of Westphalia. Germany. October 29, 1832, and was a son of 
Stephen and Theresa Schulte, both of whom died in the old coun- 
try. 

Mr. Schulte emigrated to America in 1854 and located in Dun- 
leith, now East Dubuque. Illinois, where he worked at the trade of 
stone cutting until after the close of the Civil War. In 1867 he 
came to Dubuque and engaged in the cut stone contracting business 
for a period of twenty-two years. One of his early stone contracts 
was the Cathedral Parochial Residence. He then founded the firm 
of B. Schulte & Son. which he lived to see become one of the fore- 
most cut stone contracting firms in the middle West. 

Mr. Schulte was a Roman Catholic in religion and a Democrat 
in politics, but never participated in public affairs to any extent, 
preferring to confine his attention wholly to private business mat- 
ters. 

He married Anna Clara Becker, daughter of Fred and Clara 
Becker, her father being a mercantile dealer in Germany, and to 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 757 

their union were born these children : John J., Katie, George, Mary, 
Valentine. 

On July 13, 1900, Mr. Schulte passed away, and with his death 
Dubuque lost one of her best citizens. 

Mrs. Schulte is yet living and makes her home in this city. 

John J. Schulte, now senior member of the B. Schulte & Son cut 
stone contracting concern, is a native of Dubuque and a son of 
Bernard and Anna Clara (Becker) Schulte. He was born July 29, 
1 86 1, and received his education in St. Mary's Parochial School 
and local colleges. He then went with the father and learned the 
contracting business thoroughly and in 1890 was admitted into 
partnership. 

On October 30, 1888, Mr. John Schulte was united in marriage 
with Miss Mary Anna Holscher, daughter of Henry Holscher, of 
Dyersville, Iowa, and to them the following children were born : 
Julius B., Henrietta, Helen, Mildred, Bernard and Marion. 

The family are of Roman Catholic faith and affiliate with the St. 
Mary's church. 

George G. Schulte, of the B. Schulte & Son cut stone contracting 
firm, was born in Dubuque, April 5. 1871, and is a son of Bernard 
and Anna Clara (Becker) Schulte. He received his education in 
the Parochial School and colleges and immediately thereafter 
learned the contracting business and in 1898 was admitted to the 
B. Schulte & Son stone contracting firm. 

On October 18. 1898, Mr. George G. Schulte was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Mary T. Heles, daughter of John and Pauline 
Heles, and to this union the following children have been born: 
George N., Orestes, J. P. and Marie H. 

The family are of Roman Catholic faith and affiliate with the 
St. Mary's church. 

In 1902, after the death of B. Schulte. John J. and George G. 
Schulte assumed the interest of B. Schulte and have ever since 
been thus connected in conducting a constantly increasing business. 

The concern is regarded as one of the able and substantial hovises 
of the city, and many fine homes and public buildings have been 
erected by them. Among the most important are : The Pike County 
Court House at Pittsfield, Illinois; the Manchester Court House of 
Delaware County, Iowa ; the Decorah Court House of Winneshiek 
County, Iowa; the United States Postal Savings Bank Building of 
Decorah, Winneshiek County, Iowa, now being constructed ; the 
Mount Clemens (Michigan) Post Office; the First National Bank 
of Dubuque, Iowa; the First National Bank of Riceville, Iowa; 
the Bank of New Glarus, Wisconsin; the First National Bank of 
Independence, Iowa; the Conservatory of Music, St. Josephs; 
Dubuque Infirmary, Dubuque, Iowa; Chapel at Mount Olivet; 
Chapel of Mount Calvary ; F. D. Stout residence, Dubuque ; N. J. 
Schrup residence, Dubuque, and many others. 



758 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Charles E. Leigh, li\iiig a retired life in Dyersville since 1905, 
was born a subject of the British Crown, birth occurring at Exeter, 
County Devonshire, on September 10, 1830. The Leigh family is 
descended from old English stock, and Edward Manley Leigh, 
father of Charles E., was a Tor}'. He married Aliss Mary Ann 
Bailey, who was also of English extraction. Charles E. Leigh at- 
tended the public schools of his native country until eighteen years 
old, then studied ci\il engineering and for two years was connected 
with the South De\on Railroad. He came to America by way of 
New York City in 1852 and immediately came West to Dyers- 
ville, Iowa. He purchased a 250-acre farm in Dodge Township, 
which he conducted until 1857, then accepted a position as agent 
on the Dubuque Pacific Railroad, now part of the Illinois Central 
System. In 1859 he went West on a surveying trip for that road, 
but six months later returned to Dubuque County and bought a 
i8i-acre tract of land near Dyersville. In 1876 he moved into the 
city of Dyersville and was elected Justice of the Peace, holding that 
office for fourteen years. In 1890 he retired from the active cares 
of life and has since resided in the city. He is a Democrat in poli- 
tics, has held all public offices in Dodge Township and has served 
as a director on the Board of Education. He is a member of the 
Legion of Honor, and in religious views is an Episcopalian. On 
November 3, 1855, Mr. Leigh was united in marriage with Miss 
Martha Kerle, daughter of Joseph Kerle, deceased, one of Dubuque 
County's pioneers. To Mr. and Mrs. Leigh thirteen children have 
been born, the following named yet living: Edward Henry, farm- 
ing at Thomson, Winnebago County, Iowa; Augusta Mary, wife 
of Joseph Burton, of Chicago; Dr. Joseph P., dentist at Evanston, 
Illinois ; Dr. Charles Lloyd, dentist at Davenport, Iowa ; Martha 
Mabel, wife of D. W. Armstrong, of Dyersville; Alice May, wife 
of Dr. J. E. Waterhouse, dentist at Lansing, Iowa ; and Rose 
Blanch, residing at home. Mr. and Mrs. Leigh celebrated their 
golden wedding in 1905 at Evanston, Illinois, and in 1910 their 
fifty-fifth anni\'ersary. They are highly respected by all who know 
them. 

Frederick Weigel was born in Wurttemberg, Germany, 
October 2/, 1819, and while but a youth, at the age of eleven came 
to this country with his parents and three sisters, landing in 
America in September, 1830. They located first in the State of 
Pennsylvania, but their residence there was of short duration and 
subsequently they moved to St. Louis, where they resided for a 
period of two years, removing to the city of Dubuque June 3. 1833. 
Here at that time reigned in solitude the primitive forest and virgin 
prairie, a wild and desolate country where but a short time before 
their arrival dominion was disputed only by the wild beast and un- 
tutored sa\age. In this wild country they were obliged to seek 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 759 

shelter in the best way they could, and took up their abode in the 
southern part of this lonely place, the place where they located being 
near where the Seippel Lumber Company now has its place of busi- 
ness. Mr. Weigel and his father's family endured the hardships 
and trials that all pioneers were obliged to pass through in culti- 
vating and building up a wild country, but they possessed that 
thrift, enterprise and energy so characteristic of the early pioneer, 
and by their efforts, wisdom and determination helped to build a 
city, as if by magic, out of comparative chaos. 

The family later moved to what is now known as Si.xth and 
Iowa streets, where the business place of Berg & Briggs is now 
located. Here they built a log house and the land in the entire 
block between what is now known as Sixth and Seventh and Main 
and Iowa streets was cultivated in corn and other vegetables. Sev- 
eral years later Mr. Weigel, Sr., purchased a farm near Bloody 
Run, but Mr. Frederick Weigel, preferring a business career, re- 
mained on the farm but a short time. As civilization improved 
prospects for business were brighter and more promising and Mr. 
Weigel decided to build a flour mill ; accordingly he went to Cin- 
cinnati in 1848 to purchase the material necessary for this mill. It 
took some weeks to get the machinery, and when Mr. Weigel re- 
turned he learned that Booth and Nadeau were contemplating en- 
gaging in the same business and were planning to build a mill 
directly opposite the site purchased by Mr. Weigel; now the de- 
mand at this early period for two flour mills was not great enough, 
and the outlook for Mr. Weigel was anything but promising, but 
possessing that spirit and energy and unconquerable determination 
of the man of that day, he was not to be defeated in his enterprise 
and built his mill after the Booth Mill was completed. His mill 
was known as the Key City Flour Mills. He was obliged to keep 
his machinery running day and night in order to compete with the 
owners of the other mill. His business, though so discouraging at 
first, proved a success and later he sold his mill and engaged in the 
pork packing business and also in real estate. He erected a building 
on the northeast corner of Sixth and Main streets, where the 
National Clothing Store now stands. The lower part of this build- 
ing was used for store rooms and the upper story was used for 
office purposes. It was in these offices where many of our most 
prominent and successful lawyers and judges began their careers. 
Mr. Weigel at that time constructed a number of buildings in and 
about the city and Dubuque began to grow. In those early days, 
where so much had to be accomplished in building up a city, the 
early pioneer must be able to live above the storms of adversity; 
determination, thrift and energy had to be intimately interwoven 
with stability and advancement. Mr. Weigel never looked for a 
decline in interest, strength nor ambition, but possessed that k< 



b 



760 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

foresight which was of intrinsic value to the men of that day. He 
was elected a member of the City Council several times on the 
Republican ticket and was nominated for mayor of the city on two 
occasions, but his business interests would not permit him to enter 
into the city's politics to a great extent. 

He was united in marriage to Miss Susanna Hatton, daughter of 
Robert Hatton, a pioneer of Indiana, May 9, 1850. Mrs. Weigel 
is a descendant of one of the oldest and most prominent families of 
Virginia. She came with her family to Dubucjue in 1845 ^^'^ "ow 
resides in the home that Mr. Weigel built for his family on the 
corner of Twelfth and Locust streets in 1855. The only buildings 
in the vicinity at that time were the homes of Hon. David Wilson, 
Thomas Hardie and Frank Goodrich, now James Beach's resi- 
dence, and the church on Main and Twelfth streets, then called the 
Main Street IMethodist Episcopal Church, where St. Luke's Metho- 
dist Episcopal church now stands. Mrs. Weigel is one of the old- 
est members of St. Luke's, having united with the church at Moore- 
field, Indiana, January, 1837, and has been an active factor in every 
good work that that been done in connection with the church for 
many years. Her home, so near the church, has been open for 
single guest, church societies or festivities, where she and her 
children have ever presided with gracious hospitality. In ripening 
years she still maintains her interest in all the church affairs. 

Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Weigel — Jessie, Ella, 
Fannie, Hulda (deceased), Lucy and Frederick (deceased). 

Jessie Weigel was united in marriage to J. S. Hanna, of New 
York ; Ella Weigel was united in marriage to Rear Admiral God- 
frey Blocklinger of the United States Navy: Fannie Tonner was 
united in marriage to E. A. Tonner, of St. Louis, Missouri ; Mr. 
Fred Weigel was united in marriage to Elsie McManigal, who sur- 
vives him. 

Mr. Weigel was a kind, devoted father and loving husband. In 
the later years of his life he found much pleasure in relating the 
experiences of those early days, and especially his experiences 
with the Indians. He ever looked forward to the splendid progress 
and betterment of the city and was very beneficent, but being of 
a modest, retiring nature, many of his charitable acts were never 
known. Mr. Weigel lived to see the city of his choice experience a 
marvellous growth and become the trade center of a large section 
of our country. He lived to see around and about him the sub- 
stantial fruits of the all-conquering power of genius and enterprise, 
and he was one of the important factors in developing the natural 
advantages of the city during the sixty-three years he lived in 
Dubufiue. 

Mr. Weigel passed away at his home, at Twelfth and Locust 
streets. May 19, 1896. 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 761 

Hon. D. N. Cooley was born in Lisbon, New Hampsbire^ 
November 7, 1825, and died at tbe borne of his daughter, Mrs. J- F. 
Douglas, in New York Cit5', November 13, 1892. He was de- 
scended from one of the oldest and best New England families, 
dating his paternal ancestry back to the advent of the first Scotch 
Protestants in America. His grandfather, Aaron Cooley, was a 
major in the War of the American Revolution. When fifteen years 
of age Judge Cooley left home and after studying in the Newbury 
Seminary of Vermont, prepared for college. He received and de- 
clined an appointment to West Point. After studying law for 
three years he was admitted to the bar in 1854. About this time 
he came to Dubuque and entered upon the practice of his profes- 
sion. He was at different times a member of the firms of Samuels 
& Cooley ; Cooley, Samuels & Allison ; Cooley, Blatchley & .^dams : 
and Cooley & Eighmey. 

In 1864 he was appointed by President Lincoln Commissioner 
to South Carolina and acted then as Special Commissioner to settle 
titles to cotton and rights to possession of land. He served as Sec- 
retary of the National Republican Congressional Committee dur- 
ing the campaign which resulted in the triumphant reelection of 
President Lincoln. 

In 1865 he was appointed by President Johnson Commissioner 
of Indian Affairs, which position he resigned in September, 1866; 
for several years he practiced law in Washington, as well as in 
Dubuque, with marked ability and success. 

In 1873 he was elected Senator to the Iowa legislature, and in 
the same year was appointed Commissioner to the Vienna Exposi- 
tion. 

For twenty-one years he was President of the First National 
Bank of Dubuque, and for many years was President of the Board 
of Trustees of Cornell College, in which institution he endowed the 
D. N. Cooley chair of Civil Engineering. He was a prominent 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and, as a delegate to 
its General Conferences on two occasions, took an active part in 
the deliberations and proceedings. 

Such, in part, is the bare outline of a singularly happy and suc- 
cessful life. Judge Cooley had none of the narrowness of some 
self-made men. He was a man of broad and liberal culture, of un- 
common magnetism and mental vigor. Up to the latest period he 
kept up with the activities, literary and otherwise, of the times. He 
was a critical, observing man, shrewd and discriminating, loving 
society, his travels frequent and wide, embracing this and other 
countries. He was an entertaining companion, agreeable in con- 
versation, with broad views of men and things, sympathetic and 
helpful. His purse was open to the call of charity and many were 
the bountiful acts that brightened clouded pathways and comforted 
sorrowing hearts. Especially was he the friend of young men,. 



762 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

eager to help them obtain an education and arouse their ambition. 

His family life was one of ideal tenderness and love. No sac- 
rifice was too great for the comfort and happiness of wife and 
children. 

In intellectual, professional, political, business, social and re- 
ligious life he was a well rounded man, a lover of his country, a 
man of noble bearing and firm faith, a Christian gentleman. 

All the members of Judge Cooley's family are still living — a 
family recognized as one of the most highly cultured and respected 
in the history of Dubuque. It consists of his widow, Mrs. Clara 
Aldrich Cooley ; three daughters — Mrs. Clara C. Becker, Mrs. Min- 
nie C. Douglas and Mrs. Mary C. Bassett ; and one son, Harlan 
Ward Cooley. Clara C. is a graduate of Cornell and Wellesley 
colleges and was married to F. W. Becker, of Chicago, who died 
April 28, 1910; Minnie C. is a graduate of Vassar College and is 
the wife of John F. Douglas, of Wall Street, New York City; 
Mary C. is also a Vassar graduate and the wife of Charles W. 
Bassett, of Baltimore, general passenger agent of the Baltimore & 
Ohio; Harlan W. Cooley, a graduate of Yale, is a successful attor- 
ney in Chicago. 

Mrs. Clara Aldrich Cooley, the widow of Judge D. N. Cooley, 
during her residence of many years in Dubuque has been a force- 
ful leader in literary, church and philanthropic circles. She has a 
broad intelligence that enables her to take large \iews of life, to 
recognize differences of opinion and to appreciate the fact that if 
one has been favored there exists an obligation to use one's gifts 
for those less favored. "Ceasing to give, we cease to live." Mrs. 
Cooley has genius as an organizer and originator. She was one 
of the incorporators of the "Home for the Friendless" and one 
of its first Presidents. 

Believing that "association of endeavor augments the common 
good," Mrs. Cooley invited to her home on January 13, 1876, a 
number of interested women and organized the Dubuque Ladies' 
Literary Association, which still exists under the name of the 
Dubuque Woman's Club. Its founder was its first President. This 
club, formed for mental improvement by means of systematic 
study, has proved itself a power among the clubs of Iowa. En- 
thusiasm and energy characterize everything Mrs. Cooley attempts. 
She has proved her ability in many ways, in none more than in the 
able manner in which she represented Iowa as Educational Com- 
missioner to the Paris Exposition of 1900, an appointment made 
by Governor Leslie M. Shaw and endorsed by Senator William B. 
Allison and Speaker D. B. Henderson. At this Exposition Mrs. 
Cooley read a paper on "Women in Science" before the Congress 
of Women. 

Of colonial ancestry, Mrs. Cooley is a most enthusiastic member 
of the National organization, "Daughters of the American Revolu- 




fSla<\t^ i^ 



&>LtL^ jtlcho, tJ( /W c^V 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 763 

tion." She founded the Dubuque Chapter of the organization and 
has served as its Regent and as State Regent for two terms. Later 
she was honored by the Hfe office of Honorary State Regent. 
Highly gifted in intellectual and spiritual power, though past the 
prime of life, she retains in a marked manner her vigor of mind 
and still presides over and leads a most successful club which she 
founded twenty years ago and which has always met in her home, 
the Dubuque Monday Afternoon Club. 

Mrs. Cooley's interests are varied and widespread. She is a life* 
member of the Mary Washington Memorial Association and was 
one of the first officers of "The Association for the Advancement 
of Women," of which tlie late Mrs. Julia Ward Howe was Presi- 
dent. 

She is a member of the American Economic Association of 
Cambridge, Massachusetts ; the Academy of Political Science, of 
New York, and the National Geographic Society, of Washington, 
D. C. 

Mrs. Cooley has won honors from the club women of America 
by her early endeavors in behalf of the club movement. "Sorosis" 
of New York has made her an honorary member of that organiza- 
tion. 

The General Federation of Women's Clubs at its Biennial Meet- 
ing at St. Paul gave her the title of Honorary Vice-President, an 
honor as great as could be bestowed, in recognition of her work 
as a pioneer club woman of the middle West. 

Mrs. Cooley has been an influence and power in the Methodist 
Church since her arrival in the city. She achieved great success 
in her leadership of a Palestine Class, which gave her a national 
reputation as a Bible teacher. She has been for years the efficient 
President of the Social Union of St. Luke's Methodist Episcopal 
Church and is still a working member of the Quarterly Conference. 

Dan J. Jonas, born at Bellevue, Jackson County, Iowa, on 
October 25, i860, is the son of Jeremiah and Sarab (Stuckey) 
Jonas. The father was born in Pennsylvania, November 15, 1809, 
of Holland ancestry, and the mother was a native of Kentucky. 
Jeremiah Jonas moved to Jackson County, Iowa, at the early date 
of 1834, and was there married. Four sons and one daughter were 
born to this union, named Franklyn, Benjamin, Ella, Dan J. and 
Edmund, deceased. Dan J. Jonas left the parental home in 1888 
and located at Cascade, Iowa, where he engaged in the tinning busi- 
ness with Edward McBryan. Previous to this, however, he had 
received a good, practical education at Bellevue. In 1895 '^^ came 
to Dubuque, where he has since resided, and engaged in his present 
business of tinner and dealer in furnaces. May i, 1882, he mar- 
ried Miss Josie Herdez, who died September 5, 1890, leaving four 
children: Leo, Dan J., Jr., Minnie (Mrs. George Avenarius) and 



764 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Lulu. On November 20, 1893, Mr. Jonas married Miss Nina 
Markle, by whom he is the father of two children — Ocee and 
Thelma, the former deceased. Mr. Jonas is one of the most capa- 
ble and skillful workmen of his line in this section of the country, 
and he has worked on a great many of the most important buildings 
in the city. He is a Republican in politics and a member of the 
Independent Order of Foresters, the Modern Woodmen of 
America, the Woodmen of the World and the Loyal Order of 
Moose. 

John N. Spoden. residing on a farm of 124 acres in Section 9, 
Liberty Township, Dubuque County, is a native of the township in 
which he now resides, born May 21, i860, and a son of Nicholas 
and Elizabeth Spoden. The father was born in Germany and for 
a time served in the Prussian army. In 1848 he embarked for 
America in a sailing vessel and after a tedious and dangerous voy- 
age of ninety-six days finally landed at New York City. He came 
West to Chicago by canal boat and the Great Lakes and from 
there went to Kenosha. He then worked as a farm hand for a 
time, learning the language and customs of the American people, 
and for a year was employed as boat hand on Lake Michigan. 
Succeeding this he entered the employ of the Illinois Central Rail- 
road Company and participated in the building of that road from 
Chicago to Freeport, then came to Dubuque and for a year worked 
on a flat boat operated by Peter Kiene. After this he located at 
Luxemburg, then scarcely more than a few log houses, where he 
secured forty acres of land from the Government. Returning to 
Illinois, he worked a short time for a farmer, who later gave him 
a team of oxen to break up his land in Liberty Township. About 
this time Mr. Spoden returned to his native country for a year's 
visit, but then returned to Dubuque County and resided on his land 
until he had a clear title to same. This he improved, tilling the 
soil and building suitable houses, and in 1868 he disposed of it and 
bought the present farm in possession of the family. He erected 
a fine residence, barn and various outhouses thereon, and with the 
improN'ements since added by his sons the property is recognized 
as one of the best farms in the community. On November 11, 
1896, he passed away, aged seventy-four years, and was buried at 
Luxemburg. His widow is yet living, aged seventy-nine years, and 
resides on the old homestead. To I\Ir. and Mrs. Spoden were born 
four sons — John R., John P. and Michael, twins, and Peter. John 
N. Spoden, the immediate subject of this sketch, attended the pub- 
lic schools until his fourteenth year, and for ten years thereafter 
assisted his father in the work of the home farm. He served an 
apprenticeship to the carpenter trade, which he followed until 1896, 
and then entered the hardwood saw-mill business, which carried 
him into various parts of the State and which line of business he 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 765 

has successfully followed e\er since. Associated with him is his 
brother. Peter Spoden. and for the last nine years they have owned 
and operated the Spoden Brothers" Mill. John R. Spoden is a 
Democrat in politics, a Catholic in religion and a member of the 
Catholic Order of Foresters. 

Peter Spoden, associated in business with his brother, John R. 
Spoden, was also born on the old homestead in Liberty Township, 
and received his education in the district schools. He remained at 
home until reaching his majority and then learned the carpenter 
trade, which he followed for a year. Succeeding this lie and his 
brother entered their present line of business, which they have 
been engaged in ever since. Mr. Spoden is a Democrat in politics, 
a Catholic in religious views, and a member of the Catholic Order 
of Foresters and the Roman Catholic Mutual Protective Associa- 
tion of the State of Iowa. On November 8, 1906, he was united 
in marriage with Miss Eva, daughter of the old settlers, Michael 
and Annie Stangel, and they have three daughters, named Helena, 
Mary and Sedella. 

John Kluesner, who owns a valuable farm of some 300 acres 
in Liberty Township, has been prominently identified with the agri- 
cultural interests of Dubuque County for many years. He was 
born at New Vienna in 1855 and is a son of the old pioneers, 
Bernard and Gertrude Kluesner, who came to America from Ger- 
many about 1833 and settled in Dubuque County. Here the father 
farmed for many years and became prominent among his fellow- 
men. John Kluesner attended the Vorwald district school until 
fourteen years old and also assisted his father with the work on 
the home place. When twenty-three years old he bought 160 acres 
of his present property, in 1900 he bought another 80 acres and in 
1910 still another tract of 60 acres, amounting in all to some 300 
acres. By hard and conscientious work Mr. Kluesner has brought 
his land to a high state of cultivation and today same is regarded 
as one of the valuable farms in Liberty Township. He erected a 
fine modern home, spacious barns and outhouses, and his place is 
well stocked with domestic animals. He keeps about twelve horses, 
forty head of cattle and some 150 swine in season. In politics he 
is a Democrat, and in religious views a member of the Catholic 
Church at Luxemburg. On May 14, 1879, at New Vienna, he 
was united in marriage with Miss Thrisa Stefifen. a daughter of 
William and Lizzie Stefifen, who are appropriately represented else- 
where in this publication. To Mr. and Mrs. Kluesner these 
children have been born: Anton, died in 1906, aged seven years; 
Fred and Aloyius, twins, both died in infancy ; Frank, farming in 
Liberty Township; John, same: Willie, farming in New Wine 
Township; Bernard, farming at Bancroft, Kossuth County, Iowa; 
Leo and Theodore, assisting their father on the home place; Peter, 



766 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

at home ; and Agatha, who attended Jackson district and Luxem- 
burg parochial schools. The Kluesner famil}^ is one of the fore- 
most in Liberty Township and has taken an active part in local 
civic and social affairs. 

C. B. McNamara, the son of John F. and Catherine (Callahan) 
McNamara, was born in Mosalem Township, Dubuque County, 
February 22, 1863. The father, John F. McNamara, was born in 
New York, but was brought to this county in 1834 by his parents, 
Mr. and Mrs. Roger McNamara. He therefore may justly be 
called one of Dubuque's oldest settlers ; in fact, there are but very 
few who have been here longer than he. He has a vivid recollection 
of the peculiar and frequently very hard experiences of early 
frontier life, and has lived to see every step thus far taken for the 
promotion of the interests of city and county. He was a miner for 
a number of years, and is today perhaps the oldest of Dubuque's 
living pioneer miners. In course of time he quit mining and be- 
came one of the county's prosperous farmers, but is now living a 
retired life in the city of Dubuque: his wife also survives. Their 
home is at 57 West Third street. Mr. McNamara had a fondness 
for politics and served eight years as county supervisor. (See 
sketch elsewhere in this work.) 

C. B. McNamara, the immediate subject of this review, worked 
on his father's farm when a boy and attended school at Key West. 
Later he went to St. Joseph's College for a few years, after which 
he went to South Dakota, where he lived on a farm for ten years. 
He then returned to Dubuque and engaged in the commission busi- 
ness for a short time, after which he traveled a few years for the 
J. L Case threshing and Deering harvester companies. After serv- 
ing two years as assistant deputy sheriff and one term as poor 
commissioner he entered the contracting business, which he has 
conducted the past ten years with marked success. He is now one 
of the busiest contractors in the city. He is a member of the 
Mystic Workers of the World and of the Knights of Columbus. 
He is a Democrat in politics, and in religion a Roman Catholic and 
belongs to St. Patrick's church. 

On January 30, 1884, he was joined in marriage with Miss Anna 
J. McEvoy, daughter of John McEvoy, one of Dubuque's well- 
known citizens. To this union nine children have been born, as fol- 
lows: Catherine J., John Clement (deceased), Cecelia Marcelina, 
Leonard Francis, Florence Regina, Miles Anthony (deceased), 
Clement Benedict, Donald Joseph and Mary Adele. 

John Stanford Murphy was born in Schuylkill County, Penn- 
sylvania, in 1846, and died in Dubuque, March 10, 1902. His 
father and mother were Irish immigrants. While he was yet a 
mere boy his parents moved to Iowa, settling upon a farm near the 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 767 

outskirts of Anamosa. and there he attended school until his four- 
teenth year, when he came to Dubuque, and entering the home of a 
friend of his parents, finished his school education in the old First 
ward, or Franklin, school. He then entered the Herald office 
as printer's apprentice and remained until he qualified as a journey- 
man. He went from Dubuque to St. Louis with John Hodnett, 
who was to become famous later as a newspaper publisher, and 
served at the "case" in Mr. Hodnett's Times. It was said of 
Mr. Murphy that he excelled as a type-setter. His brilliancy and 
alertness elicited an invitation to join the reportorial stafif, and this 
was the beginning of Mr. Murphy's career as a journalist. He 
acquired local distinction as a graphic writer and was drafted by 
Joseph McCullough, St. Louis's most successful publisher, for the 
staff of the Globe-Democrat. But Mr. Murphy disdained metro- 
politan journalism and returned to Dubuque, becoming city editor 
of the Herald, and serving at different times on the several local 
newspapers until 1876, when he associated himself with the Tele- 
graph, which was to survive several successive changes of title 
until 1901, when, having absorbed the Herald, it became the 
Telegraph-Herald and is so known today. 

Mr. Murphy won distinction quickly in the editorial field. Hon. 
Jacob Rich, wlio was much of the time contemporaneous with him, 
said of him at his death : "A graduate of the public school and of 
the printing office, he was almost wholly self-taught, and therefore 
no one could fail to mark with ever-increasing admiration the 
growth of his mental power. His vocabulary was far in advance of 
many college professors, and gave him great facility and felicity 
in expression. His mind was notably analytic, and in the field of 
polemics he was a master, rarely if ever forgetting the proper dig- 
nity and courtesy of debate. He would advocate nothing but from 
conscience, and never failed to at least convince you of his own 
sincerity. In every cause he was found wonderfully fortified with 
fact and logic, showing the sources of his wonderful faith, and 
marking him always as the trained and skilled antagonist. With 
it all he was broad minded, kindly spirited, pure hearted. He was 
a veritable evangelist of labor, gauging every movement by what 
he believed, rightfully or mistakenly, to be for labor's weal or bet- 
terment. His industry was marvelous and his editorial life a most 
strenuous one. His own pride and the sense of his own power were 
the only stimulants to his intense life. The quality and the measure 
of his work was never excelled by any editor in Iowa, unless it may 
have been by Ret Clarkson. . . . Dubuque had pride in his 
growth ; in the recognition in the state of his mental power and his 
manly worth." 

The distinction Mr. Murphy won as an editorial writer was sup- 
plemented in the last eight years of his life with the fame political 



768 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

leadership creates. Reviewing his political career in the Sioux City 
Tribune, Mr. Judson C. Welliver said : 

"At the head of the great delegations from the Gibraltar of Iowa 
Democracy he was irresistible in his own district and then bestrode 
the state itself — he was the party. With this new power he was a 
national character and dictated national policies. He was no trim- 
mer; he loved the combat and despised the man who had not the 
courage to espouse his honest conviction at all hazards to him- 
self. This disposition it was which enabled him to win the last 
battle in the state convention, and which gave him control of the 
situation at the national convention in Kansas City. . . . The 
compromisers were all brushed aside and mostly into Mr. Murphy's 
basket. ... In all this Mr. Murphy was honest. His char- 
acteristics were those which have made a race famous. He was 
generous to a fault, quick in action, impetuous in the charge and 
skillful in the forum." 

The Waterloo Reporter described him as one of the "most posi- 
tive characters that has ever been identified with politics and news- 
papers in Iowa." The La Crosse (Wis.) Press said he "established 
a reputation for ability and journalistic integrity that extended far 
beyond the borders of his own state, where his work has com- 
manded a degree of respect and admiration surpassed by no other 
newspaper man within its borders." The Sioux City Journal said 
that "he summoned the chiefs of his party to counsel; his hand 
wrote the pledges and the challenges of his party. . . . The 
sun is shining brightly as these words are written, and yet tears, 
as if from heaven, are falling on the face of this dead brother. To 
speak of him thus is a solace, and not to have language more fitting 
is one of the burdens of the moment. To have been cheered by 
him over a long and rugged way, to have had his trust and con- 
fidence, unbroken by the strain of strenuous life, is recompense for 
living garnered from the years." 

The Des Moines Register said he "stood firmly for his convic- 
tions," and the Capital said that "to know him was to love him," 
and that "in his death Iowa journalism loses one of the strongest 
characters it has produced." The Fort Madison Democrat said 
that "the good done for the common people by his editorial utter- 
ances cannot be measured." "He died," said the Cascade Pioneer, 
"as a knight in defense of a noble cause would love to die — 
panoplied and armored — in tlie very center of the tournament that 
he enriched with his masterly genius." "A brave, consistent and 
upright man, his type is worthy of the emulation of every young 
man," said the Marshalltown Times-Republican. "One of the 
brightest editorial minds in the West." said the Waukon Democrat. 
The Carroll Sentinel concluded that "the world is made better and 
the newspaper profession ennobled by such editors as John Mur- 
phy." "He shaped the conventions of his party very largely to his 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 769 

own liking," said the Davenport Democrat. "When he believed 
he was right," said the Waterloo Courier, "no power on earth 
could move him from the path which he had laid out to follow. 
He was incorrupt and incorruptible. His dearest enemies will say 
that of him." "When it was said that 'Murphy will make a fight,' 
everybody recognized," said the Burlington Hazck-Eye. "that his 
fight would be for what he thought were right principles and would 
be strictly honorable." "Few Iowa editors were more widely 
known than John S. Murphy," said the Davenport Republican. 
"One of the best men of Iowa, brilliant, forceful and honest," was 
the estimate of the Burlington Gazette. The Cedar Rapids Gazette 
compared Mr. Murphy to ex-Gov. John P. Altgeld, of Illinois, as 
a crusader in the people's cause. 

William Jennings Bryan, whom Mr. Murphy supported ardently 
in 1896 and 1900, said of him: "I greatly regret to learn of the 
death of John S. Murphy. He was one of the most loyal Demo- 
crats in the United States. As a citizen, as an editor and as a 
member of the party he was above reproach and his death is a 
great loss to us." Senator William E. Allison esteemed him as 
"always able in the espousal of any cause he championed. Though 
strong and persuasive in argument, he was courteous and generous 
to those of opposite views and challenged the respect of those 
with whom he came in contact. Warm and tender in his friend- 
ship, his death will be much regretted by those who knew him 
well." Speaker Henderson was "pained beyond the power of 
words to express by the news of the death of one of the most 
brainy, warm-hearted and gifted of our citizens." Mr. J. H. 
Quick, the author, said that "his work was a daily plea for equality, 
for the true principles on which republics stand — for the people, 
their wisdom, their needs, their aspirations. It poured into the 
current of public opinion a steady stream of sturdy manhood. It 
made for freedom and it fought strongly against the greatest evil 
of the world — the sordid triumph of wealth over manhood." 

Mr. Murphy never held public office, the sole appointment of a 
public nature he ever accepted being to membership in the Board of 
Public Library trustees. He was married in Dubuque in 1870 to 
Miss Anna White, who, with these sons and daughters, survived 
him: Mrs. Thomas H. Dufify, Joseph J., Louis, Charles S., William 
K., Mrs. A. W. Ferring and David Murphy, and by one sister, 
Mrs. Mary Rank, of Central City, Colorado. His death was due 
to angina pectoris. His body was buried in Mt. Olivet cemetery. 

Louis Murphy succeeded to the vacancy created by the death of 
his father, John S. Murphy, as editor of the Telegraph-Herald, on 
April I, 1902, and is now serving in this capacity. He was born in 
Dubuque, and save for a brief period has made Dubuque his home 
all of his life. He is a member of the Board of Trustees of the 



770 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Carnegie-Stout Free Public Library. He is affiliated with the 
Democratic party and resides with his mother at 394 Bluff street. 

Hon. Phineas W. Crawford, who for nearly half a century 
was identified with the practice of law in Dubuque, was born at 
Putney, Windham County, Vermont, September 21, 1829, a son 
of James and Tirzah M. (White) Crawford. The family, of 
Scotch-Irish ancestry, settled in Vermont during pioneer times and 
were prominently known in the New England colonies when this 
country was a dependency of the British crown, and the grand- 
father of the subject of this sketch was a soldier in the Revolution- 
ary War and participated in the battles of Bunker Hill and Lexing- 
ton. Tirzah M. (White) Crawford died in Vermont, but in 1838 
James Crawford came to West Dubuque and the greater part of 
the remainder of his life was passed in the practice of law. For a 
time he was associated with Timothy Davis, an old time practi- 
tioner. He died in 1846, and his memory is still green in the recol- 
lection of the pioneers because of his many sterling qualities of 
mind and character. 

When but nine years old Phineas W. Crawford was brought by 
his parents to Dubuque, then a small hamlet of a few hundred 
people, and this city was his home ever afterward. After attend- 
ing the public schools he entered the Illinois College at Jackson- 
ville, and in 1859 was graduated from that institution with the 
degree of Bachelor of Arts. Shortly thereafter he took up the 
study of law, and from 1862 until his death was actively and suc- 
cessfully engaged in the general practice of his profession. In 
public life Mr. Crawford was prominent and ever interested in the 
growth of Dubuque and Iowa. He was enthusiastic over the public 
advancement and gave the best years of his life to labor for the 
benefit of the city and state. As a Republican in politics he was 
four years City Recorder, fifteen years Alderman from his ward 
and from 1902 to 1906 served as State Senator from Dubuque 
County. When war was declared between the North and the South 
he enlisted for the preservation of the Union in Company A, Third 
Iowa Volunteer Infantry, was commissioned lieutenant of his com- 
pany and later promoted to captain. His military career was re- 
plete with bravery and meritorious conduct. He participated in 
the battles of Shiloh, Corinth, siege of Vicksburg, the Red River 
campaign under General Banks and various other engagements and 
campaigns. In September, 1863, he became captain of a company 
in the Fourth LTnited States Volunteers and saw service in the 
Shenandoah Valley as a member of Hancock's corps, later serving 
as an officer of the guard at the naval arsenal for the District of 
Columbia at Washington. D. C, at the time of the execution of 
Mrs. Surrat and Pain and Herrold. Socially he belonged to the 
Masonic fraternity, in which he attained the Royal Arch degree, 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 771 

and for sixty years was a member of Harmony Lodge of the Inde- 
pendent Order of Odd Fellows. He also was identified with the 
Knights of Pythias and the Grand Army of the Republic. Novem- 
ber. 30, 1853, he was united in marriage with Miss Harriet C. Con- 
nell, who died April 10, 1909, and to them seven children were 
born, named : Gertrude, died at the age of twenty-eight ; Helen, 
wife of Arthur McArtliur, of Dubuque; Mrs. Julie Tomlinson, of 
Seattle ; Mrs. I. C. Chamberlain, of Dubuque ; Fred J. ; Mrs. H. E. 
Erwin, of New Britain, Connecticut; and Horace G. Mr. Craw- 
ford, after a long life of usefulness and good deeds, passed away 
at his home at 154 Walnut street, Dubuque, on December 9, 1910. 

John F. Beringer, proprietor of the well known Monarch 
Grocery, corner of Eighth and Main streets, Dubuque, has for 
many years been identified with the retail grocerv interests of 
Dubuque County. He is a native of Wisconsin, his birth occurring 
at Potosi, November 7, 1864, and the son of Joseph and Amelia 
Beringer, who came to America from Kolberg, Kingdom of 
Bavaria, Germany, in 1852. They lived in New York City one 
year and then moved to Chicago, where they remained three years, 
at the end of which time they went to Galena, Illinois ; two years 
later they moved to Potosi, Wisconsin, but after one year's resi- 
dence there decided to locate permanently in Dubuque. Mr. 
Beringer was a machinist and followed that trade in Bavaria and 
for a number of years in this country. Joseph Beringer died in 
1874, aged seventy-four years, but the mother still survives and 
makes her home with the subject of this sketch. Until twelve 
years of age John F. Beringer attended the local parochial schools, 
and upon the death of his father was obliged to go to work. He 
entered the employ of the John F. Burns Grocery Company and 
remained with this concern as head clerk for a period of twenty- 
eight years. He then embarked in the retail grocery business on 
his own account and by conscientious dealings with the public has 
won their confidence and at present enjoys an unusually large 
business. Starting out in a comparatively small way, he has in- 
creased his stock as occasion warranted and today his establish- 
ment is one of the largest and best of its kind in the city. He car- 
ries a high grade stock of goods and therefore commands a large 
portion of the best trade of the city. Mr. Beringer is a Roman 
Catholic in religion, being a member of St. Mary's church, and 
resides at 627 Windsor avenue. 

August Hammel is a fitting example of what man can ac- 
complish in this country under adverse conditions. He was born 
December 22, 1837, in the Kingdom of Wurttemberg, Germany, 
and is a son of Johann and Susanna Hammel, who lived and died 
in the fatherland. He was reared and educated in his native coun- 



772 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

try, but in 1853 came to America and for three years lived at 
Cleveland, Ohio, with a brother. When nineteen years old he 
came to Dubuque and for a year worked at any honorable employ- 
ment he could find. In 1857 he began working for the Lynch- 
Kelley Flour Mill, on Seventh street, and later at the Rockdale 
Mills, serving as salesman and in various other capacities. When 
the Government was plunged into war and all patriotic men were 
urged to come forward and maintain the union of the States, the 
stirring call of his adopted country met with a responsive answer 
from young Hammel. In August, 1861, he enlisted in the Fifth 
Iowa Cavalry and shortly thereafter became a corporal. His 
first important engagement was at Fort Donelson when he carried 
dispatches from Fort Henry to Fort Donelson during the engage- 
ment and where General Grant became famous for his demand 
upon General Buckner for "immediate and unconditional sur- 
render." Mr. Hammel served all through the Civil War with 
great credit. On the 5th of May, 1862, while on a scouting expedi- 
tion with about 120 men. Major Schaffer commanding, the party 
was surprised by the enemy under Major-General Cleburne. Mr. 
Hammel had barely time to mount his horse and in the confusion 
rider and horse were thrown off a bridge, whereupon he was taken 
prisoner by a young rebel. An older rebel coming along declared 
with an oath he would shoot him, but the young soldier forbade 
him, saying, "I dare you; he is my prisoner." Young Hammel was 
taken to Corinth and paroled. Soon afterward he rejoined his regi- 
ment, but on July 29, 1864, was again taken prisoner in Georgia 
and was confined in Andersonville prison. He was transferred 
from one prison to another several times until discharged at Jack- 
sonville, April 28, 1865. He had been in prison nine months, and 
when discharged weighed but eighty-five pounds. He was returned 
to his regiment and honorably discharged at Davenport, Iowa, 
June 15, 1865. Returning to Dubuque, he became head miller in 
the Dubuque City Mills and was so engaged for a period of sixteen 
years. Having by this time accumulated some means, he purchased 
a small mill on White street, which he operated a few years, and 
then returned to the Rockdale Mills, which, under his wise man- 
agement, became one of the foremost flouring mills in the entire 
country. A believer in the maxim that "whatever is worth doing 
is worth doing well," he mastered the intricacies of the business 
and for a period of nearly a half century has been known as the 
leading miller of Dubuque and the adjoining country. Mr. Ham- 
mel is a member of the Lutheran church, a Republican in politics, 
and past commander of the local post of the Grand Army of the 
Republic. March 29. 1866, he married Miss Sarah Woltz and to 
them six children have been born, as follows : August, who died in 
infancv: Mathilda, now Mrs. William Wessler, of Dubuque; Sarah, 
who resides at home ; George, a machinist for the Chicago, Mil- 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY yji 

waukee & St. Paul Railroad; Clara, who died February 9, 1910, 
aged thirty-two years, as Mrs. Jas. O'Connors; and August, Jr., a 
partner with his brother-in-law in the Nesler & Hammel Plumbing 
Company, of Dubuque. Mrs. Hammel died March 8, 1908, and is 
at rest in Linwood Cemetery. Mr. Hammel came to America 
without a dollar to his name and is justly proud of the fact that 
he has never experienced want except during his military service. 
He was a member of the old No. i of the Fire Department. 

Shubael p. Adams was one of the old pioneers and best known 
men of Dubuque, and was descended from notable ancestry. His 
great grandfather, John Adams, was born in Crediton, Devonshire, 
England, in 1685. While a mere lad he was seized and forced to 
serve as a cabin boy on board a ship of war. but when the ship 
reached Salem, Massachusetts, he deserted. He was captured but 
again succeeded in making his escape and became one of the first 
settlers in Norfolk County, Massachusetts. It was there Shubael 
P. Adams was born, February 5, 1817. When but two years old 
his parents removed to Lincoln County. Maine, and at the age of 
eighteen he went to Waltham. Massachusetts, to learn the ma- 
chinist's trade. With the exception of about two years spent at 
school and in the study of medicine, he worked at his trade until 
1842. at which time he went to Lowell. Massachusetts, continuing 
the study of medicine and also working at his trade. He then at- 
tended medical lectures at Boston and Pittsfield. Massachusetts, and 
received the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1845. Soon there- 
after he turned his attention from the medical profession and 
began the study of law ; he was admitted to the bar in Lowell in 
1849. He was a member of the State Constitutional Convention 
of 1843 'I'ld represented Lowell in the legislature in 1845 ^"^ 
again in 1857. The latter year he removed to Dubuque and con- 
tinued the practice of law until appointed provost-marshal for the 
Third Congressional District of this State. This position he held 
till the close of the war. In 1866 he was appointed on a commis- 
sion to lay out a reservation for a band of Chippewa Indians, 215 
miles north of St. Paul. The next year he resumed the practice 
of law in Dubuque and was recognized as one of the ablest attor- 
neys before the Dubuque bar. For many years he was attorney 
for the Chicago. Dubuque & Minnesota, and Chicago, Clinton & 
Dubuque railroads. He passed away, a man beloved and respected 
by all who knew him. in 1894. He is survived by his widow. Mrs. 
D. R. (Taylor) Adams, and seven children, as follows: Charles 
Sumner, of Volga, Iowa ; Mrs. Mary Dodge, of Minneapolis ; Mrs. 
Kate L. Monger, of Dubuque; Albert F., of the Smithsonian Insti- 
tute, Washington, D. C. ; John T., President of the Carr, Ryder & 
Adams' Sash, Door and Blind Manufacturing Company; Miss Nell 
B., of Dubuque; and Mrs. James C. Collier, of Dubuque. 



774 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Samuel E. Muntz, florist, Dubuque, has for the last eleven 
years been successfully engaged in business at 2997 Jackson street. 
He was born at Stonehill, Dubuque County, Iowa, September 17, 
1877, the son of William and Mary Muntz, both of whom are of 
German extraction. The family came originally from the King- 
dom of Wurttemberg, Germany, but since 1820 have resided in 
America. William Muntz came from the State of Pennsylvania 
to Dubuque in 1854 and here for years followed gardening. He is 
now retired from the active cares of life and with his wife is re- 
siding in Dubuque, aged sixty-six years. Samuel E. Muntz, the 
immediate subject of this review, attended the Stonehill public 
school until fifteen years of age. He immediately entered his 
father's floral establishment with a view to ultimately taking up 
that line of business, and carefully mastered the details of success- 
fully raising and caring for beautiful flowers. Some time later 
he was for two years engaged in the business on his own account 
in a suburb of Dubuque, but in 1900 located at his present quar- 
ters. When he first came here the land was little more than a mud 
hole, but Mr. Muntz has developed it into one of the finest nursery 
establishments in the city during his residence. He has a tract 
320x180 feet at this place, and also owns considerable real estate 
in this and other states. He also added another greenhouse, 27 feet 
wide and 90 feet long, on the same ground. He was married on 
October 11, 1898, at Stonehill, to Miss Nettie M. Thompson, 
daughter of J. and Rosa Thompson and granddaughter of John 
Floyd Thompson, an early settler of Dubuque County who owned 
the Thompson Mill. To Mr. and Mrs. Muntz three children have 
been born: Clifford Luverne, born July 5, 1903; Roeland Thomp- 
son, born July 18, 1909, and one who died in infancy. 

Frank P. Fuhrmann, senior member of the well known and 
long established gentlemen's clothing, furnishing and shoes estab- 
lishment of Fuhrmann Brothers, located at 905-911 Clay street, 
Dubuque, is a native of this city and the son of John and Caroline 
(Hassel) Fuhrmann. The father was a native of the Province of 
Alsace, Germany, but in 1850 immigrated to America by way of 
New Orleans, where for a time he worked on the steamboats plying 
around that city. At the time of the yellow fever in the Crescent 
City Mr. Fuhrmann assisted in overcoming the plague and shortly 
thereafter came to Dubuque. Here he first engaged in the buying 
and selling of horses, shipping them to St. Paul, and then opened 
a small clothing store, 22 by 25 feet, on Clay street, which venture 
proved very successful. This was about 1868. He was later, by 
reason of the growth of his business, forced to increase his premises 
to 22 by 60 feet. Under his management the concern continued 
to grow and prosper. Mr. Fuhrmann died in 1898, aged seventy 
years, and was followed by his widow in 1905, aged seventy-seven 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY yy^ 

years, and both now lie at rest in the family lot in Mount Calvary 
Cemetery. The mother was a native of Baden, Germany. The 
birth of Frank P. Fuhrmann occurred on April 4, 1866. He re- 
ceived his education in the local parochial and Third ward schools, 
which he left in his thirteenth year to begin work. For three 
years he secured employment in various factories and in 1882 
started with his father as clerk, continuing as such four years. 
When the elder Fuhrmann desired to retire from active participa- 
tion in business affairs he reduced his stock and then sold the bal- 
ance to his two sons. Frank P. and Jacob, for two notes, one paya- 
ble in two and a half years and the other in five. The brothers had 
about $350 in cash to start, and with this purchased enough goods 
to insure them about $1,000 worth of stock. In 1889 Frank P. 
Fuhrmann bought out his brother's interest in the concern for 
$1,500 cash and for fifteen years successfully continued tlie business 
alone and enlarged the premises to 22 by 100 feet. In 1904 he ad- 
mitted his brother, Joe, into partnership, and when the mother died 
tliey purchased the premises from the heirs and increased their 
establishment to 52x100 feet, tearing down the old buildings and 
erecting their present establishment. They are today regarded as 
one of the largest and best firms in clothing, furnishings and shoes 
in the city of Dubuque, and the success of the concern is due in no 
small measure to the efforts and management of Frank P. Fuhr- 
mann. In 1903 he built his residence at 1257 Jackson street. He 
is independent in politics and an adherent of the Roman Catholic 
faith. On October 10, 1894, lue was united in marriage with Miss 
Katherine Schumm, and to them one daughter and three sons have 
been born, named Katharine Marie, Frederick William, Frank 
Anton, Carl Gustave, the three sons now attending school in 
Dubuque. Mrs. Fuhrmann is the daughter of William and 
Katherine Schumm, pioneer settlers of the county. William 
Sciiumm for many years was prominent in local affairs of im- 
portance and passed away in 1905, aged seventy-six years, and was 
buried in Linwood Cemetery. His widow still survives and makes 
her home with Mr. and Mrs. Fuhrmann. 

E. James Gregory, carpenter contractor at Dubuque, with offices 
at 1 120 Iowa street, has for the past nine years been engaged at his 
profession in this city. He was born at Webster City, Iowa, 
October 10, 1872, a son of Ezra and Elizabeth (Sloan) and grand- 
son of C. R. and Rachel (Bernett) Gregory. The grandfather was 
a native of the State of New York and removed to Ohio, later to 
Vigo County, Indiana, where he was one of the pioneer settlers. 
Late in life he and wife, a native of Kentucky, came to Dubuque, 
Iowa, and here they passed away, he in February, 1850, and she 
in 1862. Ezra Gregory was born September 23, 1836, in Vigo 
County, Indiana, and came with his parents to Dubuque County, 



776 HISTORV OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

where he obtained a meagre education in the public schools. He 
was the oldest of four children, and when his father died, at which 
time he was but fourteen years old, much of the work and responsi- 
bility of caring for his mother and brothers and sisters fell to 
his lot. In 1858 he began farming in his own interest and followed 
that line of endeavor successfully four years. On August 23, 1862, 
he abandoned the plow for the musket. Prompted by patriotic im- 
pulses he responded to President Lincoln's call for volunteers and 
joined Company H. Twenty-first Iowa Volunteers, under com- 
mand of Colonel Merrill of Clayton county. His company was 
ordered to Missouri and there saw six months' service, at the ex- 
piration of which time they participated in the siege of Vicksburg 
under General Grant. Aside from the above Mr. Gregory took 
part in the following battles and campaigns : Hartville, Port Gib- 
son, Champion Hills, Black River Bridge, Spanish Fort, Mobile, 
and the siege and capture of Fort Blakely. At the conclusion of 
that memorable struggle he was honorably discharged by the War 
Department of the United States at Baton Rouge. Louisiana, July 
15, 1865, and was shortly afterwards discharged at Clinton, Iowa. 
Mr. Gregory immediately returned to his home and resumed farm- 
ing and followed same until his retirement from the active cares 
of life. By hard and conscientious work he accumulated a com- 
petency, and his latter years were spent in the knowledge that he 
had done his duty by home and country and was entitled to the 
honor and respect of all men. He passed away on May 16, 1909, 
and his loss was mourned generally throughout the county. With 
his passing Dubuque lost one of her best and most deserving cit- 
izens. To his marriage with Miss Elizabeth Sloan, solemnized in 
1858, the following named children were born: William C, 
Corinne, Luella, Frank, Nellie (deceased), James, and Florence. 
Mrs. Gregory is a daughter of James and Rhoda Sloan: the father 
was the first ferryman in Dubuque. She yet survives her husband 
and is at present residing at 810 W. Fifth street, Dubuque. 

E. James Gregory remained with his parents on the old home 
place until eighteen years of age, assisting his father with the farm 
work and attending the district schools. In 1890 he started out in 
life for himself as an apprentice to the carpenter trade, remaining 
four years with Mr. Ketsche. For a time thereafter he worked as 
a journeyman at his trade for Mr. Jordan of Dubuque, and also 
in St. Joseph, Missouri. He then returned to Dubuque and embarked 
in carpenter contracting on his own account, and has ever since been 
actively and successfully engaged in that line of business. He 
erected the well known Fowler flats, various additions to local 
public buildings and also many fine residences. Mr. Gregory is a 
Republican in politics, a Congregationalist in religion and a mem- 
ber of the Modern Brotherhood of America and the Woodmen of 
the World. On November 4, 1896, in Dubuque, he was united in 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 777 

marriage with Miss Mildred Nuss, daughter of Henry and Marie 
H. Nuss, and to them one daughter, Gladys, was born in March, 
1900. Mrs. Gregory's father was a native of France, who came 
to America when six years old, served his adopted country during 
the Civil war, and was a pioneer wagon manufacturer of Cooke, 
Wisconsin. 

John L. Kies is one of the younger generation of the successful 
business men of Dubuque and a credit to the city. He was born on 
a farm in Mosalem Township, this county, October i, 1882, a son 
of Mathias and Margaret Kies and a grandson of Nicholas Kies. 
Nicholas Kies was a native of Luxemburg, Germany, and immi- 
grated with his wife, six sons and one daughter to the United States 
in 1859. He located on a farm in Mosalem Township, Dubuque 
County, Iowa, and this property is now owned and operated by his 
descendants. For many years Mathias Kies owned and conducted 
the Western Hotel in Dubuque. He died August 29, 1903, when 
forty-nine years of age. His children were John L., whose name 
heads this review ; Peter, engaged in the marble and granite busi- 
ness; Paul, died in 1907; Valentine, a jeweler at Trenton, Wis- 
consin ; Theodore ; Mathilda ; Florence ; and Margaret, who died in 
1906. John L. Kies attended the public and parochial schools of 
Dubuque when a boy and started out in life for himself as clerk 
in the drug store of J. W. Wittmer, with whom he continued four 
years. He then entered the Northwestern School of Pharmacy at 
Chicago, was graduated therefrom in 1902, and immediately there- 
after resumed his employment with Mr. Wittmer. From 1903 to 
1906 he was in the service of the Torbert Drug Company, but in 
the latter year embarked in the drug trade upon his own responsi- 
bility, at which he has been more than ordinarily successful. Mr. 
Kies has financial interests in other important enterprises in 
Dubuque. He is a member of the Dubuque Commercial Club, St. 
Mary's Roman Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, the 
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, several other fraternal 
organizations, and is independent in his political affiliations. No- 
vember 16. 1909, he married Miss Elizabetji Gilbert, daughter of 
Henry and Ellen Gilbert, and they are the parents of one daughter, 
Margaret E., born September 19, 1910. 

John Paul Buechele, for the past fifteen years engaged in the 
jewelry business in Dubuque, is a native of this city, born June 19, 
1874, and a son of Theodore E., Sr., and Francis (Dozark) Bue- 
chele. The father was born in Waldkirch, Grand Duchy of Baden, 
Germany, on October 28, 1846, and was there educated and learned 
the cabinet maker's trade. In 1868 he immigrated to America and 
came immediately to Dubuque, Iowa, where he secured employment 
with the old Harincourt Burial Case Company. This concern later 



778 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

operated under the firm name of Key City Furniture Company, and 
of this Mr. Buechele became superintendent and a stockholder. He 
remained thus connected practically until his death, which occurred 
October i8, 1901, his interment being in Mt. Calvary. His widow 
yet survives him and resides in Dubuque. She is a native of Prague, 
Bohemia, and came to the United States and Delaware County, 
Iowa, with her parents in 1862. To Mr. and Mrs. Buechele these 
children were born: Theodore E. J., of the Kaep & Buechele cloth- 
ing house; John Paul, subject ; Emma, a clerk in the patent office at 
Washington, D. C. ; Victor, with the H. Trenkle sausage manufac- 
turing concern; Anthony J., with his brother John in the jewelry 
business ; and Josephine, at home. Until fourteen years old John 
Paul Buechele attended the local parochial and public schools, then 
served a three-year apprenticeship to the jeweler's trade under F. 
A. Nesler. In January, 1896, with C. H. Fiegenbaum he embarked 
in the jewelry business under the firm name of J. P. Buechele & 
Co. at 1042 Main street, and five years later bought out his partner's 
interest. Mr. Buechele has since successfully conducted the busi- 
ness alone. In religious views he is a member of Sacred Heart 
Roman Catholic church, and socially is identified with the Knights 
of Columbus, Catholic Order of Foresters, Independent Order of 
Foresters, Modern Woodmen of America, Modern Brotherhood of 
America and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. On September 28, 
1904, he was united in marriage with Miss Clementine Kessler, 
daughter of Stephen and Catherine (Baumhover) Kessler, and to 
their union have been born the following named children : John, 
Edward, Carolus, Paul and Arnold. The family residence is located 
at 417 Windsor avenue. 

Hon. Oliver Perry Shiras, recently retired and now residing 
at the Wales Hotel, Dubuque, is of Scotch-Irish extraction. The 
Shiras family have resided in America for the past hundred and 
fifty years and were prominent in the early history of New Jersey 
and Pennsylvania. George and Eliza Shiras, the parents of our sub- 
ject, have long since passed away, the father in 1894, aged eighty- 
nine years, and the mother in 1873, aged sixty-one years. Their 
son, Oliver, was born in Pittsburg. Pennsylvania, October 22, 1833, 
and there received his early education in the public schools. He 
further pursued his studies in the original Ohio University, from 
which institution he received the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 
1853 and the degree of Master of Arts. Mr. Shiras then entered 
the legal department of Yale University and was duly graduated 
therefrom with the degree of Bachelor of Laws, and later received 
also the degree of Doctor of Laws. He then came West to 
Dubuque, was admitted to practice before the Iowa State Bar and 
immediately embarked in the practice of his profession. When the 
memorable struggle between the North and the South became im- 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 77^ 

minent he enlisted for the presentation of the Union and until 1864 
served as aide de camp on the staff of general F. J. Herron through- 
out the campaigns of Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana. 
After an honorable discharge by the War Department, Mr. Shiras 
returned to his home in Dubuque and resumed the practice of his 
profession. He is a Republican in politics and as such served as 
delegate to many state and congressional conventions before he 
began his judicial career. During President Arthur's administra- 
tion, August 2, 1882, he was appointed United States Judge of the 
Northern District of Iowa and held that position until 1903, wheri 
he retired. 

During his twenty-one years of ser\ice on the bench he not only 
served as the Judge for the Northern District of Iowa, but also 
held circuit court in various states of the Eighth National Judicial 
Circuit, and for five years was likewise a member of the Circuit 
Court of Appeals. The Eighth Judicial Circuit is one of the largest 
of the nine circuits and is composed of the following named states: 
Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas, North Dakota, South Dakota, 
Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico 
and Utah. From time to time Judge Shiras held court in seven of 
the thirteen states. 

His brother, George Shiras. was Associate Justice of the United 
States Supreme Court from 1892 to 1903. 

February 15, 1857, at Springfield. Ohio, he was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Elizabeth R. Mitchell, who died in 1885, and on 
October 11, 1888, at St. Paul, Minnesota. Mr. Shiras remarried, 
taking as his partner in life Mrs. Hetty Cornwell, daughter of 
Luther Spalding, deceased, of W^arren, Ohio. Four children, two 
dying in infancy, have been born to Mr. Shiras. The two growing 
to maturity were Isabella, the wife of Irving Van Vliet, of Duluth, 
Minnesota, and Frederick, born July, 1865, ^"d died in the Philip- 
pines, June, 1908. He was a first lieutenant of the Thirty-sixth 
Regiment, United States Volunteers, and served during the Spanish- 
American war. 

Many years before the Public Library was established Judge 
Shiras helped to organize the Young Men's Library Association and 
for ten years served as its president. He always manifested interest 
in the library and educational work of the city. Since his retirement 
from the judicial bench he has taken marked interest in the internal 
improvement of the city by means of an enlarged and more perfected 
system of public parks. It was largely through his efforts and sup- 
port that the large Eagle Point Park along the Mississippi was 
secured recently and improved. 

He is vice-president of the Public Library Board, for many years 
a trustee of Finley Hospital, and a member of the Grand Army of 
the Republic. 



ySo HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Paul Traut, prominently identified with the civic and commer- 
cial prosperity of Dubuque during his lifetime, was a son of Joseph 
Traut, an old pioneer of this city. Joseph Traut was a native of 
Prussia. He immigrated to the United States in 1846 and took up 
his residence in Dubuque. Iowa, where he married Anna Hilken, 
a native of Luxemburg. He died in 1895 at the age of seventy- 
three years, and his wife the same year, aged sixty-nine. Paul Traut 
spent his early life at home, supplementing the education he received 
in the city schools by a commercial course in Bayless Business Col- 
lege. He began his business career as clerk in a store, succeeding 
■which for five years he was bookkeeper in the wholesale drug house 
of E. H. Moore. In 1874 he embarked in the wholesale liquor busi- 
ness on his own account, but this he disposed of by sale in 1880. 
During his business career he had become active as a Democrat in 
political affairs and, possessing marked executive ability, he became 
the nominee of his party in 1880 for the ofifice of city treasurer. At 
the election following he was the successful candidate and so satis- 
factorily did he fill the requirements of the office that he was chosen 
his own successor three times. In 1889 he was the successful can- 
didate of his party for the office of county treasurer, and upon the 
expiration of his term two years later was re-elected to the position. 
In 1884 he was one of the organizers of the German Trust & Sav- 
ings Bank, of which he was elected treasurer, and of which in 1894 
he became president. Many other important commercial enterprises 
received his cooperation and aid. He assisted in the consolidation of 
the four breweries allied with the Dubuque Malting Company and 
became the vice-president of the reorganized corporation. He was 
also a stockholder and vice-president of the Dubuque Stamping & 
Enameling Works ; was one of the organizers and a director of the 
Dubuque Woodenware & Lumber Company, and at the time of his 
death was president of the Iowa Coffin Company. He was a warm 
friend of the educational cause and served two terms as president 
of the Board of Education with credit to himself and satisfaction to 
all concerned. Mr. Traut was married in 1873 to Miss Louisa 
Jaeger, a native of Dubuque and daughter of the old settler, Adam 
Jaeger. Seven children were born to this marriage, as follows : 
Eleanora, who married Paul Kerz, became the mother of five 
children and died at Galena, Illinois, January 31, 1908; Frank, who 
was a bookkeeper in the German Trust & Savings Bank at the time 
of his death in 1897, aged twenty-two years; Louisa M., who mar- 
ried Charles Saunders, Jr., who is now engaged in the retail meat 
market business in Dubuque and is the mother of six children; 
Mamie, the mother of three children and the wife of Clarence Trex- 
ler, who is engaged in the grocery business in Dubuque with his 
father; Edward, who married Pauline Hartmann and resides in 
Dubuque: Verena, the wife of William Toepel, is the mother of one 
child and has her home in Galena; and Adam H., who married 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 781 

Maud Canavan and is tlie agent of the Singer Sewing Machine Com- 
pany in Dubuque. The family are of the Roman CatlioHc faith in 
reHgion. Paul Traut was one of the whole souled, enterprising, gen- 
erous, broad-minded men of Dubuque. He commanded the respect 
of his fellowmen because of his sterling honesty and business ability, 
and the love of all who knew him by reason of his generosity, 
sympathy and bene\olence. He died May 23, 1898, and is buried in 
Mount Carmel Cemetery. 

B. J. HoRCHEM, the son of John and Henrietta Horchem, was 
born in Dubuque, December 4, 1866. Both parents were German and 
came to Dubuque in i860. The father was a painter by trade, but 
when the call was issued for men to suppress the rebellion in 1861 
he enlisted in Company F, Fifth Iowa Cavalry, and served until the 
close of the war, when he was mustered out at Pulaski, Tennessee. 
At the close of the war he located at Dyersville, where he died in 
1867 at the age of thirty-five. The mother married again and con- 
tinued her residence at Dyersville till her death, April i, 1900. Very 
early in life, then, the subject of this sketch was compelled to endure 
hardships at the hands of his stepfather, which had a marked in- 
fluence in molding his thoughts and actions in subsequent life. Until 
sixteen years of age he worked on the farm from early spring until 
late in the fall. He then attended Dyersville high school and the 
Cedar Rapids Business College. He taught a country school two 
years and was principal of the Dyersville school for two years. He 
was then elected county superintendent of schools and filled that 
office from 1894 to 1898. He was re-elected for a third term, but 
resigned the position in January. 1899. to accept the principalship of 
the Audubon School in the city of Dubuque, which position he still 
holds. After assuming the duties of the last named position he 
took several courses in psychology' and sociology in Chicago and 
Columbia universities. 

He is a member of the Knights of Columbus, St. Vincent de Paul 
Society and the National Education Association. In his religious 
views he is a Roman Catholic and holds membership in St. Raphael's 
chtirch in Dubuque. When asked as to his politics he said : "I vote 
for the best man in local affairs. I was first elected county superin- 
tendent on the Citizens' ticket and at the second election was en- 
dorsed by both parties. 

He hopes to reform the school system and to this end has started 
what he has been pleased to call the "Park Life," the general plan of 
which is to have an "all-the-year school," but only half the time in 
school to be spent indoors. He is devoting much of his energy to 
this cause and says he hopes soon to publish a work on "Park Life 
and the Playground Movement." Dr. A. E. Winship in an editorial 
says : "Personally we earnestly hope that Mr. Horchem will have 



782 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

all needed financial aid, and that 'Park Life' will become a term to 
conjure with the county over." 

Louis C. Lubck, of Dubuque, was born in this city on October 
2, i860, and is a son of Charles and Mary (Zannck) Lubck, who 
were natives of Germany and Switzerland, respectively. Both par- 
ents came to America in 1847 ^^'^^ i" that year settled at Dubuque, 
then little more than a frontier village, the father first landing at 
New Orleans, thence coming to Dubuque by boat, the mother coming 
here overland from Milwaukee. Charles Lubck was an architect in 
the old country, but engaged in the grocery business in Dubuque, at 
which he continued until his death in 1861 when forty-seven years 
of age. Mrs. Lubck is yet li\ing in Dubuque at the age of seventy- 
nine years. They were the parents of four children : Christina, who 
died, unmarried, March 17, 1910; Mary married Jacob Jorrimann 
and lives at Owatonna, Alinnesota, the mother of eight children ; 
Caroline, who became the wife of Charles Norman, by whom she 
is the mother of seven children and resides in Chicago ; and Louis 
C, the subject of this sketch. Mrs. Lubck was remarried in 1865, 
James Thompson becoming her second husband, and to this mar- 
riage four children were born: Charles R., James W., Marion and 
Alice. Mr. Thompson was a miner during his latter years and died 
April 13, 1910. Louis C. Lubck was educated in the public and 
high schools of Dubuque and when yet a boy was apprenticed to 
the printer's trade. After completing his indenture he traveled over 
the country as a journeyman printer for about ten years, but in 
1 891 was employed by the Smith Printing Company, of Dubuque. 
In 1892, associated with John Smith and M. M. Walker, he bought 
the Evening Ledger, subsequently organizing the Globe Printing 
Company and publishing the Evening Globe. This was continued 
until the company was reorganized on a larger and more extensive 
scale as the Smith-Morgan Printing Company and the Times- 
Journal was published and eventually became the present Times- 
Journal. Shortly after this Mr. Lubck disposed of his holdings 
and on May 25, 1895. '" company with William Steuck, purchased 
the Union Printing Company, which they have ever since con- 
ducted. At the time they originally purchased the plant it was but 
a small concern employing four or five persons. Modern methods, 
equipment, workmanship and aggressive business methods have 
since made this concern one of the best of its kind in the city. Mr. 
Lubck is a Republican and has served three terms as chairman of 
the County Central Committee of his party and in other ways has 
figured prominently in the political affairs of the community. He 
is unmarried ; is a member of the Westminster Presbyterian church. 
He belongs to Dubuque Lodge No. 3, A. F. & A. M. ; Dubuque 
Chapter No. 3, R. A. M., and Siloam Commandery No. 3, K. T., 
and also the Modern Woodmen of America, the Benevolent and 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 783 

Protective Order of Elks, the Dubuque Traveling Men's Business 
Association and the Dubuque Motor Boat Club. 

Albert Wallace Aitchison, one of the extensive farmers and 
stock raisers of Cascade Township, was born April i, 1863, at Chi- 
cago, Illinois, a son of William Aitchison, Jr., of whom appropriate 
mention appears elsewhere in this work. In early youth he attended 
the public schools, then entered Lenox College, from which, owing 
to failing health, he was compelled to retire before graduation. 
For the most part his life has been passed in agricultural pursuits. 
To the 60 acres left him by his father he has added at different 
times until he now owns 470 acres in Cascade Township and also 
160 acres in South Dakota. Mr. Aitchison is one of the foremost, 
progressive farmers of Dubuque County. His home, modern in its 
appointments, is heated by hot water ; his outbuildings have been 
erected to meet the requirements of the scientific care of stock ; his 
shade trees and lawns indicate a progressiveness in the farm life of 
the county well worthy of emulation. While devoting much of his 
attention to diversified farming, he specializes in the raising of 
shorthorn cattle, Shropshire sheep and Poland-China hogs. Mr. 
Aitchison is a Democrat in politics, has served as township treas- 
urer twenty years and is a member of the Modern Woodmen Lodge 
at Cascade. April 8, 1885, he was united in marriage with Miss 
Sarah Kearney, daughter of A. J. Kearney, of whom mention is 
made elsewhere herein, and to this marriage there have been born 
the following children: Albert E., born May 3, 1886, a graduate 
of Lenox College: Adrian Fletcher, born May 12, 1889, now in 
college; Eleanor Grace, born December 25, 1890, now in college; 
William K., born June 8, 1893: and Ruth, born July 2, 1896, died 
July 14, same year. 

Thomas A. Hamil, deceased, was born August 24, 1855, a son 
of Andrew Preston Hamil, an early settler of Cascade, extended 
notice of whom appears elsewhere in this work. After attending 
the public schools in boyhood Thomas A. Hamil started out in life 
for himself as a monthly farm laborer and later worked at well 
drilling several years. March 10, 1880, he wedded Abby Asenath 
Hamilton and about this time began farming on the old homestead 
of his wife's father. Deacon James S. Hamilton. He was of that 
robust temperament that required all that he had to do with being 
done well. He prospered as a farmer and also as a raiser of good 
stock, and for a long time was secretary and was one of the 
originators of Cascade Creamery. Although a staunch Republican 
in politics he never aspired to office, being content to fill local posi- 
tions where he believed it would benefit the public. He belonged to 
the Modern Woodmen, the Mystic Workers, and was a consistent 
member of the Baptist church. Above all he was proud of his home 



784 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

and family and the honorable name it always bore. Four children 
were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hamil, as follows: James S., born 
April 20, 1882: Charles A., born April 10, 1884, and married 
Blanche Gordon; Gerald T., born February 21, 1887, and married 
Margaret Morton; and Mary Bess, born November 21, 1889, and 
graduated in music from Epworth Seminary in 1909. Mr. Hamil 
died November 17, 1900. His family still resides on the old home- 
stead. 

Henry Brouillard, farmer and stock raiser, residing on Sec- 
tion 26, Washington Township, a mile and one-quarter northwest 
of Zwingle, was born in the eastern portion of France, November, 
13, 1854, a son of George and Susan (Pillard) Brouillard, both 
of whom were natives of that country and there married. The 
father was a farmer and in March, 1868. with his three sons, 
Eugene, Henry and Charles, immigrated to the United States and 
joined George Salot, who conducted a store at Buncombe, Dubuque 
County, Iowa, and who now resides in Dubuque. Mr. Brouillard 
bought a farm in Washington Township of a Mr. Foster, 160 acres 
of which was impro\-ed and 30 acres timber land. He later added 
270 acres in Jackson County to his property and successfully fol- 
lowed general farming and stock raising until about fourteen years 
ago, when because of ill health he went West to Oklahoma and 
made his home with his youngest son, Charles, a farmer. From 
there they moved on a farm near Moran, Allen County, Kansas, 
where George Brouillard yet resides, aged eighty years. His wife 
died October 4, 1897, at the age of sixty-seven years. She was one 
of four children born in France to Frederick and Margaret Pillard, 
Frederick, Petre and George being the other three. Henry Brouil- 
lard, the immediate subject of this re\-iew, received his scholastic 
training in France and still is proficient in writing and reading that 
language. He followed farming with his father and after the 
latter left for Oklahoma undertook the management of all property 
in Washington Township. He carries on general and diversified 
farming and also raises stock. In politics he is a Democrat, but 
has never aspired to offilce, and in religious views is identified with 
the German Reformed church. In February, 1895, he was united 
in marriage with Miss Alice Kifer, daughter of John Kifer, and to 
them three daughters have been born, named Neva, Iva and 
Blanche. The Brouillard family is one of the comparatively few 
of French extraction to be found in Dubuque County and they 
bear the respect and esteem of all who know them. 

John Neyens, one of Dubuque County's well-known farmers 
and stock raisers, was born in Luxemburg. German)', September 
26, 1853, a son of John and Johanna (Miller) Neyens, and grand- 
son of Nicholas and Mary (Dekobon) Neyens, the latter being 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 785 

natives of Austria and Spain, respecti\ely. The Dekobon family- 
were wealthy land owners and had a fine estate in Germany. 
Nicholas Neyens was a sculptor by occupation and was employed 
by the Dekobons to carve the ivory and marble work in their resi- 
dential chapel. While thus engaged Mr. Neyens met Alary De- 
kobon, whom he later married. One of the children born to this 
union was John Neyens, the father of the subject of this sketch. He 
married Johanna Miller in Luxemburg, Germany, and to them were 
born the following children : Mary Kate, who married John Sheke 
and died in the old country, the mother of twelve children; Anna, 
wife of John Orban, and died at Le Mars, Iowa; Kate, married 
Jacob Ressler and resides at Worthington, Iowa; Michael, who 
married Mary Waistman and lives in Dyersville ; Henry Neyens, 
married in 1876 Lizzie Keppler, lived in Nebraska and died there 
in 1909; John, subject of this sketch; and Mary Anna, now Mrs. 
Nicholas Mertes, of Le Mars. In 1868 the parents and children, 
with the exception of the oldest, Mary, came to the United States, 
and on March 15 of that year located on 240 acres of land in White 
Water Township. Dubuque County, Iowa. But fifty acres of this 
was improved and the father, who had been a stone mason in Ger- 
many, assisted by his family, began to clear and improve the land 
and to establish a home. Mr. Neyens was blind when he located 
here and his neighbors used to woncler how he could grub out stumps 
without being able to see. He was a devout Catholic in religious 
faith and in 1874, aged sixty-four years, passed away, honored and 
respected by his fellowmen. His wife, whose maiden name was 
Johanna Miller, was a daughter of Jacob and Mary (Musel) Miller, 
both of whom lived and died in Luxemburg, Germany. To Mr. 
and Mrs. Miller these children were born: John Henry, who came 
to America previous to the Neyens family and settled and died 
at Cascade ; Mathias, who came later and died in Carroll County, 
Iowa ; Angelius, who came with Mathias and died at Dyersville ; 
Kate; Susan; and Johanna, who became Mrs. John Neyens. The 
latter survived her husband until 1896 and then passed away at the 
advanced age of eighty-three years. John Neyens, the immediate 
subject of this memoir, came with his parents to America in 1868 
and remained at home, assisting his father until his marriage. In 
those early days Indians and deer were to be found frequently in 
the county and Mr. Neyens remembers chasing deer with a club, 
as he had no gun at that time. He married Anna Becker, a daughter 
of Peter and Margarey (Lemner) Becker, both parents now de- 
ceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Becker these children were born : Kate, 
deceased, married Peter Weber, of Cascade ; Anna, now Mrs. John 
Neyens ; and Mary, who married John Goos and resides near Cas- 
cade. In 1881 Anna of the above children came to America and 
married Mr. Neyens, and two years later her father, mother and 
sisters came also to Dubuque County, Iowa, and made their home 



786 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

witli the subject of this sketch. Mr. Becker cHed in 1892, aged 
seventy-two years, preceded by his wife in 1890, at the age of sixty- 
three years. Mr. Neyens now owns and operates the farm in 
White Water Township known as "Forest Farm." Shortly after 
his marriage he began farming on his own account, first purchasing 
120 acres, then 80, then 40 and later 20 more, and now has a fine 
tract of 260 acres. He erected a modern home, doing the work him- 
self, as he is also a carpenter and mason, and built spacious barns and 
outhouses. In politics he espouses the politics of the Democratic 
party and in religious views is of the Roman Catholic faith. To him 
and wife were born the following named children: Mary, born Oc- 
tober. 1882, married G. Saddler, of White Water Township; Peter, 
born in March, 1884, married Lizzie Bockes and resides in Cascade; 
Anna, born in 1887: John, born in 1892; Margaret, born in 1895; 
three who died in infancy; and Jacob and Michael. 

Daniel Schultz, deceased, came to Dubuque County in 1840 
and became one of the foremost and most deserving farmers and 
stock raisers in the community. He was born in Westmoreland 
County, Pennsylvania, in 182 1, descended from German parents, 
and was married in Pennsylvania to Eve Leffert. In the early 
forties they and their one daughter, Anna, came West to Dubuque 
County, Iowa, and settled in Washington Township on the south- 
east quarter on the border line between Dubuque and Jackson 
counties. Here Mr. Schultz purchased an 80-acre farm and erected 
a frame house, the first in this section of the country. This was 
burned shortly afterwards and as money was rather scarce, he 
built a log house for temporary use. He improved this property 
and later rented it and moved north into Washington Township to 
a place known as Buncombe. Here he bought 100 acres, which he 
improved and resided on ten or twelve years, and then disposed of 
same, purchasing 240 acres in Sections 25 and 26 of Washington 
Township. This was later called and is now known as "Walnut 
Grove." Mr. Schultz improved this land by erecting a fine home, 
barns and various outhouses, and as his means permitted added 
thereto until he owned a section of as fine farm land as could be 
desired. On February 27, 1907, surrounded by a family of loving 
children and friends and after a long and honorable career, Mr. 
Schultz was summoned to the great beyond, aged eighty-seven 
years, three months and ten days. He was a Democrat in politics, 
but never aspired to office, preferring to confine his attention to pri- 
vate affairs, and during early times in the county was an active 
member of the German Reformed church. Mrs. Schultz died 
December 14, 1892. To them these chiklren were born: Anna, 
born May 8, 1849: Elizabeth, born April 10, 185 1, widow of 
Ebenezer McKitrick; Daniel, born December 15, 1858, married 
Wilma Wigrefifee on July 17, 1908; David, born September 15, 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 7?>7 

1863; Nicholas, born April 8, 1866. Of the above children Anna, 
Daniel, David and Nicholas believed that success could be attained 
in greater proportions by cooperation, and with the father worked 
the home place and shared in the accumulation of an estate of some 
852 acres. Aside from general farming they have been very suc- 
cessful in the raising of shorthorn cattle, Poland-China hogs, Nor- 
man horses and Percheron mares. They are highly regarded in the 
community where they reside and are among the county's best 
people. 

Solon B. Perkins, retired farmer residing in Cascade, »s a 
native of Erie County, New York, his birth occurring December 
29, 1839. His parents, Jesse and Elma (Annis) Perkins, were also 
born in New York State and for a time the father followed farm- 
ing on the shores of Lake Champlain. Three children were born 
to him and wife in Erie County, named Solon, John, deceased, and 
Mary, deceased. In 1853 the family came West to Rockford, 
Illinois, partly by foot and partly by train, and from that place 
drove to Cascade Township, Dubuque County, Iowa, and established 
a home on 200 acres of land, forty acres of which was improved. 
Here the mother died in 1857, aged forty-nine years, and Mr. 
Perkins subsequently married Mary Ann Patterson, a widow and 
stepmother of the wife of Solon B. Perkins. After his second 
marriage Jesse Perkins disposed of his property in Cascade Town- 
ship and removed to Delaware County, Iowa, and there died, 
aged seventy-five years. His wife passed away in 1893, aged 
seventy-six years. Solon B. Perkins, the immediate subject of this 
review, was but thirteen years old when brought to Cascade Town- 
ship by his parents, and for a time he attended the Spring Valley 
school. In 1 86 1 he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Ann 
Patterson, born in 1838, a daughter of William and Catherine 
(Eggleston) Patterson. Her parents were both natives of New 
York State, and during their residence there two children were 
born to them, Minerva, deceased, and James, living in Illinois. The 
family then moved to Ohio, where they remained some eighteen or 
twenty years, and there to Mr. and Mrs. Patterson were born these 
children : Reuben, deceased ; Mary Ann, married Solon B. Perkins ; 
Sarah, deceased ; and Charles, deceased. The mother died in Ohio, 
and Mr. Patterson took for a second wife a sister of his former 
mate, Mary Ann Eggleston. In 185 1 the family came to Iowa, 
driving from Chicago to Delaware County, and here on a farm 
the father died in 1855 at the age of fifty- four years. To him and 
wife were born these children : John, residing in Greeley, Delaware 
County; and Emily, Walter and William, all of whom are deceased. 
After the death of her husband Mrs. Mary Ann (Eggleston) Pat- 
terson married Jesse Perkins, the father of the subject of this 
sketch. Solon B. Perkins was reared to hard work on a farm, and 



788 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

after his marriage rented a tract of land in Cascade Township and 
here followed general farming for a number of years. He then 
purchased ten acres of timber land which he cleared and on which 
he erected a home, and at different times added thereto until he 
became the owner of seventy acres. This he improved and resided 
on until his retirement to the village of Cascade in 19 lo. Mr. 
Perkins is a Republican in politics, a Baptist in religion and has 
served a number of years as school director. He is also a member 
of the Modern Woodmen of America, belonging to the lodge at 
Cascade. To him and wife two children were born, as follows: 
Ida, born in 1866 and died when eight years old; and Ralph, born 
in 1869. married Effie Hankins, has one child. Emerett, and resides 
on the old homestead. 

Samuel Ganfield, who for years followed farming and stock 
raising in Dubuque County and who now is living retired in the 
village of Cascade, was born May 17. 1845, '" Somersetshire. Eng- 
land, a son of William and Charlotta (Andrews) Ganfield, who 
were gardeners of that country. The family came to America and 
Dubuque County, Iowa, at an early date and located on 80 acres of 
unimproved land in Section 7, White Water Township. To this 
property Mr. Ganfield added 160 acres in Section 7, White Water 
Township, and all was improved until he became one of the pros- 
perous farmers of the community. He died in 1891 at the age of 
eighty-four years, followed by his widow in 1892. aged eighty- 
three, and both were members of the Methodist church. They had 
these children: Anna. Lizzie, Charlotta, Hannah, William, Tom, 
Samuel and Arthur. Samuel Ganfield was educated in the public 
schools and remained at home until twenty-four years old. On April 
20, 1869, he was united in marriage with Mary Jane Patterson, who 
was born September 3. 1849. a daughter of Richard and Esther 
Patterson, mentioned elsewhere in this work. To Mr. and Mrs. 
Ganfield were born the following children : Mary Ellen, born March 
23, 1870, deceased; Henry, whose sketch follows this; William 
Arthur, born September 3, 1873, married Clara Boardman, is a 
professor in college and a Presbyterian minister and resides in 
Waukesha, Wisconsin; George, born in 1876, farming; Mabel, 
born February 26, 1878, married Edgar Wall, resides in Cherokee 
County; and Ella, born July i, 1884, married Rev. Bock, a Presby- 
terian minister. Mr. Ganfield has always followed farming and 
has been very successful in that line of business. He began opera- 
tions on the old homestead and added thereto as his means per- 
mitted and in time accumulated a competency. In recent years he 
retired from the active duties of life and now makes his home in 
Cascade. In politics he is a Republican, but has never aspired to 
hold office. 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 789 

Henry Ganfield, farmer and stock raiser of Dubuque County, 
was born September 7, 1871, on the old Ganfield homestead in 
White Water Township, and is a son of the pioneers, Samuel and 
Mar)' Jane (Patterson) Ganfield, appropriate notice of whom im- 
mediately precedes this. He was educated in the district schools of 
his neighborhood and assisted his parents with the work of the 
home farm until 1896. He then married Louisa Denley, who was 
a daughter of Henry and Louisa (Williams) Denley. Her father 
came to America and lived in Farley, where he died ; mother 
never came to America. They had but two children, Mrs. Ganfield 
and David, who died in South Dakota. After his marriage Mr. 
Ganfield rented a portion of his father's property, which he con- 
ducted eight years and during this time bought an adjoining 35 
acres. He later bought tracts of 200, 40 and 20 acres, making a 
total of 295 acres of valuable farm land. All this has been im- 
proved and modernized, and today Mr. Ganfield is regarded as one 
of the prosperous and progressive farmers of the county. He fol- 
lows general farming and specializes in the raising of fine Norman 
horses, shorthorn and Durham cattle and Chester White hogs. In 
political views he is a Republican, but has never held office. He 
and wife are members of the Presbyterian church. To them have 
been born the following named children: Nina B., Ruby R., Leslie 
and Maud, all of whom are at home and the two oldest in school. 

Henry Gosden, farmer and stock raiser residing" on Section 12, 
Cascade Township, is a son of one of the early pioneers of Dubuque 
County, Jacob Gosden, who was a native of London, England. 
Jacob Gosden married Ann Rice in his native country and came 
to the United States in 1852, first locating in Dubuque, Iowa. 
From there he moved to White Water Township, where he pur- 
chased a tract of wild land and began clearing and improving same. 
For twenty-seven years he resided on this property, then moved to 
Farley, where he made his home, retired from the active duties of 
life until his death in 1903, at the advanced age of eighty-six years. 
His wife died in 1899. They were members of the Episcopal 
church, and by their upright and honorable lives commanded uni- 
versal respect. Henry Gosden was born on the old home farni in 
White Water Township and passed his early youth in attending the 
district schools and aiding his father in the work at home. He 
finished his schooling at Epworth Seminary and continued to reside 
on the old home farm until 1901, when he purchased his present 
property. Mr. Gosden is one of the progressive and substantial 
farmers and stock raisers of Dubuque County. He is a Republican 
in politics, and a member of the Masonic fraternity and its ap- 
pendant order, the Eastern Star. To his marriage with Mary Ann 
Bevans, solemnized in 1887, four children have been born, named 
Myrtle Irene, Clififord Leroy, Henry Earl and James Alfred. Mrs. 



790 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Gosden is a member of one of the old and highly respected families, 
mention of whom occurs elsewhere in this work. 

Robert Martin, a native of Ireland and a carpenter by trade, 
was born in July, 1822. His parents, Andrew and Bessie (Jack- 
son) Martin, were also natives of Ireland, the former seeing mili- 
tary service under the Duke of Wellington. Andrew Martin and 
wife had six children: Andrew, Robert, William, John, Martha 
and Eliza. John was the first of the family to come to America, 
then Andrew, and then Robert and his widowed mother. The 
daughters remained in the old country. It was during President 
Pierce's administration that Robert and his mother came here. 
After living for a time in Connecticut they moved to Cedar County, 
Iowa, and from there in 1857 to Cascade, where Robert worked at 
his trade. Many buildings in Cascade yet stand as a monument to 
his skill as a master craftsman. Previous to coming to this country 
Robert Martin had served in the constabulary of Ireland and, owing 
to his military training when the Civil War broke out in this coun- 
try, he was called upon to assist in drilling recruits. In 1858 he 
married Margaret Crawford, who was born March 17, 1837, one 
of the following named children born to Thomas and Ellen (Stew- 
art) Crawford: Aleckander and Margaret (both of whom died in 
Ireland) ; Ann, Jane, Ellen, Thomas, David, Margaret, Mary and 
Robert. Mr. and Mrs. Crawford were married in County Down, 
Ireland, the former being a son of Daniel and Margaret (McKen- 
zie) Crawford. They came to this country at an early day and 
located in Connecticut, where they died. Robert Martin was hard 
working and industrious. He saved his earnings and bought a 
farm in Cascade Township in 1880 and there resided until his death, 
January 2, 1903. Mr. Martin was reared an Episcopalian in re- 
ligion, but after coming to America he united with the United 
Presbyterians and for thirty-six years was an elder in that church. 
He possessed high courage, was mentally a giant, had unbounded 
physical activity, and his memory will long endure in the hearts and 
minds of surviving relatives and friends. His children are as fol- 
lows: William Andrew, born January 10, 1859, married Susan 
Jane Niblo, is the father of eight children and resides in Jones 
County, Iowa; David A., born May 29, 1861, married Emma J. 
Sullivan, who died August, 1899, had two children — Myrle and 
Nona — and died February 19, 1904; Robert J., farmer of Jones 
County, born October 4, 1863, married Mary A. Linderman. who 
died August 29, 1910, leaving two children — Viola and Evelyn; 
John Stuart, born June 14, 1868, a farmer of Cascade Township; 
Thomas M.. born March 17, 1872, now managing the old home 
farm; and Israel Abner, born June 8, 1874, also living on the old 
homestead. 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 791 

Edmond H. Campbell, farmer and stock raiser of Cascade 
Township, was born May 8, 1874, in the community where he now 
resides, and is a son of James and Ellen (Hucker) Campbell, na- 
tives of New York State and England, respectively. James Camp- 
bell was a son of William and Agnes (Agno) Campbell, and with 
his wife and one son came to the United States at an early period 
and settled near Galena, Illinois. His wife died during the trip 
across the ocean and was buried at sea, and after arriving in this 
country Mr. Campbell took for a second wife Elizabeth Cathcard. 
of Irish extraction. Shortly thereafter he moved to Jones County, 
Iowa, and there farmed and resided for a period of forty-five years. 
In 1866 he located in Dodge Township, Dubuque County, and there 
remained until 1904, when he retired from the active cares of life 
and removed to the village of Epworth. In January, 1908, he 
passed away, but is yet survived by his widow, who lives in Ep- 
worth. To them were born seven children, three sons and four 
daughters, of whom two sons and one daughter are now deceased. 
James Campbell, father of the subject of this sketch, remained 
with his parents until they settled in Dodge Township and then 
purchased a 160-acre tract of unimproved land in the same town- 
ship and, with the exception of four years spent in Epworth, has 
passed his life on the dividing line between Dodge and Cascade 
townships. He added another 120 acres to his original property 
and improved this by erecting suitable buildings and proper tilling 
of the soil. On December 15, 1907, while returning from a visit at 
Epworth with his son, William, and daughter-in-law, Jane (Rogers) 
Campbell, they were struck by a train at a crossing and all three 
killed. Ellen (Hucker) Campbell, wife of James Campbell, died 
in 1881, aged twenty-eight years, and bore her husband these 
cliildren : Mary Elizabeth, who married J. W. Greenley; William, 
died an infant; William, also died in infancy; William, killed in 
railroad accident, before mentioned ; Edmond ; Agnes Ellen, de- 
ceased ; Minnie Estella, deceased ; Myrta Angelina, deceased ; and 
James, also deceased. Edmond Campbell, the immediate subject 
of this review, was reared to manhood in Dodge Township and 
received his education in the district schools thereof. When twenty- 
five years old he started out in life for himself and purchased 120 
acres of land from his father. He later added 40 acres more to his 
property in Cascade Township and 20 in Dodge Township, and all 
this has been improved and brought to a high state of cultivation. 
Mr. Campbell is following general and diversified farming and also 
raises various stock. He is a Methodist in religious views and, 
although taking an active interest in local afifairs of importance, has 
steadfastly refused to hold office. He married Celestia Bartholo- 
mew, who was born in Linn County, Iowa, a daughter of Charles 
and Hannah (Chase) Bartholomew, who were natives of New 
York State. There Mrs. Campbell's parents had born to them four 



792 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

children, James, Benjamin, Robert and Celestia, the first three 
named now deceased, and at an early period the family came West 
to Linn County, Iowa. Here they remained four years and then 
came to Dubucjue County and located near Epvvorth. Three years 
later they removed to Dodge Township, but after a residence of 
nine years went to Greeley, Colorado, where they now live. Nine 
children were born to the parents in Iowa, as follows: Carl, mar- 
ried Jane Hawe and resides in Wright County, Iowa ; Dudley, mar- 
ried Nell McLuces and lives in Greeley, Colorado ; Arthur, married 
Rena Williams, same residence: Sarah, deceased: Bertha, wife of 
Charles Baker, of Dodge Township; Almond, married Evelyn Still- 
well and resides in Wyoming: Mary, wife of Ross Riggs, of Gree- 
ley; William, married Mintie McDermott, also of Greeley; and 
Celestia, who became Mrs. Edmond Campbell. 

Andrew Preston Hamil, deceased, well remembered by the 
early settlers in and around Cascade, was born in the year 1818 
in the State of Tennessee and was the seventh son in a family of 
ten children born to Alexander Preston Hamil. He left home at 
an early age. making his way carpentering. He became a mill- 
wright and also was employed in a saw mill in his native State. 
Later he went to Mississippi, where he continued in the saw mill 
and lumber business a number of years. It was there he met and 
at Mechanicsburg married, on April 15, 1849, Miss Mary J. Patter- 
son. With his young wife he then started for Cascade, Iowa, with 
the expectation of making that his future home, arriving at his 
destination May 15, 1850. For a short time be resided in Rich- 
land Township, Jones County, then moved into Cascade and here 
resided until his death in 1862. He was actively identified with 
the progress and development of this locality and platted an addi- 
tion to the village of Cascade. He engaged in the undertaking 
business, manufacturing coffins from native walnut and other hard- 
wood lumber. In politics he was a Republican, and in religious 
views a Baptist. His wife was born in Ireland, March 4. 1817, a 
daughter of Thomas and Mary Patterson, and came to America 
when eighteen years old. After the death of Mr. Hamil the mother 
worked at tailoring and then operated a photograph gallery in Cas- 
cade, thus supporting and keeping the family together. She died 
April 12, 1885. The children of Andrew P. and Mary J. Hamil 
were: Andrew Preston: Margaret E., born April 18, 1853, died 
November 2, 1891 : Thomas A., born August 24, 1855, died No- 
vember 17, 1900: Jane (Mrs. C. J. Doxsie), born July 28, 1859, 
and now resides in Kansas City. Mo. 

Andrew P. Hamil. the oldest son of the foregoing named chil- 
dren, was born in Richland Township, Jones County, Iowa, Sep- 
tember 13, 1851, and was named after his father. He has always 
followed farming and is recognized as one of the foremost men of 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 793 

Dubuque County. September 23, 1874, he married Mary Elizabeth 
Morrison, a native of CaHfornia and the daughter of David and 
Mary (Dean) Morrison. The following named children have been 
born to this union: Melvin Preston, born January 2, 1876, married 
Elizabeth Hutchinson, September 11, 1899, is a dental graduate 
and practices his profession at Utica, Illinois ; Earle Jay, born Sep- 
tember 19, 1880, married Elizabeth Hoopes on January 9, 1906, 
is engaged in the novelty mail-order business, Chicago, 111. ; Mary 
Ethel, born September 19, 1883, became Mrs. Ralph O. Smith on 
January i, 1906, Mr. Smith at the present time occupying a clerical 
position with the Illinois Steel Company at Chicago; David Morri- 
son, the father of Mrs. Andrew P. Hamil, was an historic char- 
acter of this county. He was among the early marshals of the 
city of Dubuque, and in 1849, leaving a wife and daughter to await 
his problematical return, started for the gold fields of California. 
He encountered innumerable hardships on the way and nearly lost 
his life in desperate conflicts with hostile Indians. Three years 
later his wife and daughter and her brother, Gilbert Dean, joined 
Mr. Morrison in San Francisco. His ventures as a minor not prov- 
ing very successful, Mr. Morrison worked at his trade of contractor 
and plasterer. Within a year after his wife's arrival he died, in 
1854, of brain fever. His widow returned to Dubuque County and 
died at the home of her sister, Mrs. A. M. Hough, Oelwein, Iowa. 
She was born October 30, 1827, and died August 17, 1906, and 
was a daughter of Joseph and Sophia (Fay) Dean, who came from 
Ohio to Cascade in July, 1842. 

Eugene C. Carev, proprietor of the Carey Tailoring Company, 
Dubuque, is a native of Wisconsin, his birth occurring at Shulls- 
burg, Lafayette County, April i, 1879, and is one of ten children 
born to Owen and Anna (McGraw) Carey. The father was born 
in New York State in 1827, was descended from an old Irish fam- 
ily and followed general merchandising in the Empire State. After 
attending the common schools Eugene C. Carey spent six months 
in Stone's College learning cutting and fitting. For four years 
thereafter he worked at his trade in various establishments and in 
1899. when he came to Dubuque, founded the Dubuque Tailoring 
Company. One year later he bought out his partner's interest and 
has since conducted the business under the name of the Care}' 
Tailoring Company. He carries a stock amounting to about $7,500 
and has an annual business of $25,000. By strict attention to busi- 
ness he has built up a large and profitable trade and is regarded as 
one of the up-to-date business men of the city. In 1908 Mr'. Carey 
was united in marriage with Miss Agnes Mahoney, of St. Paul, 
Minnesota, and they are members of St. Raphael's Cathedral, 
Dubuque. Socially Mr. Carey is identified with the Elks, the Mod- 



794 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

ern Woodmen of America, the Eagles and the Knights of Co- 
lumbus. 

Hon. Matthew C. Matthews, who will long be remembered 
for his active and successful legal career in Dubuque County, is a 
son of the old pioneer, Dr. Nicholas Blayney Matthews and a 
brother of Alphons Matthews, of whom appropriate mention is 
made elsewhere in this work. Our subject was born in the city 
of Dubuque on January i, 1862, and was here educated and reared 
to manhood. After attending the public and high schools he en- 
tered Bayless Business College and for two years succeeding his 
graduation therefrom taught school. Like his brother, he possessed 
much natural ability as a speaker and as a judge of human nature, 
and his great desire in early life was to become a lawyer. He began 
the study of that profession with Mr. James H. Shields and later 
continued it while in the office of the county clerk. In February, 
1884, Mr. Mattliews passed an examination before the Supreme 
Court and was duly admitted to practice before the State Bar of 
Iowa. He returned to Dubuque and almost immediately success 
in his particular line of endea\or was assured. In 1889 he was 
elected county attorney, serving in all six years, and during this 
time prosecuting six important murder cases, all of which he 
creditably won. In 1898 he was elevated to the district judgeship, 
assuming the position January i, 1899, and for a period of twelve 
years satisfactorily filled this position. Immediately after his re- 
tirement from the judgeship, January i, 191 1, he formed a partner- 
ship with J. G. Chalmers under the firm name of Matthews & 
Chalmers, with offices at 305-307 Bank and Insurance building. 
Judge Matthews' public life has been unusually clean and devoid of 
suspicion and he is highly esteemed and respected by the citizens 
of the county. He is recognized as one of Dubuque's best public 
speakers. On January 24, 1889, he was united in marriage with 
Miss Emelie Dausener, daughter of a well-known German, Clayton 
County, Iowa, pioneer farmer, and to them the following named 
children were born: James J., of Minneapolis; Mrs. Helen K. Mac- 
Mahon, residing in Ireland ; Irene E. ; Blayney F. ; Washington A. ; 
Marcus L. ; Stanley A. ; Emily ; Alphons L. ; Miriam C. : Annabel 
C. ; Clement T. (deceased) ; and John P. (also deceased). In re- 
ligious views Judge Matthews is an adherent of the Roman 
Catholic faith, as were his forefathers, and socially he is identified 
with the following organizations : American Bar Association, Iowa 
State Bar Association, Dubuque County Bar Association, Benevolent 
and Protective Order of Elks, Eagles, Independent Order of 
Foresters, Catholic Order of Foresters, Ancient Order of United 
Workmen, Modern Woodmen of America, Woodmen of the 
World, Sons of the Veterans, and an honorarv member of the 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 795 

Ladies of the Civil War. He is also a member of the National 
Geographic Society and a member of the board of trustees of the 
Carnegie-Stout Public Library. He is public spirited and progressive 
and one of Dubuque County's best citizens. 

Edward E. Kuimpf, for a number of years Dubuque representa- 
tive for the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, was born in 
the Grand Duchy of Hesse, Germany, November 27, 1844, the son 
of Peter A. and Katherine Kumpf. He was educated in the com- 
mon and high schools and in 1863 joined the German army as 
\'olunteer and later was advanced to sergeant-major, remaining thus 
occupied for a period of thirteen years. He participated in the 
German war of 1866 and the Franco-Prussian war of 1870 and 
1871 ; in 1874, upon promotion to State police duty, he retired from 
the army. He later became recorder in the chancery at Frankfort- 
on-the-Main and during his service in 1880 asked for two months' 
vacation to take sea baths for recovering from sickness ; instead of 
two he was given five with full pay. He then went to Rotterdam, 
Holland, and there made the acquaintance of several sea-faring 
ofiicers. later taking a trip to New York as the guest of the captain 
of one of the large sailing vessels of the day. He visited his brother- 
in-law in New York and, being filled with glowing accounts of this 
country, and his only brother in Detroit advising him to stay in this 
country, he sent for his wife and children and removed to Detroit, 
Michigan, where he entered the government service in lake survey 
and lighthouse work. In 1882 he returned to New York and em- 
barked in the cigar manufacturing business, but two years later 
came West to IMassillon, Ohio, wliere he followed tlie same line 
five years. He then went to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, as reporter 
and general agent for the Pittsburg J'olksblatt, but, due to the panic 
of 1893, decided to come to Dubuque and here has since resided. 
He became the local representative of the Metropolitan Life In- 
surance Company and was very successful in that capacity. As a 
Republican he was elected constable in 1904, but two years later 
was defeated b)- only a few votes and then went to the city police 
force, where he stayed for two years. Mr. Kumpf is a member of 
St. Mary's Catholic Church, has been secretary of the German Vet- 
eran Society twelve years, was fest secretary in the big Krieger 
convention in Dubuque in 1906, also secretary of the big German 
Day Fest in 1902, was a charter member of the Orioles and is one 
of the pioneer settlers of Dubuque. In February, 1869, he married 
Miss Mary M. Meyer and to them have been born : Charles, Ed- 
ward E., Jr., Frederick William, George (deceased), Lizzie, Car- 
Ionia, Louisa and Martha. Mr. Kumpf is well known in Dubuque 
and vicinity as an honest, straightforward and good hearted gen- 
tleman. 



796 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

P. C. Murray^ a well-known attorney at the Dubuque bar, is a 
native son of Iowa, his birth occurring in Vernon Township, 
Dubuque County. He is a son of one of the early pioneer families 
of this state, his father, Patrick P. Murray, and his mother, Mary 
(McLaughlin) Murray, having settled on a farm in Vernon Town- 
ship in the spring of 1850. Mr. Murray, Sr., immigrated to this 
country in 1844 and located in Pittsburg, Pa. His wife, Mary 
McLaughlin Murray, came to America with her parents in 1846 
and also located in Pittsburg. In the fall of 1848 Patrick P. Mur- 
ray entered government land in Vernon Township and then returned 
to Pittsburg, where he was married to Mary McLaughlin in 1849, 
and Mr. Murray and his wife and the IMcLaughlin family came to 
Dubuque County in the spring of 1850. Mrs. Murray's father, 
Peter McLaughlin, and family located on a farm in Vernon Town- 
ship, two miles west of the Monastery. Like all the early pioneer 
families they experienced many trials and hardships, but with a 
steadfast determination, industry and enterprise characteristic of 
the early settlers, they surmounted all difficulties and became 
prominent families of this county. Frank McLaughlin, a brother 
of Mary McLaughlin Murray, moved to Dubuque many years ago, 
where he became a prominent grain merchant and was afterward 
elected three times to the office of county auditor of Dubuque 
County. P. C. McLaughlin, another brother of Mrs. Murray, be- 
came one of the successful farmers and stock raisers of Dubuque 
County and a few years ago he retired from the active business and 
with his sister. Miss Lizzie McLaughlin, is now living in the city 
of Dubuque. To Mr. and Mrs. Patrick P. Murray were born the 
following named children: John B., J. J., P. C, Rose, P. H., Lizzie, 
Mary and Frank L., also three other children who died while in- 
fants. In 1888 Mr. Murray. Sr., passed away, highly respected by 
all who knew him, followed by his wife in 1907. and both now lie 
at rest in New Mellary Cemetery, near the old homestead. 

Their son, P. C. Murray, the immediate subject of this memoir, 
attended the country schools during his early boyhood days. He 
afterward attended college in the city of Dubuque and later took a 
course in one of the colleges in Chicago, from which he was grad- 
uated on June 30, 1880, with the honor of valedictorian of his class 
He then took a course in one of the Chicago law colleges and sub- 
sequently studied law in the office of Judge Moran, English & 
Wolfe, a leading law firm of Chicago. Finding that close study 
and confinement did not agree with his health, Mr. Murray tempo- 
rarily gave up his chosen profession and for a time was connected 
with the Dubuque Tclegraph-H crald and afterward with the Chi- 
cago Times. He then went on the road as a commercial traveler 
for seven years, during whicli time he transacted business in thirty- 
four states and territories. I\Ir. Murray then retired from the road 
and organized the well-known wholesale liquor house of P. C. 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 797 

Murray & Co. in Dubuque, Iowa, which business he successfully 
managed for ten years. Ha\ing a special liking for the legal pro- 
fession, he sold all of his commercial interests and engaged in the 
practice of law in the city of Dubuque. His office is in the Dubuque 
National Bank building. Sixth and Main streets, where he is en- 
joying a lucrative practice, which he has carefully built up during 
the past sixteen years. Mr. Murray started out in life with all the 
disadvantages incident to pioneer times, but through industry and 
determination he has surmounted all obstacles and is now recognized 
as a prominent citizen and successful lawyer of Dubuque. He is a 
close student in every sense of the word, having acquired most of 
his education by his individual efforts, and still continues as a close 
student and hard worker in everything he undertakes. Mr. Mur- 
ray makes a specialty of probate and real estate law and is also 
identified with several social and benevolent organizations. He has 
property interests in South Dakota and Colorado. 

In 1880 he was married to Miss Agnes Houlihan, a native of 
Canada and a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Houlihan, a pioneer family 
of northeastern Iowa. To their union have been born : Irene Agnes 
Murray, now principal of the school in Orient, S. D., also Marshall 
L. Murray and Faber S. Murray, two successful young students in 
the Dubuque High School. There were born two other children 
who died in infancy. Apart from his active business cares, Mr. 
Murray has always taken a great interest in literature and literary 
compositions and has contributed articles to leading newspapers and 
magazines. He is a self-made man in ever}' sense of the word and 
is highly regarded by all who know him. 

James Emerson Allison, the son of Matthew and Marjorie 
(Emerson) Allison, was born at Wooster, Ohio, December 6, 1853. 
Matthew Allison, brother of Hon. Wm. B. Allison, moved to 
Dubuque in 1855 and engaged in the insurance and real estate 
business, in which he continued through life with marked success. 
He was a member of the Governor's Greys and one of the active, 
influential citizens of Dubuque. His wife died in i860. Two years 
later he was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Hervey, who 
died July 23, 1910, at the age of seventy-five. Mr. Allison died in 
1874 when but forty-seven years old. To the first union were born 
two sons, John, of Burlington, Iowa, and James E. ; to the second 
imion there were born three daughters, Anna, Mary and Janet. 

James E. Allison, of Scotch-Irish ancestry, was brought to this 
city when an infant. After the completion of his elementary educa- 
tion in the public schools of Dubuque he attended Lenox College, at 
Hopkinton, and Iowa College, at Grinnell. In 1871 he left college 
to accept a position in the Commercial National Bank, of Dubuque; 
he began as messenger, but a few years later was promoted to the 



798 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

position of bookkeeper, which position lie held till 1881, when he 
accepted an offer for employment in the accountant's department 
of the C, M. & St. P. Railroad. He remained with the railroad 
company for nearly two years and then went to Tucson, Arizona, 
to take a position in a bank of that city. After nearly three years' 
service in the Tucson bank he returned in 1885 to Dubuque to ac- 
cept a position of cashier in the Iowa Trust & Savings Bank. He 
retired from this position in 1901 and since that time has not been 
actively engaged in business. He is affiliated with the Republican 
party, takes a quiet, intelligent interest in public affairs, and is re- 
spected by all who know him. He and his three sisters named above 
live at 1044 Locust street. 

Philip J. Renier, master car builder for the Chicago, Milwaukee 
& St. Paul shops in Dubuque, is a native of Belgium and the son 
of Philip and Johanna ( LaRue ) Renier. Philip Renier died while 
Philip J. was an infant and the mother subsequently married John 
Lanoye. In 1853 the family came to America, by way of New 
York City, and for three years Mr. Lanoye worked at his trade of 
carpenter in Cleveland, Ohio. In search of a home they then came 
West and located at De Soto, in Bad Axe County, Wisconsin, but 
two years later settled in Dubuque. Here Mrs. Lanoye died in 
1896, followed by her husband in 1898. and both are buried in 
Mount Calvary Cemetery. Philip J. Renier was born November 
9, 1845. He received his education in the public schools and later 
learned carpentering. His first employment in connection with 
railroad carpentering was in 1871 with the Chicago, Dubuque & 
Minnesota Railroad, with whom he remained until 1875. He then 
worked for various builders and contractors, but in 1877 returned 
to his old employment and worked up to the position of master 
car builder, his present position, the old Chicago, Dubuque & Min- 
nesota road having been absorbed by the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. 
Paul Railway. When Mr. Renier first entered the shops there were 
employed but forty men ; now the average car department working 
force numbers 640, and to rise to the position of master car builder 
speaks well for the thoroughness of Mr. Renier's work. In 1876 
he married Miss Mary E. Strueber, daughter of Chris and Paulina 
Strueber, of Dubuque, Iowa, and to them the following named 
children have been born: Francis C, a Catholic priest of Ames, 
Iowa; Matilda M. ; Fred J., a Catholic priest of Marshalltown, 
Iowa ; Albert H. ; Irwin C. : Alina M. ; and Ralph V. Several of the 
above named are engaged in the music business in Dubuque at 1013 
Main street. Mr. Renier is an adherent of the Roman Catholic 
faith, being a member of Sacred Heart church, a Democrat in poli- 
tics, and a member of the Mutual Relief Society of the Chicago, 
Milwaukee & St. Paul shops. 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 799 

Mathias Ham. deceased, for many years occupied a prominent 
position in Dubuque commercial and financial circles. He was born 
at Knoxville, Tennessee, in the year 1805 and attended the private 
schools until seventeen years old, when his father died, leaving the 
family in rather straightened circumstances. Our subject left home 
with the boyish promise to his mother that he would not return 
until he was worth $20,000. This seemed like an Herculean task, 
but he possessed grit and determination in an unusual degree and 
later in life was able to return to his mother with his promise of 
years before fulfilled. He first came North to Galena, Illinois, 
where he constructed a small boat and as pilot of same he carried 
the first load of dressed pork to New Orleans ever shipped from 
that city. B}- hard work he steadily prospered and in 1833 he came 
to Dubuque and engaged in mining, working three different leads. 
He also established lime kilns and brick yards along the river bluffs 
and was the first to burn lime and brick in this community. He later 
contracted to build the first public school in Dubuque, toward which 
he donated the lumber used. He was also one of the contractors for 
building the Dubuque custom house. Aside from his beautiful home 
in Lincoln avenue, he was at one time the owner of 25,000 acres 
of land, extending north along the river for three miles. The first 
landing at Eagle Point was known as the Ham Landing. Mr. 
Ham was always active in public affairs and served his country 
during the Indian troubles of the Black Hawk war. In 1837 he 
returned to his old home in Knoxville and then went to Lexington. 
Kentucky, where he married Miss Zerelda Markland, the sweet- 
heart of his boyhood days. He brought her to his home in Dubuque 
and they lived happily together until her death in 1856. They 
always mantained what is known to Southerners as "open house," 
and among their many guests was Mrs. Harriet Beecher Stowe, 
who years ago came to Dubuque for the purpose of dedicating the 
female seminary. Mr. Ham was a life member of the board of 
trustees of Cornell College, at Mount Vernon, Iowa, and a Metho- 
dist in religious views. In 1889 he passed away, greatly beloved 
and highly respected by all who knew him. He had battled with 
life's adversities and had come off victorious and, although years 
have passed by since he was laid at rest beside his wife, his memory 
still lingers in the minds and hearts of the many who honored him. 
To his union with Miss Zerelda Markland four children were born, 
as follows : Lucane, of Denver, Colorado ; Thomas B., of Parsons, 
Kansas: Katherine M., who married H. B. Young (both now de- 
ceased, she having died in 1896 and he in 1901 ) ; and Sara H., still 
residing in the old homestead at 2241 Lincoln avenue, where she 
was born and has spent her entire life. 

Prof. Albert Kuhn, well-known resident of Dubuque, is a 
native of Switzerland, his birth occurring near Zurich, September 



8oo HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

20, 1874, the son of Gottfried and Elizabeth (Hess) Kuhn. His 
early education was secured in the public schools of the city of 
Wailisellen, and he then for a time attended the Gymnasium at 
Zurich. Succeeding this he entered the college at Neuchatel, Swit- 
zerland. Professor Kuhn first intended to study for the ministry, 
but his parents preferred a commercial career and accordingly he 
was for several years connected with a wholesale silk establishment 
at Zurich. While yet a young man he crossed the Atlantic to New 
York City in order to acquire fluency in the English language and 
while there the desire for the work of the ministry again arose in 
him and in consequence of this he came West to Dubuque and en- 
tered the German Theological Seminary. He had always been a 
keen student of the Latin and Greek languages, but after arriving 
in Dubuque relinquished Latin to a large extent and took up the 
studv of philosophy. For two summers the professor further pur- 
sued his studies in the post-graduate department of the University 
of Chicago and also s^ni one semester in the University of Zurich, 
Switzerland, where he specialized in the study of Greek and 
philosophy. In the fall of 1899 he first entered the active work 
of the ministry, doing city mission work at St. Louis, Missouri. 
In 1902 at St. Paul, Minnesota, when pastor of the Bethlehem 
church, he was united in marriage with Miss Odelia Stilz, and two 
children, John and Elizabeth, have been born to them. Professor 
Kuhn is a member of the Ministerial Association of Dubuque, is 
secretary of the Western Publishing Company and is interested in 
some real estate properties in and around Dubuque and in Western 
lands. 

Dr. Oscar A. Knoll engaged in the practice of dentistry in 
Dubuque, was born in this county September 10, 1879, the son of 
Fred M. and Agnes ( Stader ) Knoll. The father is a native of 
Alsace-Lorraine and the mother of Baden, Germany. Fred M. 
Knoll came to America with his father in 1848 and lived in Buf- 
falo, New York, till 1853, when he removed to Dubuque County 
and in course of time became one of the best known farmers of the 
state. He was greatly interested in politics and held offices as fol- 
lows : Supervisor, ten years ; assessor, sixteen years ; justice of the 
peace, thirty-three years; and member of the State Legislature 
fourteen years — six years in tlie House of Representatives, 1862- 
63, 1878-79, and 1890-91, and eight years in the Senate, 1864-71. 
Dr. Knoll was reared on the home farm and during boyhood days 
attended the common schools. He later went to Keokuk, Iowa, 
and in the spring of 1903 was granted the degree of D. D. S. from 
the dental department of Keokuk Medical College, now a part of 
Drake University. He immediateh' returned to Dubuque county 
and opened an office at the corner of Twelfth and Iowa streets, 
city of Dubuque, assuming the practice of Dr. Thrift when 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 80 r 

he became adjutant general of the Iowa National Guard. At 
this time Dr. Knoll held a non-commissioned office in Company A, 
Fifty-third Regiment Iowa National Guard, of which Dr. Thrift 
was captain at the time of his promotion to the state office. Since 
that time Dr. Knoll has been actively and successfully engaged in 
the practice of his profession in Dubuque. He is a member of the 
Legion of Honor, now being president of the Dubuque Lodge of 
that order, and a trustee of the Grand Lodge. He is a past secre- 
tary of the Dubuque County Dental Association, is a member of 
the Iowa State Dental Association, the Beta Eta Chapter of the 
Psi Omega College fraternity, and in religion is a member of the 
Lutheran Church. 

Dr. Alonson M. Pond, the son of Orlando and Lucia (Farr) 
Pond, was born at Independence. Iowa, August 24, 1869. The 
father was a native of Vermont and the mother of New York. 
They were married in October, 185 1. and in the year 1857 located 
at Independence, where he devoted his life to commercial and man- 
ufacturing pursuits. He was especially interested in invention and 
has the honor of having made the first corn seeder and the first 
corn cultivator ever used. He died October 21, 1909; the mother 
is still living at Independence. 

Dr. A. M. Pond is of English and Scotch ancestry and inherited 
that spirit of determination which spells love for hard work and' 
consequent success. Very early in life he decided to become a 
doctor. To determine was to do, whereupon he began to work 
earnestly for the means to secure the necessary higher education. 
After completing his elementary education in the graded and high 
schools of Independence, he attended the Iowa Agricultural College 
at Ames and New York University. He graduated from the 
Keokuk Medical College in 1891. After doing hospital work in 
New York City he located in Webster City, Iowa, where he prac- 
ticed medicine and surgery from 1895 to 1905. The year 1905-6 
he spent in England and Germany, taking clinical courses in several 
European hospitals. He then located in Dubuque, where he has 
achieved marked success in the practice of his profession. He is 
surgeon for the Chicago Great Western Railway Company and 
instructor in surgery in the Medical College of Northwestern Uni- 
\ersity at Chicago. He has written many articles for medical 
journals. He is a thirty-second degree Mason and a Shriner; iden- 
tified with the Republican party, and associated with the Presby- 
terian church. 

On April 3, 1890 he was united in marriage to Miss Ida Mac- 
bride, daughter of James and Alice Macbride, of Independence, 
and to this union one daughter, Dorothy L.. has been born. Their 
home is at 1222 Locust street. 



8o2 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Robert W. Rodgers, one of Dubuque's leading contractors and 
builders, is a native of this city, his birth occurring November 22, 
1839, and is of notable lineage. His grandfather, Robert Rodgers, 
participated in the struggles of early settlers against the oppressions 
of the British and was killed in the struggle on Lake Erie when 
Captain Perry chased the invaders off the lake. The parents of 
Robert W. Rodgers were Robert and Jane (Read) Rodgers. The 
former was born on North river. New York. May 5, 1807, and 
learned contracting and building. In 1836 he and wife came to 
Dubuc|ue. Iowa, as members of the "Philadelphia Colony." which 
secured from Peter A. Lorimier a deed of the land north of 
Tenth street, from Main to Bluff, for $200. The land was cut up 
into lots and prices fixed as follows : Main street, $50 ; Locust, 
$25: Bluff, $15. The lots were disposed of at a public drawing. 
Here he engaged at his trade for many years, some of the buildings 
he erected still standing as monuments to the thoroughness of his 
work. In the spring of 1837 ^'^^ went to Prairie du Chien and built 
addition to the fort, which was then occupied by federal troops 
on account of trouble with the Indians. After a long and honor- 
able residence he passed away November 25, 1869; his wife died 
in 1878: both are at rest in Linwood Cemetery. Mrs. Rodgers 
was a sister of Thomas Buchanan Read, who wrote about Sheridan 
in his historic ride. The early Rodgers home in Dubucjue was 
built in a corn field at what is now Tenth and Main streets. Here 
Robert W. Rodgers was born, and he distinctly recalls having killed 
a rattlesnake in the dooryard of their home. Mr. Rodgers, in a 
paper of reminiscences, has gi\en us the following: 

THE LATTER PART OF THE 4OS AND 5OS. 

"I have seen as many as 200 Indians camped on what we called 
Little Hill those days, between 11 and 12 Locust street, west side. 
This hill was our hazelnut patch when we gathered hazelnuts for 
winter. Have seen as high as 600 to 700 Indians at Eagle Point 
at one time. Have seen drunken Indians from First street to 
Eagle Point laj'ing dead drunk along the line when these 600 or 
700 were camped at that point. These were Winnebagoes, I 
believe, under care of U. S. dragoons. Game was abundant those 
days — all kinds; pigeons by the millions, island full of quail, ducks 
plenty in their season. Prairie chickens by the thousands. The 
Mississippi river was full of the finest kind of fish. I have seen 
sleighload after sleighload of prairie chickens come in from the 
country — looked like you could not get another chicken on without 
falling off. Later on they came in by cars by the tons for Chicago 
market, all having been trapped. The people used to haul all dead 
animals down to the foot of Peosta lake. The wolves would come 
over in winter on the ice to the canon and have a concert down 
there and have every dog in town barking. That winter was very 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 803 

cold and lots of snow. There were three feet of snow all over this 
part of the country and a heavy crust on top which would hold your 
weight. All kinds of game suffered that winter. They hunted 
deer on snowshoes. They would find where the deer was in timber 
groves and run them out and the deer would jump and stick in 
this crust and all they had to do was to come up and hit them in the 
head with an axe. I have seen sleighloads, all two horses could 
pull, and not a bullet mark on any of the deer." 

During boyhood days he attended the common schools of 
Dubuque, and later acquired a tliorough knowledge of the contract- 
ing and building business under the able tutelage of his father. 
Upon the death of the latter in 1869, Mr. Rodgers succeeded to 
the business and has ever since been thus engaged. He may be 
justly proud of the fact that during his long career, in which he has 
had to deal with all sorts of conditions and men, he has never been 
sued nor has he had occasion to resort to legal methods in his own 
defense. In 1865 he was united in marriage with Miss Anna E. 
Conkling, and one daughter, Anna Ada, who died in infancy, was 
born to them. Mr. Rodgers is a Republican in politics and a mem- 
ber of the Methodist Church. He was also a charter member of 
the historic Volunteer Fire Department. He and wife reside at 
1 129 Iowa street and are among the city's highly respected people. 

Eugene Higgins, prominently identified with the farming inter- 
ests of Washington Township, is a native of Dubuque county, born 
July 12. 1858, and a son of Nathaniel and Eliza ( Higgins) Higgins. 
The father was born and reared near Belfast, Maine, but came west 
to Dubuque county at a very early date, and it is said that his 
wife was the first white woman to cross the prairie from Dubuque 
to Washington Township. Here they located on a 200-acre tract 
of land and Mr. Higgins built the second frame house to be erected 
in the townsiiip. He cleared and impro\ed his property, and in 
time became one of the prosperous farmers and stock raisers of the 
community. His father, Jeremiah Higgins, came with his son to 
Dubuque county and here resided the rest of his days. Nathaniel 
Higgins was a staunch Democrat in his political views, and after 
an honorable and useful life died on September 7, 1896, at the 
advanced age of seventy-seven years. His wife died February 19, 
1 90 1, aged seventy-two years. To them the following named chil- 
dren were born : Charles, deceased ; David, deceased ; Alice, de- 
ceased ; Eugene, subject of this review ; and Elizabeth, who became 
Mrs. Henry Niensteadt. Of these, Eugene has always resided in 
Dubuque county and followed the occupation of farming. He is 
essentially a home man. and claims that he has never been more 
than sixty miles away from the place of his birth. In 1884 he was 
united in marriage with Miss Catherine Lyons, daughter of Patrick 
and Hannah (Pender) Lyons. Patrick Lyons was a native of 



8o4 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

County Gal way, Ireland, and came as a young man to America and 
Ohio, where he married. He and wife drove by team to Jones 
county, Iowa, just south of Cascade, and later located in Prairie 
Creek Township. Subsequently they moved to Washington Town- 
ship and here the father died in 1898, aged about eighty years. 
Hannah (Pender) Lyons was a native of Ireland and a daughter 
of Richard Pender. She died in i860, aged about forty years. 
Their children were : Mary Ann, married Richard Lynch ; Cath- 
erine, now Mrs. Eugene Higgins ; Margaret, deceased ; Ellen, tnar- 
ried Dan Fagan; Bridget, deceased, who married John Sheridan; 
James, farming in Washington Township ; Anna, married Joel 
Alexandria; Isabella, wife of Ed Sweeney; Thomas, married Caro- 
line Duehr. To Mr. and Mrs. Higgins two children have been born, 
named William and Rose. Mr. Higgins was reared in a community 
where farming formed the principal occupation and has always fol- 
lowed that line of work. He also raises graded stock. Like his 
father before him he is a Democrat in national politics, but locally 
votes for the best man without regard to party affiliation. 

Warren Higgins, one of Washington Township's foremost 
farmers and stock raisers, was born November 18, 1836, near Bel- 
fast, Maine, a son of Joseph and Mary (Greer) Higgins and grand- 
son of Reuben and Betsey Higgins. The grandparents were farmers 
and lived and died in the state of Maine, being the parents of the 
following children : John, Charles, Reuben, Jedediah, Jeremiah, 
Joseph, Arayal, Benjamin, who was a great hunter, Sarah and Eliza. 
Joseph Higgins, of the above named, was married in Maine and 
had these children there : Jefferson, Elizabeth, Sarah, Warren, 
Benjamin, Mary Ellen, Nancy Jane, Franklin and Edwin. He was 
a farmer and lumberman by occupation, and was crippled by the loss 
of a hand during a Fourth of July celebration. In i860 he and 
family came west to Dubuque county, Iowa, and settled on 80 acres 
of land, where Warren Higgins now resides. The father erected 
a frame house and part of this yet stands as a tribute to his famil- 
iarity with lumber and building. He was a Democrat in politics and 
took an active interest in the cause of education, and in religious 
views was a Baptist. In October, 1897. at the age of eighty years, he 
passed away after a long and honorable life. His wife, formerly 
Mary Greer, was one of the following named children born to 
James Greer : Bartholomew, John, James, who served in the 
War of 1812: Amos, Nathaniel, Thomas, Mary and Sarah. Mrs. 
Higgins died August 22,, 1862, and was buried at Zwingle, where 
her husband is also at rest. Warren Higgins has always resided 
on the old homestead in section 20, to which he has added 166 
acres, and is one of Dubuque county's highly respected citizens. 
In politics he is independent, voting for the best man regardless 
of party affiliation ; has served as school director a number of 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 805 

years, and in religion is a Baptist. On January 19, 1874, he 
was united in marriage with Miss Fannie M. Smith, daughter of 
John and Sarah EHza (Cain) Smith, born in Lafayette, Indiana, 
while her mother was visiting in that place. Her father was a 
son of William Smith and a native of Oxfordshire, England. 
His parents came to America when he was but two years old, 
but shortly thereafter returned to England. When ten years old 
he went to sea as a cabin boy, and at the age of forty-three 
was captain of his \essel. After coming to America he engaged 
in lead mining in Dubuque county, Iowa, and during the gold 
excitement of 1849 journeyed to California with the thousands 
of wealth seekers and was unusually successful. He then re- 
turned to Dubuque county, and in 1857 died at the age of fifty- 
seven years. He was a Methodist in religion, while his wife was 
a Congregationalist. For a time she taught school in Dubuque 
county and also helped to dedicate the first court house in the 
city of Dubuque. Her father. Col. Paul Cain, was a veteran of 
the Black Hawk War, a Democrat in politics, noted as an orator 
and public speaker, and was prominent in the early affairs of 
Dubuque county. He was a native of New York state, and his 
wife, Ann Marie (Price) Cain, of Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. 
Higgins the following named children have been born : Edwin 
Alwood, born November 13, 1874, married Blanche Davis, and 
now engaged in farming; Samuel Joseph, born November 17, 
1876, at home; John W., born December 26, 1879, now residing 
in Los Angeles; and Clifford Roscoe, born September 7, 1885, 
at home. 

John H. Kifer, retired farmer and stock raiser, who now 
makes his home in the village of Zwingle, was born in the state 
of Pennsylvania on May 11, 1831, and is a son of Daniel and 
Eliza (Spaning) Kifer. His parents were farmers and lived 
and died in the East, the father when at the age of seventy-seven 
years, and the mother in 1839, at the age of thirty. Their chil- 
dren were as follows: Noah, deceased; John H. ; Ellebella, de- 
ceased; James, deceased; Hettie, and Mary Ann. John H. Kifer 
was left an orphan at the age of eight years and was taken into 
the home of his grandfather, Daniel Kifer, to be reared. His 
early life was rather unpleasant, and his education limited to 
the meager advantages of the day. When twenty-one years old 
he started out in life for himself, without money or influential 
friends, and decided that greater chances for success could be 
found in the West. Accordingly he came to Dubuque county, 
Iowa, and secured employment with Daniel Kifer, who conducted 
the mills at Washington Mills. Washington Township. These 
are no longer in operation, but Mr. Kifer well remembers hauling 
flour to market when not working on the little farm of forty acres 



8o6 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

he had purchased near by. He improved his property, erecting suit- 
able buildings, and when his means permitted added another 80- 
acre tract to his holdings. He later disposed of this and bought 
200 acres in sections 34 and 35, Washington Township, which he 
improved and farmed until his retirement from the active cares 
of life in 1907. He then removed to the village of Zwingle, where 
he has since resided. Whatever property and means Mr. Kifer 
may have accumulated is the result of hard and conscientious labor, 
and as an honest citizen he bears the respect and esteem of all who 
know him. June 1 1, 1840, he married Anna Mary Kamerer, daugh- 
ter of Daniel and Mary (Kuhns) Kamerer, natives of Pennsyl- 
vania. In 1850 Mr. and Mrs. Kamerer. with their five children, 
Anna, Laura, Simon, Sarah and Jake, came west and settled on 
the border line between Jackson and Dubuque counties, and here 
these children were born to them ; Mandy, Alice and Samuel, the 
latter dying in infancy. The father died in February, 1894. aged 
seventy-seven years, and was followed by his wife the following 
May, at the age of seventy-two years. Mr. Kifer takes an active 
interest in local aflfairs of importance, but has always refused to 
hold office. In religious views he is a member of the German 
Reformed Church, and has served that body as deacon and elder 
for many years. To him and wife have been born the following 
named children: Daniel Jacob, born February 20, i860, died at 
age of six years ; Alice Salinda, born May 5, 1862, married Charles 
Huston, who died August 24, 1883. had one child, and subse- 
quently became Mrs. Henry Brouillard; Albert Culum, born No- 
vember 8, 1865, now in Denver, Colorado; Simon Henry, born 
January 3. 1867, farming in Washington Township; James Edwin, 
born February 18, 1869, died when four weeks old; William Amos, 
born January 31. 1872. died aged six years; George Wesley, born 
August 10, 1873, farming in Washington Township, Jessie Irena, 
born May 4, 1875, married Frank Wagner, farmer of Jackson 
county; and Howard Elwood, born February 2"/, 1881, farming old 
homestead in Washington Township. 

Daniel Leffert. who conducts the farm known as the "Maple 
Grove" farm on section 36, Washington Township, was born here 
November 16, 1878, and is a son of the old and well-known pioneers, 
Nicholas and Sarah Leffert. Casper Lefifert and his two boys, John 
and Nicholas, located on the above tract of land about 1846, which 
then comprised some 623 acres. Two men had located here the 
year previous and had erected a small log cabin near a spring, but 
this was the only impro\'ement on the land when the Lefferts came. 
Here they experienced all the trials and hardships incident to 
pioneer life, and by hard work they gradually improved their prop- 
erty until it became one of the finest farms in the community. To 
Casper Leffert and wife these children were born : John, Nicholas, 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUKTY 807 

Olrich, Casper, Margaret. Anna and Eve. all of whom are now 
deceased. Nicholas Leffert was reared to hard work on the farm, 
and upon starting out in life for himself purchased 215 acres of the 
old homestead in section 36, to which he later added 143 acres. 
He built a fine home and barn, making his property modern in 
every respect, and became one of tlie progressive and prosperous 
farmers of the county. He was a Democrat in politics, served as 
township trustee eighteen or twenty years and as school director 
for a long time, and was a staunch member of the German Re- 
formed Church. He was one of the organizers of the latter, and 
was a deacon and elder of same for many years. In 1892, at the 
age of sixty-one years, he passed away and was buried at Zwingle. 
To him and wife the following children were born: Menerna, 
twice married, first to Mr. Mitchell (deceased) and later to John 
Connolly, of Des Moines, where they now reside ; Daniel, the sub- 
ject of this sketch; Lillian, single, and lives in Des Moines; David, 
a civil engineer ; James, died at age of five ; and William, who died 
when three years old. Daniel Leffert was educated in the public 
schools and learned farming under the direction of his father. 
He married Henrietta Chesterman, daughter of Frank C. and Tem- 
perence (Gillespie) Chesterman, who now reside at Zwingle. To 
Mr. Leffert and his wife one son, Burton C, was born during April, 
1909. Mr. Leffert is a Democrat in his political views, has served 
as township clerk of Washington Township for the past si.x years, 
and has been treasurer and a director of the school board. Socially 
he is identified with the Woodmen Lodge at Zwingle. He was but 
thirteen years old when his father died, and later bought 143 acres 
of the homestead and hereon he has since been successfully engaged 
in general and diversified farming. 

Martain Denlinger, now residing in the village of Zwingle, 
came to Dubuque county in 1856, and for many years has followed 
farming with unusual success. He was born in Lancaster county, 
Pennsylvania, on December 9, 1827, a son of Isaac and Mary 
(Irvin) Denlinger, and was there educated and reared to manhood. 
The father was a school teacher and also followed farming as a 
means of livelihood, and died in 185 1, at about the age of fifty-one 
years. To him and wife these children were born: Christ, who 
located in Washington Township in 1854; lone, who married 
James Rhodes and resides in Davenport, Iowa ; Isaac, farming in 
Jackson county ; Martain, the subject of this memoir. Succeeding 
her husband's death Mrs. Denlinger joined her daughter, Mrs. lone 
Rhodes, in Davenport, and died in 1870, aged about seventy years. 
In 1856 Martain Denlinger came west to Dubuque county to join 
his elder brother, Christ, but after farming seven years returned 
to Pennsylvania. Seven years later he again came to Dubuque 
county and bought 244 unimproved acres of land on section 36, 



8o8 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Washington Township, and this he improved by erecting a fine 
home and suitable barns and outhouses. He engaged in general 
farming and stock raising, and later was enabled to purchase 540 
acres of land in Jackson county. Ha\'ing accumulated a com- 
petency he retired from the active duties of life and now resides 
in the village of Zwingle. He is a Republican in politics, and a 
member of the German Reformed Church. He was married in his 
native state in 1850 to Miss Elizabeth Wortz, who died in August, 
1891, aged sixty years, having borne her husband the following 
children : John, farmer of Washington Township ; Mart, on home 
place in Jackson county ; Dave, farming in Cherokee county ; Anna, 
married William Walters and resides at Zwingle ; lone Elizabeth, 
deceased; Isaac, farming in Washington Township; Samuel, same; 
Delia, married Daniel Huntington, of Dubuque ; Albert, deceased ; 
Aden Henry, farming in the West ; and Massina, residing in 
Zwingle. In October, 1895, Mr. Denlinger married Sarah Kamerer, 
who was born September 22, 1846, in Pennsylvania, a daughter of 
Daniel and Mary (Kuhns) Kamerer. 

Nicholas Sebo, engaged in business in Zwingle, was born in 
that village October 15, i860, a son of Charles and Barbara 
(Hupinenger) Sebo, the father a native of the Kingdom of Han- 
over and the mother of Byer, Germany. Mrs. Sebo was twice 
married ; first to a Mr. Frantz, whom she bore two children, John 
and Margaret, both now deceased. She married Mr. Sebo in Penn- 
sylvania, and to them these children were born : Henrietta, in 
Pennsylvania, and the following in Iowa : Charles, now deceased ; 
Mary, wife of Stewart Simpson, of William Springs, South Da- 
kota; Sarah, married L. Delinger, of Jackson county; Louise, a 
school teacher; and Nicholas. After Henrietta was born the family 
came west to Iowa and for four or five years the father followed 
his trade of blacksmith in Dubuque. He then located in Zwingle, 
being the first to follow blacksmithing here, and in 1906, aged 
seventy-six years, passed away. He was a member of the German 
Reformed Church and a strong advocate of home and church work. 
His wife died in 1895, aged seventy-two years. Nicholas Sebo, 
the immediate subject of this sketch, was educated in the public 
schools at Zwingle and learned the blacksmith's trade under the 
tutelage of his father. This he followed in his father's shop until 
the latter's death, then conducted the business alone, and in 1900 
engaged in the farm implement business. Eight years later he 
added a feed mill and has been successfully engaged at these 
various lines of business ever since. He is a Democrat in ]X)litics, 
and although he has served as school director a number of years, 
has always refused to hold office, preferring to confine his atten- 
tion to private business affairs. 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 809 

Barnard Honerbaum, residing on a farm in White Water 
Township where he is engaged in general farming and stock rais- 
ing, was born a subject of the German Empire, birth occurring 
July 17, 1859, in the Prussian Province of Westphalia. His parents, 
Barnard and Elizabeth (Westcott) Honerbaum, were also natives 
of that country and had these children: Elizabeth, who married 
Peter Hanson, of Luxemburg, Germany, and now resides in North 
Dakota; Barnard, subject; and Henri, who died in the old cotmtry, 
aged four years. In 1881 the family came to the United States 
and located at Luxemburg, Dubuque county. Iowa, where the 
father followed farming and his trade of carpenter until his death 
in 1894, aged sixty-six years. The mother passed away two years 
later, at the age of sixty-seven. Barnard Honerbaum, Sr., was 
the only son of Antoin and Catherina (Plimper) Honerbaum; and 
his wife, Elizabeth, was a daughter of Henry and Catherine (Bus- 
wingle) Wescott. Her father was a stock dealer in Germany and 
there lived and died. To him and wife these children were born: 
Barnard, farmer of Prairie Creek Township; Antoin, same; Ger- 
trude, remained in Germany ; Elizabeth, who became Mrs. Honer- 
baum. Barnard Honerbaum, Jr., the immediate subject of this 
memoir, attended the public schools of his native country until 
eighteen years old, receiving a better education than most of the 
boys of that time, and later learned carpentering, which he followed 
after coming to America. After arriving in Dubuque county he 
engaged in the hotel business in Prairie Creek Township tiiree 
years, then was in business at Worthington a year, and later for 
six years conducted a general store at Gilt Edge. Succeeding this 
he took up farming and rented his present fami of James Fagan. 
In 1886 he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Steil, daughter 
of Nicholas and Lena (Armstrong) Steil, who were natives of 
Luxemburg, Germany, and came to America and Dubuque county, 
Iowa, in 1846. They were early pioneers in this section of the 
country, and had the following children: Elizabeth, wife of sub- 
ject; Maggie, who married Joseph May and resides in Minnesota; 
Steve, living on old Steil homestead in Dubuque county ; and Mary. 
To Mr. and Mrs. Honerbaum have been born children as follows : 
Elizabeth, who married Joseph Dunkel, farmer of Prairie Creek 
Township: Barnard, Peter, Maggie, deceased; Mary, Josephine, 
Wilhelmina, Phoenecia, and Joseph. The Honerbaum family have 
contributed their part toward the growth and development of 
Dubuque county and are highly regarded in the community where 
they reside. 

Edward Tucker, now owning and operating a farm on section 
8, White Water Township, was born in Somersetshire, England, 
in 1873, and is a son of John and Charlotte (Parrott) Tucker, who 
were also natives of that locality. The father died in England in 



8io HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

1879, aged fifty-eight years, and the widow and son, Edward, the 
only child, came to America to join the family of Vinicent Tucker, 
who had immigrated to the United States some ten years previous 
and invested in farm land in White Water Township, Dubuque 
county, Iowa. Vinicent Tucker was also a native of Somerset- 
shire, England, and married Christiana Parrott, a sister of our 
subject's mother, and upon locating in Iowa purchased 120 acres 
of farm land, which he improved by erecting a fine home and 
barn. He prospered and became one of the foremost fanners of 
his community. He passed away in 1907, aged sixty-five years, 
followed by his wife February 2, 191 1, aged seventy-three years, 
and both were members of the Episcopal Church. To them \vere 
born Emily, residing in Cherokee county, Iowa, and Albert, of 
South Dakota. Charlotte ( Parrott ) Tucker resided with the 
Tucker family in White Water Township until her death on 
March 9, 1903. when seventy-two years old, and was a member 
of the Episcopal Church. Edward Tucker was but eight years 
old when brought to Dubuque county by his mother, and was here 
educated in the public schools. He engaged in farming with his 
uncle, Vinicent Tucker, and at that time they had 15 or 20 acres 
.of sugar cane, ha\ing their own crusher and well-equipped ma- 
chinery, and turned out on an average of 2,000 gallons of sorghum 
molasses each year, which they marketed in Dubuque at 40 cents 
per gallon. Since the death of his uncle Edward Tucker has con- 
tinued to operate the home place and raises graded horses and 
cattle in addition to general farming. He married Anna Tucker, 
of the same name but no relation, who was born in Nebraska in 
1888, the daughter of Joseph and Clara (Flasher) Tucker, natives 
of Illinois and Somersetshire, England, respectively. Her father 
died in White Water Township, Dubuque county, in 1901, but the 
mother is still living and resides in Taylor county, Iowa. Mr. 
Tucker is an Episcopalian in religion and a Republican in politics, 
but has always refused to hold office, preferring to confine his 
attention to private affairs. To him and wife one daughter, Viola, 
was born on January 2, 1909. 

John O'Neill, farmer and stock raiser, has resided on section 
25, White Water Township, since he was eleven years of age. In 
the biography of his brother. William, who spells the family name 
Oneill, is given the sketch of the parents of the subject of this 
review. John O'Neill was born in the city of New York, July 28, 
1841, and came west witli his parents in 1852. He was reared to 
manhood in the log cabin first erected by his father, attending in a 
limited way the pioneer schools, aiding in the work of clearing and 
improving, and participating in the hard work and privations com- 
mon in those early days. After the death of his mother he received 
40 acres as his share of the estate, and to this he has added at dif- 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 811 

ferent times until he now owns 180 acres. His time is devoted 
to diversified farming and stock raising, and at this Mr. O'Neill has 
met with more than ordinary success. 

William C. Aitchison, Jr., deceased, son of William and 
Agnes (Young) Aitchison, was born in Berwickshire, Scotland, 
April 5, 1837. In 1842, the family moved to Roxburgh, in the 
famous Vale of Tweed, and it was in the shadow of Melrose Abbey, 
made familiar to all English speaking people by Sir Walter Scott, 
that the subject spent his youthful days. When fourteen years old 
he removed with his parents to Glasgow, where for one year he 
attended the Glasgow University. Here he was employed at book- 
keeping, and from January, 1853, to May, 1855, was identified 
with the iron and shipping industry. On May i, 1855, the family 
sailed from Glasgow for New York, arri\ing at their destination 
forty-five days later. Here Mr. Aitchison found employment at 
bookkeeping, his wages being $200 for the first six months and 
$500 for the next twelve months. In 1857 he became head book- 
keeper and confidential clerk in a large commission house in Chi- 
cago, and when the firm dissolved two years later Mr. Aitchison 
became its successor and successfully conducted the business during 
the stormy period of the Civil War. April 5, i860, he married 
Harriet Amelia Babcock, by whom he became the father of William 
C, Albert W., Lydia G.. John Y. and Harriet Ruth. Mrs. Aitchi- 
son was born in Pro\idence, Rhode Island, June 26, 1840, a daugh- 
ter of Cyril and Lydia (Clark) Babcock, of Puritan ancestry. In 
June, 1865, owing to failing health. Mr. Aitchison moved to Cas- 
cade, Iowa, to find rest and quiet, at which place he had provided a 
home for his aged parents. His was a deeply religious nature, and, 
while at Chicago, he helped organize and was the first secretary of 
the Young Men's Religious Improvement Society, which, as the 
Young Men's Christian Association, recently celebrated its fiftieth 
anniversary. After his remox-al to Cascade he was often called 
upon to preach, owing to the church of his denomination having 
no regular minister, and his labor was fraught with great good. 
He was ordained September 13, 1882. In 1887 he moved to 
Council Blutfs, and from there, in 1890, to Des Moines, where he 
died September 14, 1908. Mrs. Aitchison haxing died February 6, 
1894, Mr. Aitchison married Mrs. Flora T. Rogers, who survives 
him. William Cyril Aitchison, the oldest son of William C. Aitchi- 
son, Jr., deceased, was born in 1861 in the township where he now 
resides. He was educated in the public schools and at Lenox Col- 
lege and, for the most part, has passed his life engaged in agricul- 
tural pursuits and operating a creamery. He is the owner of a 
well-equipped farm on section 12. Cascade Township, and in con- 
junction with farming devotes considerable of his attention to 
stock raising and dairying. He is a Republican in politics, has 



8i2 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

occupied several local positions with credit, belongs to the Alodern 
Woodmen and the Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1883, he 
married Miss Anna M. Kearney, and to this union have been born 
these children: Elizabetli A., Adrian, Charles B., Eleanor R., 
Anna M., Edward C, John A. and Roland. 

Charles L. Board, engaged in farming and stock raising on 
section 8, Cascade Township, Dubuque county, Iowa, was born 
March 29, 1863, in New Wine Township, a son of Robert and Mar- 
tha Board and a grandson of Ferdinand Board. Robert Board was 
a native of England and came with his parents to the United States 
when a lad of twelve years. After a year spent at Kenosha, Wis- 
consin, the family located on a farm in New Wine Township, 
northeast of Dyersville. On Thanksgiving day, 1867, Robert 
Board and familv moved to the place now owned by the subject 
of this sketch, and here for many years the father devoted his 
energies to agricultural pursuits. Mr. Board in later life moved to 
California, where he died in 1899, having lost his wife six years 
previously. They were the parents of four children: Lewis E., 
Charles L., Frankie, who died when ten years old, and a daugliter 
who died in infancy. Robert Board was twice married, his second 
wife, Sarah Hasenwell, to whom he was married in California, 
dying in 191 1. Charles L. Board was educated in the public schools 
and at Epworth Seminary, and in 1886 married Nellie, daughter 
of Arthur and Ellen Miller, early settlers of Iowa, and now residing 
in Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. Miller were the parents of the follow- 
ing named children : Elizabeth, Arthur, Fannie, William, James, 
Harry, John, Albert, Nellie, Pearl, Bertha and Charles. Charles 
L. Board and wife have four children, named Leroy, Ernest, 
Everett and Bardina. For six years after his marriage Mr. Board 
was engaged in farming on property adjacent to the home place in 
Cascade Township. He then bought the old homestead, which he 
has improved to such an extent that it is now considered one of 
the best farming properties in the county. In all worthy enter- 
prises Mr. Board is a liberal contributor. He is a Republican in 
politics with independent tendencies, has served as school director 
and was a charter member of the Modern Woodmen Lodge at 
Cascade. 

William S. Kearney, associated with his brother, E. M. Kear- 
ney, in the lumber business at Cascade, is a son of Adrian G. and 
Elizabeth ( Long ) Kearney, and is descended from Revolutionary 
ancestry. Adrian Kearney came from Virginia to Iowa in 1857 
and settled in Cascade Township, Dubuque county. He was a 
prominent figure in local circles and a man who commanded uni- 
versal respect because of his upright life and character. His chil- 
dren are Sarah, Anna, E. M., Adrian F., Dr. C. A., of Farley, and 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY Sit, 

Eleanor, deceased. William S. Kearney is one of the virile, enter- 
prising representatives of the younger business element of Dubuque 
county. He was born in Cascade Township on December 8, 1861, 
and as a boy received a good, practical education. At the age of 
twenty-one years he began teaching school, succeeding which for a 
time he was engaged in railroad work. He then bought an interest 
in the lumber business at Cascade of W. W. Hamilton, and for 
ten years was a member of the firm of Hamilton & Kearney. Mr. 
Hamilton then retired and the firm became Kearney Brothers, which 
has since continued with unvarying success. Mr. Kearney is a 
director of the Farmers" & Merchants' Bank, is a member of the 
Woodmen of the World and the Mystic Workers, and in politics is 
a Democrat. In 1899 he married Wathena Rafiferty, daughter of 
W. P. Rafiferty, an old settler of Dubuque county and a native 
of Kentucky. Mr. Rafferty passed his early life in Illinois, to 
which state his parents had moved in pioneer times, and from there 
came to Dubuque, Iowa, where he married Eugenia Haddock. Mr. 
and Mrs. Rafferty lived in Cascade for a time, then moved to 
Missouri and from there to Grinnell, Iowa, where Mr. Rafferty 
died in 1902, and is survived by his widow. To Mr. and Mrs. 
Kearney one son was born on April 29, 1900, named Wilfred 
Carlton. 

J. P. Sauser, like others of his family living in Dubuque county, 
is one of the substantial men of the locality and a credit to the 
community in which he resides. John Sauser, Sr., his father, was 
one of the pioneers of Cascade Township, having come here from 
his native country, Wurtemburg, Germany, in 1848, at a time when 
the settlers were scarce and the hardships endured beyond the com- 
prehension of the present generation. Further mention of Mr. 
Sauser is to be found in connection with the sketch of John 
Sauser, Jr., appearing elsewhere in this book. J. P. Sauser was 
born on the old home farm in 1854. In boyhood he attended the 
public schools and assisted his parents in their efforts to improve 
their property and get ahead in the world. In 1878, the year 
following his marriage, he began farming for himself in Cascade 
Township, which he successfulh' continued until 1905. He then 
moved to his present beautiful, modern residence in Cascade and 
this has since been his home. Mr. Sauser was first married in 
1877 to May Faber, daughter of John Faber, who came from 
Luxemburg, Germany, to Iowa at an early date, and here passed 
the remainder of his life. To this marriage eight children were 
born: Josephine, who died in 1910. aged twenty-nine years; 
Walter, living in South Dakota : John, whose home is in Nebraska ; 
Maggie, now Mrs. Peter Schmidt, of Idaho: Lewis. Arthur, 
Francis, and Adel, the last four living at home. The mother died 
in 1904, at the age of forty-two years. In 1905 Mr. Sauser married 



8i4 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Elizabeth Schrady, by whom he is the father of one son, Carl. In 
religion Mr. Saiiser is of the Roman Catholic faith; as a Democrat 
he has served as trustee of Cascade Township a number of years. 

L. P. Freeman, president of the Electric Light & Power Com- 
pany, Cascade, was born in Cuyahoga county, Ohio, in 1843, '^ ^'^^ 
of Calvin O. and Hannah D. Freeman. Calvin O. Freeman was 
a native of New York state, and when a young man went to Ohio 
and there married, his wife being a native of Massachusetts. He 
was a gunsmith by trade, but followed the occupation of general 
blacksmith in Ohio until 1844. At that early date he came to 
Cascade, Iowa, with his wife and five children, two children being 
born after the remo\al to this place. Cascade and the surrounding 
country, at the time of their location here, was practically in a state 
of nature. The country was sparsely settled and wide stretches of 
wild prairie land intervened between the homesteaders. Mr. Free- 
man's blacksmith shop was the second in the village and he was 
the first to manufacture plows at Cascade. In conjunction with 
blacksmithing he farmed until 1854 or 1855, then retired, and in 
1885, when eighty-three years old, passed away. He was an old- 
time Democrat, a Baptist in religion, and a man of strong character 
and upright conduct. His wife died in 1870, when sixty-five years 
of age. L. P. Freeman, the subject of this sketch, never married. 
He received his education in the public schools and lived at heme 
until his father's death. He farmed in White Water Township, 
near the village of Cascade, but in 1893 disposed of his property 
and has since been identified with the civic life of the village. As 
was his father before him, Mr. Freeman is a Democrat, but of the 
liberal kind, invariably aligning himself with all movements for 
the betterment of the community regardless of party affiliation. 

William Heery, retired farmer and stock raiser, residing in 
Cascade, was born a subject of Queen Victoria, his birth occurring 
in 1836, in County Cavan, Ireland. His parents, James and Cath- 
erine (McGovern) Heery, were also natives of the Emerald Isle, 
where the father, a son of William and Ann (Boltie) Heery, fol- 
lowed his trade of shoemaker. To better his condition and to 
afford his children greater opportunities for advancement, Mr. 
Heery and family embarked on a sailing vessel bound for the 
United States in 1847, their destination being New Orleans. While 
on the way the mother died and was buried at sea. the infant 
daughter, named Kate, for whom the mother gave her life, dving 
shortly after the arrival of the boat at New Orleans. The other 
children born in Ireland were William, John and Ann. Upon 
arriving in this country the family came north to St. Louis, but 
in 1850 came to Dubuque. Iowa, being first preceded by William, the 
subject of this sketch. Government land was bought in Washing- 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 815 

ton Township, Jones county, Iowa, and there the family located 
and established a home after the primitive manner of the times 
and as their means afforded. James Heery died in 1891. William 
Heery assisted his father for a time, then bought and improved 
a farm near the old homestead, which he conducted until about 
fourteen years ago, at which time he moved into Cascade and 
retired from the active work of farming. In i860 he married 
Elizabeth Drummond, daughter of John and Isabella Drummond, 
natives of Ireland. John Drummond was born in County Tyrone 
in 1 83 1, came to Baltimore, Maryland, at an early day, moved from 
there to Pittsburg, thence to Dubuque, Iowa, in 185 1, where he 
lived one year and finally located on a farm near Temple Hill in 
Washington Township, Jones county, Iowa. There he lived the 
remainder of his days. Mr. and Mrs. Drummond were the parents 
of these children: .Alice, born in Ireland, married John Cornwall, 
who was a blacksmith in Cascade in the early fifties and is now 
deceased ; Samuel, deceased ; Ellen, married Frank Jones and re- 
sides in Idaho; William, deceased; Elizabeth, now Mrs. William 
Heery; William (2), now residing in Cascade; Isabella, the wife 
of Patrick Seery, of Cascade ; and John, who married Ellen McDer- 
mitt and lives in South Dakota. William Heery is one of Dubuque 
county's most worthy and esteemed citizens. He has worked hard 
and from his means has contributed liberally to all worthy causes. 
Aside from his valuable real estate holdings he is a stockholder 
in the Farmers' and Merchants" Bank in Cascade, of which he is 
also a director. To Mr. and Mrs. Heery no children have been 
born, but they have two adopted children, Bernard Drummond, 
born in 1873, and Mary Drummond, born in 1877. 

Michael Kennedy, engaged in farming and stock raising on 
sections 22 and 2^. in Taylor Township, was born in Dubuque 
county, Iowa, May 7, 1871. His parents, Martin and Catherine 
(Walsh) Kennedy, were natives of Ireland and Virginia, respect- 
ively. They each came to Dubuque county at an early day, and 
were here married. They have always followed farming and now 
reside near Bankston, honored and respected citizens and the parents 
of nine children. Michael Kennedy was reared to manhood on the 
home farm, attended the public schools when a boy, and in 1906 
was united in marriage with Miss Alice Reynolds. Mrs. Kennedy 
was born October 4, 1880, the second in a family of five children 
born to Thomas and Mary (Powers) Reynolds. Mr. Reynolds was 
a native of Ohio and his wife of Ireland. They were married in 
Dubuque county and are among the highly respected fanners of 
the locality. They now live at Peosta. Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy 
are the parents of two children, Harold Martin and Joe Walter, the 
latter deceased. Mr. Kennedy is the owner of a well improved farm 
of 130 acres and is considered one of the foremost men of his 



8i6 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

locality. In politics he is independent, voting for the man he con- 
siders best fitted for the office without regard to political creed. 
He and wife belong to the Roman Catholic Church at Placid. 

Matthew Garrigan, who died August 22, 1899, was one of the 
foremost fanners of Taylor Township and was deserving of much 
credit for the success he made of life under adverse circumstances. 
He was a native of County Meath, Ireland, and in 1849 came with 
his widowed mother and sisters to America and established a home 
in the state of New York. In 1857 he married Julia O'Reilly, and 
in 1864. attracted by the glowing reports of the opportunities for 
getting ahead in tlie West, came to Dubuque county. Iowa. From 
the savings of himself and wife he bought 120 acres of unimproved 
prairie land in Taylor Township and, locating on this farm, began 
improving it to the best of his ability. He was hard working and 
industrious, and was ably assisted by his wife and children until 
the property was brought to a high state of culti\ation. He later 
bought an additional 80 acres and, at the time of his death, when 
eighty years old. was the owner of 200 acres of valuable land. 
Mrs. Garrigan was born November 18, 1830. in County West 
Meath, Ireland, the second in a family of seven children born to 
James and Ann (Brady) O'Reilly. She came with her parents to 
the United States in 1847. ^"d resided with them at Lansingburg. 
New York, where she was married. Some time after the death 
of her husband she moved to Farley, where she now lives, honored 
and respected, at the age of nearly eighty-one years. To Mr. and 
Mrs. Garrigan the following named children were born : James, 
immarried and living at home with his mother; Ann. the wife of 
Frank Cunningham, the mother of six children and residing in 
Omaha, Nebraska ; Mary, now Mrs. Samuel Cotter, of St. Paul. 
Minnesota, and the mother of one child : Catharine, the Mother 
Superior of the Academy of Immaculate Conception, Dubuque ; 
Matthew, who married Ada Gunn. by whom he has three children, 
and resides at Coney Island, New York ; Theresa, died in infancy ; 
and Julia, the wife of Robert Lockwood, now living at Chicago, 
Illinois, the mother of six children. Mr. Garrigan was a member 
of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church at Farley, as is also Mrs. 
Garrigan. and all their children were reared in the Catholic faith. 

Jo'hn p. Sanner, president of the Farley State Bank, was born 
in Delaware County. Iowa, July 27. 1868. As a boy he attended 
the public schools and until twenty-three years old assisted in the 
work of the home farm. May 2, 1892. he married Mary C. daugh- 
ter of Michael Connell. of whom appropriate mention is made 
in connection with the biographical sketch herein of Charles W. 
Connell. For one year succeeding his marriage Mr. Sanner farmed 
on the old homestead. The fall of 1893 he moved to Dubuque, 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 817 

where for two years he was engaged in the shops of the Chicago, 
Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway Company, and the following few 
years was associated with John T. Hancock in the wholesale grocery 
business In March, 1899, he came to Farley and embarked in 
mercantile pursuits, at which he has since been engaged. Upon 
the organization of the Farley State Bank in 1906, Mr. Sanner 
was elected its president and has since officiated in that capacity. 
Mr. Sanner is a Democrat, a town councilman, a member of the 
Modern Woodmen of America, the Knights of Columbus, and the 
Catholic Order of Foresters. To him and wife eight children have 
been born : John Lloyd. Charles G., Mabel F., Leo M., Addelen C, 
Clarence H., Thomas J. and Loilola A. The family are members 
of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church. The parents of Mr. San- 
ner, George and Mary F. (W'illging) Sanner, were natives of 
Germany. They came to this country when young, were married 
in Ohio, and came to Dubuque in the early days, subsequently re- 
moving to Delaware county, where the father died in 1902 at eighty- 
three years of age. The mother, aged eighty-five years, is yet 
living on the old homestead with a daughter. 

Henry J. Mescher, engaged in general merchandising at New 
Vienna, is a native of this village and a son of Frank X. and 
Angela Mescher, pioneers of this section of the county. Frank X. 
Mescher was also born in Dubuque county, his father coming here 
from Oldenburg, Germany, at a very early period, and is at present 
residing on a farm in New Vienna Township engaged in general 
farming and stock raising. Henry J. Mescher was born at New 
Vienna, July 6, 1880, and until fifteen years old attended the 
parochial school at that place, later taking a course in a business 
college at Cedar Rapids, Iowa. For a year thereafter he served as 
clerk for the firm of Kerper & Meyer at Petersburg, Iowa, then 
was employed in a similar capacity with B. K. Dentmeyer, general 
merchant, at New Vienna. In 1905 he and brother, Anton B. 
Mescher, bought out Mr. Dentmeyer. and have since conducted the 
business in partnership with unusual success. Under their manage- 
ment the business has grown and prospered and they are today 
regarded as representative business men and citizens of Dubuque 
county. Mr. Mescher is a Democrat in his political views, has 
served as alderman, and is a member of the Roman Catholic Mutual 
Protective Society of the State of Iowa. In religion he espouses 
the beliefs of his forefathers and is a staunch adherent of the 
Roman Catholic faith. On January 30, 1907, at New Vienna, he 
was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Koelker, a native of 
Petersburg, Iowa, who died January i, 1909, and is buried at New 
Vienna. One daughter, Mary, was born to them on December 
21, 1908. 



8i8 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Frank G. Abeln, engaged in the embalming and undertaking 
business at New Vienna since 1908, is a native of New Wine 
Township, this county, and a son of Herman and Catherine. Her- 
man Abeln was a wind-power mill builder before coming to America 
in 1872 from Oldenburg, Germany, and after locating that year 
in New Vienna, Iowa, followed carpentering. In 1890 he embarked 
in the manufacture of butter tubs, which venture proved successful, 
and he followed same until his death, January 30, 1898. He was 
buried in St. Boniface Cemetery at New Vienna. His widow yet 
survives him, and to them were born these children : Anton, en- 
gaged in the real estate and abstract of title business at Dubuque ; 
Dr. Joseph L., practicing physician and surgeon at New Vienna; 
Mary, the wife of Anton E. Hoefer, farming at Albion, Nebraska; 
Sophia, married J. L. Meyers, coal, wood and ice merchant of 
Dubuque ; Elizabeth, who married J. C. Fangmann, farming in New 
Wine Township; Josephine, the wife of A. E. Majerus, grocer at 
Dubuque ; Catherine, married Alois Oberbroeckling, farming in 
New Wine Township; and Frank G., the subject of this review. 
Frank G. Abeln was born January 30, 1883, and until fifteen years 
old attended the parochial school at New Vienna. He then assisted 
his father in the manufacture of butter tubs, and upon the latter's 
death he became associated with Jacob Kerper as salesman, which 
position he still retains. Mr. Abeln is a Democrat in politics, is 
present recorder of New Vienna, and is a member of the Kniglits 
of Columbus, Catholic Order of Foresters, Roman Catholic Mutual 
Protective Association of the State of Iowa and St. Bonifice Cath- 
olic Church. On May 25, 1909, at New Vienna, he was united in 
marriage with Miss Abelina Klosterman. and they and Mrs. Abeln, 
mother of our subject, reside in the village. Mrs. Abeln, wife of 
Frank G., was the daughter of the old pioneers, F. H. and Catherine 
Klosterman, both of whom are yet living, and in 1906 celebrated 
their silver wedding. 

Clemens Kenter, retired farmer and stock raiser, now residing 
in the city of Dyersville, was born at Cincinnati, Ohio. September 
27, 1850, the son of Bernard and Mary (Kramer) Kenter. The 
father was a native of Germany and came to America and Cincin- 
nati in 1848, where for seven years he engaged in various lines 
of business. He then came west to Dubuque county, Iowa, and 
settled on a farm of 160 acres in New Wine Township, which he 
improved and developed, and later added another tract of eighty 
acres to his holdings. He was one of the progressive farmers of the 
community, and died August 4, 1888, aged fifty-three years. His 
widow yet survives him and resides on the old homestead with her 
son. John Elmer. Until thirteen years of age Clemens Kenter 
attended the parochial school at Luxemburg, this county, and then 
remained at home assisting his father with the work of the farm 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 819 

until 1873. ^t that time he borrowed money and purchased a 
farm of 160 acres and followed farming and general stock raising 
until his retirement from the active cares of life in 1904. By 
hard and conscientious work he gradually prospered and honorably 
settled all obligations, and today is one of the prosperous men of the 
community. He is a Democrat in politics and for six years has 
served as treasurer of the board of education. In religion he 
espouses the belief of his forefathers and is an adherent of the 
Roman Catholic faith. Mr. Kenter has been twice married ; first, 
in 1876. His first wife having passed away in 1879, he married, 
second, April 28, 1890, at Dyersville, Miss Katie Greiner, daughter 
of the pioneer stone mason, John Greiner, who died in 1908 and is 
buried at Luxemburg. To Mr. Renter's first marriage two chil- 
dren were born: Mary, wife of John Boge, farmer of New Wine 
Township, and Cecelia, who married Nicholas Elens. also farming. 
To his second marriage liave been born : Joseph, student at Chris- 
tian Brother's College, St. Louis, Missouri; Phillimine, at home; 
and Marcella, attending school. Mr. Kenter and family are num- 
bered among the best people in the community in which they reside. 

William MacHogan, for over thirty years engaged in the 
marble and granite business at Dyersville, was born at Fremont, 
Ohio, November 2, 1856, and is the son of Thomas and Margaret 
MacHogan, who ^ere of English descent. The father was a con- 
tractor and builder by occupation and operated throughout the East 
and Middle West. When Civil War was declared between the 
North and South he enlisted for the preservation of the Union and 
served with credit until honorably discharged by the War Depart- 
ment of the United States government. He died at Pueblo, Colo- 
rado, and his wife at Waterloo, Iowa. 

William MacHogan, tlie well-known immediate subject of this 
review, spent his boyhood days in the different parts of tlie country 
where his father happened to be working, and in 1873 came to 
Waterloo, Iowa. Here for two years he learned the trade of 
marble cutting, and the following four years worked at his trade 
in San Francisco and other parts of California. His early scholastic 
training was acquired in the public schools of Madison and Eau 
Claire, Wisconsin, and he also for a time attended the State Uni- 
versity at Madison. In 1880 Mr. MacHogan came to Dyersville 
and opened a small marble and granite house on Main street. He 
gradually prospered and today many of the beautiful tombstones 
to be found in the cemeteries throughout Iowa have been made 
under his supervision. Mr. MacHogan is a Republican in politics, 
is the present secretary of the board of education and was one of 
the organizers of the Red Jacket Fire Engine Company at Dyers- 
ville, of which he for years served as chief. Socially he has long 
been identified with the Masonic .fraternity and has served as wor- 



820 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

shipful master of his lodge. On October 28, 1890, at Dyersville, 
he was united in marriage with Miss Leta E. Ramsey, and to them 
two sons have been born, named Orval A., druggist at Cedar Rapids, 
Iowa, and Claude R., clerking in a drug store at Manchester, Iowa. 
Mrs. MacHogan is a daughter of the old pioneer jeweler, Peter D. 
Ramsey, and his wife, Laura J. He died July 3, 1889, and is 
buried at Manchester, where his widow at present resides. Mr. 
MacHogan and family are highly respected members of the com- 
munity in which they reside. 

Frank L. Drexler, of the firm of Goerdt Brothers & Company, 
grain and live stock merchants at Dyersville, was born in Deleware 
county, Iowa, December 20, 1869, and is a son of John and Mary 
Drexler. He was educated in the public schools at Dyersville until 
his fifteenth year, and for a time thereafter assisted his father in 
the work of the home farm. He then took a course in Bayless Busi- 
ness College at Dubuque, succeeding which for four years he was 
in the employ of Joseph Bilmyer, who sold out to Holscher Brothers. 
When Henry Goerdt embarked in the grain and live stock business 
Mr. Drexler went with liim as bookkeeper, and when Goerdt 
Brothers bought out Holscher Brothers he still remained as book- 
keeper until he acquired an interest in the business by purchase 
in 1906. Aside from the above Mr. Drexler is identified with 
various other local enterprises, and is president and a director of 
the First National Bank of Dyersville. He is an independent 
Democrat in politics, and in religious views is an adherent of the 
Catholic faith. He is a member of the Roman Catholic Mutual 
Protective Association of the State of Iowa. November 14, 1891, 
at Dyersville, he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth 
Goerdt, daughter of Charles and Elizabeth Goerdt, pioneers of the 
county. Her father died in 1907 at the age of seventy-four years, 
and his widow resides in Dyersville. To Mr. and Mrs. Drexler one 
daughter and three sons have been born as follows: Louis J., 
student at St. Joseph's College, Dubuque; Laura M., a graduate of 
St. Francis Academy; Bernard, attending Christian Brothers' Col- 
lege ; and Marcellus, attending same. Mr. Drexler is one of the 
representative business men of the county and takes an active in- 
terest in all local afifairs of importance. 

John B. Gebhard, now retired from the active cares of life and 
residing in Dyersville is a native of Delaware count}', Iowa, and a 
son of Joseph and Clara Gebhard. The father was born in the 
Kingdom of Saxony, Germany, and in 1852, when but ten years 
old, was brought to America and Dubuque county, Iowa, by his 
parents. They first settled on 40 acres in New Wine Township, 
then moved to Liberty Township, and in 1868 removed to Delaware 
county, Iowa, locating on a farm near Petersburg. Here the father 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 821 

farmed until he retired, and at present makes his home with the sub- 
ject of this sketch. His wife died in 1893, aged forty-three years, 
and is buried at Petersburg. Mr. Gebhard has always taken great 
interest in local affairs of importance, and for twenty-five years 
served as treasurer of the board of education. He was also justice 
of the peace for eighteen years. John B. Gebhard was born on his 
father's farm near Petersburg, April 7, 1873, and received his 
early education in the district schools. He later attended Highland 
College. Des Moines, Iowa. He assisted his father with the work 
on the home farm, and at the age of twenty-one was assistant 
veterinary surgeon to Dr. Bruner. He practiced this profession 
two years in Dyers\'ille, and then took a special course in pharmacy. 
In the spring of 1904 he bought the Pennsylvania House and con- 
ducted same up to January, 191 1. Mr. Gebhard has invested exten- 
sively in valuable real estate properties, and also manufactures an 
invention of his own — a draw bar for folding harrows — which has 
proved very practical and successful. As a Democrat in politics 
he served two years on the Colony Township Central Committee of 
Delaware county, Iowa, and in religious views is a Catholic. He 
is a member of the Roman Catholic Mutual Protective Association 
of the State of Iowa. February 15, 1904, at New Vienna, he 
married Miss Mary Bunker, daughter of Frank and Mary Bunker. 
Her father came to America and Dubuque county about 1854, and 
was the first blacksmith in the village of New Vienna. To Mr. 
and Mrs. Gebhard ha^'e been born two sons : Charles, born April 
13, 1906, and Martin, born July 24, 1908. The family are highly 
regarded in the community where they reside. 

Bernard Tegeler, since 1909 engaged in the machinery and 
farm implement business at Dyersville, is a native of Dubuque 
county, born on a farm in Liberty Township, October 7. 1857, and 
the son of Gerhard and Antonetta Tegeler. Gerhard Tegeler was 
born in Germany, and in 1838 immigrated to America, locating 
in Dubuque county, Iowa, where he was one of the very early 
settlers. He was a farmer and plasterer by occupation, and after a 
long and honorable life passed away in 1900 at the age of seventy- 
five years. His wife died in 1901, aged seventy-seven years, and 
both are buried in the cemetery at Dyersville. Until sixteen years 
old Bernard Tegeler attended the district schools, then for a time 
assisted his father on the home farm and later bought a tract of 
120 acres in New Vienna Township, which he disposed of shortly 
afterwards to buy a farm of 190 acres in Delaware county, Iowa. 
This he improved in various ways and still retains. In 1909 he 
embarked in the machinery and farm implement business at Dyers- 
ville and has been very successful in this line of endeavor. Mr. 
Tegeler is a Democrat in politics, and for sixteen years was a 
director and member of the board of education at Hicker Valley. 



822 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

In religious views he is an adherent of the Roman Catholic faith. 
February i, 1881. he was united in marriage with Miss Theresa 
Beckman, daughter of Gerhard and Agnes (Kramer) Beckman, 
pioneer settlers of Dubuque county. Eleven children, four daugh- 
ters and seven sons, have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Tegeler as 
follows: Gerhard, farmer in Delaware county; Antonetta, wife 
of Henry W'essel, a farmer of Delaware county ; John, a student 
at Bayless Business College : Katie, graduate of New Vienna school ; 
Isidor, assisting his father; Agnes, at home; Ulrich, with father; 
Bernard, Jr., same, and attending Christian Brothers' school; Peter, 
attending same school ; Olive, at St. Francis Academy ; and Hilarius, 
four years old. Mr. Tegeler and family are among the best people 
of their community. 

George B. Deyen, engaged in the jewelry business at Dyers- 
ville, was born in this city September i, 1871, and is the son of 
Henry and Mary Deyen, natives of the Kingdom of Hanover and 
Prussia, Germany, respectively. Henry Deyen came to America in 
1848, locating first at St. Louis, Missouri, and later at Galena, Illi- 
nois. In 1866 he came to Dubuque county, Iowa, and settled on a 
farm north of New Vienna, remaining here for two years. He 
then removed into the village of Dyersville and here established an 
early lumber yard to operate in this section of the county. He con- 
ducted same successfully until up to within two years of his death, 
which occurred October 26, 1895, at the age of seventy-one years. 
He was honest and industrious and his memory will long linger in 
the hearts and minds of his many friends and neighbors. George 
B. Deyen attended the district schools and assisted his father during 
boyhood days, and for eight years was in the employ of the Dyers- 
\'ille Commercial. He remained at home two years because of ill 
health, and in 1889 went to Dubuque as shipping clerk for the 
Knapp-Stout Lumber Company, with whom he remained five years. 
In 1894 he was sunstruck while working in the lumber yard and for 
the succeeding few years retired from any active business pursuits. 
During this time he became acquainted with a jeweler, of whom 
he learned the trade, and he later attended the Bradley Horological 
College with a view to entering the jewelry business. In 1899 
he opened his present concern at Dyersville, where he has been very 
successful. In religious views he is a Catholic. February 7, 1903, 
he married Miss Margaret Graves, daughter of Herman and Kath- 
erina Graves, pioneer farmers of Delaware county, and one daugh- 
ter, Mildred, was born to them on February 19, 1905. 

James F. Link, for the past twenty-one years engaged in the 
buying and selling of live stock at Dyersville, was born on a farm 
in New \\'ine Township, this county, a son of W'illiam and Mary 
Link. The family is of English descent, William Link coming 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY' 823 

to America in 1840. After residing ten years in the state of Penn- 
S3'lvania, he came west to Dubuque county and settled on a farm 
of 120 acres of wild and unimproved prairie land. He gradually 
cleared and improved his farm, later adding another tract of eighty 
acres and in time became the owner of one of the best farms in 
the county. Mr. Link never sought public office, preferring to 
confine his attentions to private life, but had many friends and 
was highly regarded by all who knew him. On May i, 191 o, when 
eighty-five years old, he passed away and was buried at Westpoint, 
Iowa. He and wife, who is yet surviving, aged seventy-eight years, 
lived happily together for over fifty-eight years, and reared the fol- 
lowing family of nine children: William, a commercial traveler; 
Anthony, also traveling ; Isidor, importer of horses at Westpoint, 
Iowa; James F., subject of this sketch; Alois, county officer at 
W^estpoint, Iowa ; Lewis, dealer in farm implements at Westpoint ; 
Astahius, grocer at Westpoint ; Joe, live stock dealer at Wash- 
ington, Iowa, and Nora, the'wife of J. W. Rubley, real estate agent 
of Chicago. James F. Link was educated in the public schools of 
New Wine Township, and at the age of thirteen left the same to 
assist his father. Five years later he began traveling, visiting- 
various parts of the world, and upon his return purchased a farm of 
eighty acres, later also one of thirty, in Delaware county, Iowa. 
He operated same for seven years and then came to Dyersville and 
engaged in the buying and selling of live stock, at which he has 
since continued. On March 31, 1881, he married Miss Caroline 
Kipp, and to them twelve children have been born, as follows: 
George, butcher at Dyersville, and Murth, Edward, Helen, Rose, 
Margaret, Andrew, Hilda, Stella, Isabella, Emil and Raymond, also 
of Dyersville. Mr. Link erected his home in Dyersville in 1904 
and same is modern in every respect. The family are of the Roman 
Catholic faith and Mr. Link is a member of St. Francis Mutual 
Society. Mrs. Link is a daughter of the old pioneers, Henry and 
Caroline Kipp, who resided in this county many years and were 
well known and highly respected. Mr. Kipp died August 6, 1907, 
aged eighty-five years, preceded by his wife on October 4, 1897, 
at the age of eighty-six years. Both lie at rest in the cemetery at 
Dyersville. 

David W. Armstrong, mayor of the city of Dyersville for the 
past three terms and also engaged extensively in the lumber busi- 
ness, was born in Farley, this county, March 12, 1877, the son 
of James and Martha Armstrong, pioneer settlers of this locality. 
He was educated in the public and high schools of Dyersville, 
graduating from the latter in 1895, and later took a business course 
in Bayless College, city of Dubuque. Immediately thereafter he 
entered the lumber establishment founded by his father, and after 
learning the business thoroughly was elected secretary and treas- 



824 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

urer upon the incorporation of the concern in 1905. Through 
excellent business management the concern has become one of 
the solid and substantial commercial houses of the county. Mr. 
Armstrong is a Democrat in his political views. On September 20, 
1905, at Dyersville, he was united in marriage with Miss Mabel 
Leigh, daughter of the old pioneers, Charles E. and Martha Leigh, 
appropriate mention of whom appears elsewhere in this publica- 
tion, and to Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong two sons have been born, 
named David Leigh, born October 4, 1907, and James Robert, 
April 6. 1909. Mr. Armstrong and fainily reside in Dyersville and 
are highly respected by all who know them. 

John B. Utt has been successfully engaged in the general prac- 
tice of law at Dyersville for the last thirty-five years. He is a 
native of Plattville, Wisconsin, where he was born October 14, 
1853, and is of German descent, his grandfather coming to this 
country at a very early date. Mr. Utt was a son of Elias and 
Abigail Utt, who came from Pennsylvania to Wisconsin in 1836, 
and there the father followed farming and lead mining for many 
years. Both parents are now deceased. John B. Utt received his 
early education in the public schools and also attended the State 
Normal School, from which he was graduated in 1875. He then 
decided to make the study and practice of law his life's work and 
accordingly entered the law department of the State University of 
Michigan, from whicl: institution, in 1877, he was granted the 
degree of LL. B. Immediately thereafter he came to Dyersville 
and embarked in the general practice of his profession, which he 
has actively continued ever since. He is a Democrat in politics. 
On May 21, 1885, in Dyersville, he was united in marriage with 
Aliss Anna M. Bush, daughter of John D. and Anna Bush. Her 
father was a pioneer business man and capitalist of Dubuque 
and died August 3, 1886, aged eighty-five years, followed by his 
wife March 4, 1905, aged sixty-eight years, and both are buried 
in the family vault in Linwood Cemetery. Until thirteen years old 
Mrs. Utt attended the public schools of Dubuque, and after study- 
ing law she was admitted to practice before the Iowa bar in 
January, 1895, ^t Des Moines. After she was married to Mr. Utt 
she still remained in the active practice of the legal profession, jn 
partnership with her husband, and they have thus continued ever 
since. She and Mr. Utt are members of the State Bar Association 
and are highly respected by all who know them. 

Charles H. Dell was born January 26, 1866, in Dubuque 
Township, Dubuque county, Iowa, the son of Peter and Anna 
Mary (Biesenz) Dell. Peter Dell was born in Luxemburg, Ger- 
many, in 1835. and his wife in Buffalo, New York, in 1848. The 
former came to America in 1856 and settled in Dubuque, Iowa, and 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 825 

here met and married Miss Biesenz, the ceremony taking place in 
1865. Peter Dell was a blacksmith by trade, but later went into the 
hotel business and established the Northern Hotel at the corner of 
Nineteenth and Couler avenue. This was a very popular house in 
the early days and was liberally patronized by the farmers. He 
remained in this business until the spring of 1877, when he was 
taken ill, dying in the fall of 1879. His widow survived until 1904, 
then passed away at the home of her son, the subject of this review. 
Charles H. Dell was educated in the parochial schools of Dubuque, 
and at the age of fourteen began work for himself as clerk for the 
A. W. Kemler Dry Goods & Clothing Company. From there in 
1881 he went with the A. Y. McDonald Company, Dubuque, and 
learned thoroughly the machinist trade. During the latter part of 
1885 he accepted a position with the Ryder-Wallace Dry Goods 
Company, remaining thus about a year, and then served as brake- 
man on the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad for four 
months. Succeeding this he became a stationary engineer in Du- 
buque and remained in this business until the fall of 1888, then 
resuming his trade of machinist at the United States Arsenal, 
Rock Island, Illinois. During the strike and times of panic he 
worked at a number of different places, but in 1902 accepted a posi- 
tion with the Smedley Steam Pump Company of Dubuque and 
remained with the firm until 1904, at which time he engaged in 
business for himself as a cement contractor. Mr. Dell was mar- 
ried May I, 1894, to Miss Matilda Richter, daughter of Henry and 
Emily (Schenker) Richter, of Dubuque, and they have three chil- 
dren, Violet Marion, Harland Joseph and Muriel Leona, all in 
school except the last named. Mr. Dell is a member of the Modern 
Woodmen of America, Court of Honor, Catholic Order of Forest- 
ers and St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church. In politics he is a 
Democrat. Among the more important works done by him are 
the cement work of the Eagle Point pavilion, church of the Immacu- 
late Conception, Sisters of Good Shepherd building. Masonic Tem- 
ple, Audubon school. Holy Trinity Catholic church, Holy Ghost 
church, St. Mary's church, Sacred Heart church, St. Joseph's 
insane hospital and some exceptionally fine burial vaults. 

Philip Jungk, for over twenty years successfully engaged in 
the bakery business in Dubuque, and a man universally respected, 
was born in St. Louis, Missouri, the son of August and Elizabeth 
(Mehl) Jungk. The father was a native of the kingdom of Sax- 
ony, Germany, born in 1817, and the mother of Nassaii, Germany, 
born also in 181 7. They came with their respective parents to 
America in 1840, settling' at St. Louis, Missouri, where they were 
married in 1849. Both had been married previously, Mr. Jungk's 
first wife, by whom he had two children, dying in Germany, and 
Mrs. Jungk's first husband, Mr. Belz, whom she bore three chil- 



826 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

dren, also died in the old country. In 1852 Mr. and Mrs. Jungk, 
with their one child, Philip, the immediate subject of this review, 
came to Dubuque, Iowa, and located at Eagle Point on land now 
within the city limits. The father was originally a stonecutter and 
mason by occupation, but after coming to Dubuque established a 
German garden, known as the Kussuch House, which was for many 
years very popular among the German population of the city and 
vicinity. Mr. Jungk lived an honorable and useful life and passed 
away in 1899, preceded by his wife in 1866. Philip Jungk was 
born on July 17, 185 1, and received his education under the tutel- 
age of the late Prof. Charles Kretschmer. who was at that time a 
recognized scholar of the state and of whom appropriate mention 
is made elsewhere in this publication. Our subject was compelled 
to give up his school work when thirteen years of age and start out 
on life's journey for himself. For a few months he was employed 
in a local printing office, then for two years was with the Hern- 
court Furniture Company. Succeeding this he spent two years 
with Mr. La Barge, of Dubuque, learning the baker's trade, after 
which he was employed as cook on the "War Eagle" and steamer 
"Cutter," spending one entire winter traveling between St. Louis 
and Memphis. In 1871 he went to an uncle, Conrad Mehl, and for 
about a year remained on the latter's farm, but when the construc- 
tion of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad was commenced 
he was engaged as camp cook and also assisted in construction work, 
remaining thus engaged until 1873. At that time he returned to 
the employ of the Herncourt Furniture Company, then, in 1875, 
took a vacation of about eight months and visited St. Louis, New 
York and other points. Upon his return he again joined the above 
named furniture concern and remained thus connected until 1878, 
when he established himself in the bakery business at Independence. 
Iowa. He failed during the hard times of that period and the 
following year returned to Dubuque and for a time engaged in 
whatever work he could find to do. In 1880 he started his present 
bakery business and has enjoyed a fair share of prosperity ever 
since. On October 31, 1876, he married Miss Amelia Schneider, 
daughter of Gotlieb and Amelia (Schuk) Schneider, and they have 
the following children: J. C, who married Miss Josephine Smith; 
Tillie, the wife of John Stecher; Anna, Josephine, Elizabeth and 
Leo. Gotlieb Schneider was one of the founders of the Dubuque 
Cabinet Makers' Association and was one of the most expert 
workmen of the city. He died in 1904, but his widow is yet living. 
Mr. Jungk has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd 
Fellows since 1872 and is at present treasurer of the Key City 
Lodge, and has been identified with the Modern Woodmen of 
America for fifteen j-ears. While he claims no church member- 
ship his family belongs to St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church. 
During the year 1870 he was foreman of the hose company of the 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 827 

Dubuque Fire Department when the only water supply was from 
cisterns. He assisted in the fighting of the big fire at the stamping 
works and also at the Western Burch lumber yards. During the 
former conflagration the hand engines became frozen and had it 
not been that the city had just received their steam engines, which 
were put in use at this fire for the first time, much more damage 
would have been caused. As it was, several blocks were destroyed. 

William Singrin, of Dubuque, is a son of the old pioneer, John 
Singrin, who came here in 1852, when the place was but little more 
than an overgrown frontier \illage. John Singrin married Jane 
McLaughlin, who came with her parents to Dubuque in 1853, and 
they had born to them seven children : Mary, who married William 
Dean; Maggie, the widow of Thomas Haggerty; Kate; Lucy, now 
Mrs. John Shannon ; Charles ; William, and a son who died in 1904. 
The father is yet living, but the mother, the possessor of innumer- 
able loving friends and after a long life of usefulness, died May 27, 
1890. William Singrin, whose name forms the subject of this 
sketch, has passed practically his entire life in Dubuque. He was 
born in this city July 6, 1869, and during his early years attended 
the public and parochial schools, and later entered and has since 
been engaged in the grading, sodding and excavating business. 
From early boyhood he has been interested in politics, and par- 
ticularly in civic development. As a Democrat he was elected alder- 
man from the Third Ward in 1908, and in 1910 was re-elected to 
this position with the endorsement of the citizens. He is a member 
of St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church and of the Fraternal 
Order of Eagles, Modern Woodmen of the World and other benev- 
olent organizations. He married Miss Catherine, daughter of An- 
drew Gautenbein, and to this union ha\e been born seven children, 
named ; John, William. Stella. Margaret. Mary, Lucy and Joseph 
(deceased). 



Henry Wilberding, tailor, and for the past twenty-six years 
a resident of Dubuque, is a native of the Grand Duchie of Olden- 
burg, Germany, his birth occurring in the year 1865. At the age 
of seventeen years he crossed the Atlantic ocean to America and 
for three years resided at Cincinnati, Ohio. He then came to 
Dubuque, Iowa, which has since been his home. Carl and Mary 
Anna Wilberding, his parents, came to the LTnited States in 1886, 
and established a home at Dyersville, Iowa, where the father died 
in 1888. The mother died at Cincinnati in 1905, having become 
the grandmother of fifty-two children. They had born to them 
eight children, and these they reared to Christian lives and good 
chizenship. Henry Wilberding learned his trade of tailor in Ger- 
many and has always followed it in this country. In 1889 he 



828 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

became a partner in his present business, but since 1893 has been 
alone. He married Miss Anna Hauer, daughter of Lawrence and 
Margaret Hauer, natives of Wurtemburg, Germany, and to this 
union have been born fourteen children, whose names are as fol- 
lows : Anna, Emma, Catharine, Agnes, Mary, Magdalene, Henry, 
Carl, Arthur, Loretta, Margaretta, Alois, Vincent and Cyril. Of 
the foregoing, Anna, Mary, Vincent and Cyril are dead. The 
family are members of the Holy Ghost Roman Catholic Church. 
Mr. Wilberding belongs to the Catholic Order of Foresters, the 
Knights of Columbus and in politics is independent, voting for the 
man rather than the party. 

August Schublin, engaged in the merchandise brokerage busi- 
ness in Dubuque, is a son of August and Catherine Schublin, who 
came from Germany to America and first settled in Pennsylvania, 
subsequently locating near Independence, Iowa. When civil war 
threatened the disruption of the Union, August Schublin, Sr., be- 
came a volunteer in Company A, Forty-fourth Iowa Volunteer In- 
fantry, and served his adopted country with fidelity and credit until 
honorably discharged at the close of the war. He is now dead, 
but his widow still survives him. August Schublin, Jr., the imme- 
diate subject of this sketch, was born in Dubuque in 1872, and 
received his education in the public schools here. His boyhood was 
passed after the manner of the average boy, and for the past 
twenty years he has been engaged in the general merchandise brok- 
erage business at 103 Main street. In religion he is a Methodist: 
in politics a Republican. He is a member of the Modern Wood- 
men of America, is single and resides with his mother. Mr. 
Schublin is one of the enterprising and progressive business men of 
Dubuque. 

GusTAVUS V. Preston, engaged in farming, dairying and raising: 
of hogs in section 8, Mosalem Township, was born in Dubuque 
county in the year 1842, and is a son of the old pioneers, Sylvester 
B. and Anna (West) Preston, who were natives of the state of 
Maryland. The father studied chemistry during his boyhood days, 
but was later made manager of the copper furnaces at Mineral 
Point, Wisconsin, which he continued some four or five years. 
During this time he invested largely in real estate, buying 640 acres 
from the government at $1.25 per acre. This he resided on for a 
short time, but owing to the fact that the government had not 
secured the land from the Indians, they were forced to leave tem- 
porarily. When the trouble was settled, Mr. Preston and his 
wife returned to their property and there spent their remaining 
days. He died February 27^, 1852, and was survived by his wife 
until Christmas night, 1882. Gustavus E. Preston received his 
education in the district schools, and in boyhood days assisted his 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 829 

father with the work on the home farm. When war was declared 
between the Nortli and South he enhsted with the boys in blue, 
but his mother obtained his discharge on the grounds that he was 
not yet of age. When twenty-two years old Mr. Preston began 
farming on his own account, starting with seven acres of the old 
homestead. He cleared and improved his property and gradually 
added thereto until he had 112 acres under a high state of culti- 
vation. During the first few years he did little but raise grains, but 
of late has engaged extensively in dairying and hog raising. On 
June 12, 1863, he was united in marriage with Miss Melissa Ire- 
land, daughter of Christopher E. and Frances (McMasters) Ire- 
land, who came from Canada to Dubuque county early in 185 1. 
Her father followed rafting for several years and later engaged in 
farming. The day that Mr. and Mrs. Preston were married was 
extremely cold, frost being on the ground, and this was something 
remarkable for the month of June. To them three children, two 
daughters and a son, were born, as follows : David Orlando, born 
October i, 1866, married Miss Anna Johnston, March 15, 1910; 
Bertha May, born July 25, 1867, married Nicholas Smith, engaged 
in farming, and Dora Jessie, born February 4, 1870, the wife of 
Lafayette Egan, who was captain of a steamboat on the Mississippi 
river for years and now follows farming. Mr. Preston is indepen- 
dent in his political views, voting for the man rather than the 
party, and although always taking an active interest in local affairs 
of importance, has steadfastly refused to hold office. He is 
regarded as one of the representative farmers of the county. 

John W. Norton, engaged in general farming and stock raising 
in Mosalem Township, is a native of Dubuque county, Iowa, and a 
son of the old pioneers, Patrick and Amanda Norton. The father 
came to the United States from County Limerick, Ireland, at the 
early period of 1835, '^"d after remaining in the state of Vermont 
about two years came west to Dubuque. He followed draying and 
also speculated extensively in town real estate and farm lands, part 
of which is yet retained by his estate. After a long and honorable 
career Mr. Norton died in 1868 at the age of fortv-seven years, 
and now lies at rest in Kelly's Bluff Cemetery. Mrs. Norton yet 
survives him and resides at 181 North Locust street, Dubuque. 
John W. Norton, the immediate subject of this review, was born in 
"the city of Dubuque, November 30. 1850, and received his educa- 
tion in the old Third Ward school, now known as the Prescott 
school. When thirteen years old he obtained employment on a 
steamboat as deck washer, and this he followed five years. Upon 
the death of his father Mr. Norton assumed charge of the estate, 
which comprised much valuable property in Jackson and Dubuque 
counties, and aside from this also has invested himself in Dubuque 
real estate. He is a Democrat in his political affiliation, and for two 



830 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

terms has served as street commissioner. In religion he is a 
Roman CathoHc and a member of St. Patrick's Church. On June 4, 
1876, in Dubuque, he was united in marriage with Miss Sophie 
Pegel. daughter of Frederick and Marie Pegel. Her father came to 
America and Dubuque county from the kingdom of Hanover, Ger- 
many, at an early date, and here died August 17, 1907, at the age of 
eighty-seven years. His wife died May 15, 1904, aged eighty-nine 
years. Mr. Norton has always taken an active interest and part in 
local affairs of importance, and he and wife are highly regarded by 
all who know them. 

Thomas A. Herdmann, for the past twenty-two years engaged 
in the contracting business in Dubuque, with offices and residence at 
85 Cornell street, was born at Ottawa, Canada, May 14, 1870, the 
son of Charles E. and Fanny (Stevens) Herdmann, who were 
natives of Scotland and Ireland, respectively. The father, a con- 
tractor and builder by occupation, died at Warago, Victoria, 
Australia, in 1897, and was followed by his wife January 26, 1908. 
Thomas A. Herdmann received his early education in the public 
schools of Lincoln, Nebraska, and in 1886 was graduated from the 
manual training department of the State University of Nebraska. 
He immediately took up the study of contracting under the tutel- 
age of his father, and has always followed that line of endeavor. 
He came to Dubuque, Iowa, in 1888 and has here since been actively 
and successfully engaged in the building of fine residences, in which 
particular branch of contracting he has specialized. Socially he is 
a member of the Mystic Workers. On May 16, 1903, in Lincoln, 
Nebraska, he was united in marriage with Miss Minnie Stern- 
hagen, daughter of William and Emilie (Wolff) Sternhagen. Her 
parents were farmers, but are now living retired at Worthington, 
Iowa. Mr. Herdmann is one of Dubuque's progressive and repre- 
sentative business men, takes an active interest in any movement 
that tends toward the betterment of his city and bears the respect 
and good will of all who know him. 

Thomas J. Taylor, for the past twenty-one years engaged in the 
general contracting and building business in Dubuque, is a native 
of this county and the son of James W. and Lucina (Morgan) 
Taylor, who were among the first white settlers of this locality. 
James W. Taylor came to Dubuque from Nashville, Tennessee, in 
1837, and his wife from Sinsinawa, Wisconsin, in 1832. When the 
mother first came Dubuque was little more than an Indian village, 
and she and her people were forced by the soldiers to leave the 
immediate neighborhood. They returned, however, the following 
year, when the Indians had been removed under the recent treaty 
with the government. James Morgan, father of Mrs. Taylor, par- 
ticipated in the Mexican War under General Scott and also saw act- 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 831 

ive service in the Blackhawk disturbances. The Taylor family came 
originally from England, but generations ago immigrated to Amer- 
ica, settling first in Kentucky, James W. Taylor was a millwright 
by trade and erected three saw mills in Dubuque, He also followed 
farming on land purchased from the government during Dubuque's 
early days. He died March 11, 1896. aged seventy-six years, having 
resided in Dubuque county for sixty-one years. His wife followed 
him to the grave on January 20, 1904, aged seventy-five years, and 
both are buried in the cemetery at Asbury, Thomas J, Taylor, the 
immediate subject of this sketch, was born at Asbury, January 3, 
1865, and until fifteen years old attended the district schools. He 
then entered and in 1883 was graduated from Epworth Seminary 
and later took also a course in bookkeeping at Bayless Business 
College. For four years thereafter he conducted a grocery store at 
the corner of Eighth and Bluff streets, then for a short time trav- 
eled for the Waters & Dennis Cracker Company. Succeeding this 
he embarked in the general contracting business and has been thus 
successfully engaged ever since. Mr. Taylor is a Republican in 
national political views, being independent on local issues, and 
socially he is identified with the American Yoemen. On January 
22, 1885, he was united in marriage with Miss May McCraney, 
and to them seven children have beel* born, two deceased, as fol- 
lows: Earl, killed by accident, aged twenty years, buried at As- 
bury; Arnold, died February 13, 1907, aged five years; Arthur, 
married, a paper hanger residing in Dubuque ; May, attending Bay- 
less Business College ; Ervin, attending Audubon school. Mrs. 
Taylor is a daughter of John and Mary McCraney. Her father first 
came to Dubuque in 1832 and experienced all the trials and hard- 
ships of pioneer life. The McCraney family is of Scotch extrac- 
tion, but for many years have resided in this country. Thomas 
McCraney served as a Union soldier during the Civil War. 

John Keckevoet, proprietor of the Dubuque and East Du- 
buque ferry, was born at Covington, Kentucky, January 22, 1857. 
His parents, Albert and Mary Keckevoet, were natives of Russia. 
Albert Keckevoet was a dyer by trade and a man of strong and 
earnest convictions. While a resident of Europe he served in the 
Prussian army, but to better himself immigrated to the United 
States about the year 1850, and soon thereafter took out his natural- 
ization papers. He served in the Civil War as a member of the 
Third Iowa Battery for the preservation of the Union. He is now 
living in Dubuque, but his wife died at Delphi, Indiana, in 1870. 
John Keckevoet received a good practical education in youth, and 
when in his sixteenth year began working for the Carr, Ryder & 
Austin Sash & Door Manufacturing Company, with whom he con- 
tinued for some three years. Following this he embarked in the 
fish business; then, having a practical working knowledge of engi- 



S^i HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

neering. looked after the pumps in various lead mines until he 
embarked in the boat business, at which he has since been engaged^ 
Mr. Keckevoet is a member of the First Congregational Church, 
and is independent in his politics, voting for the best man rather 
than the party. January 22, 1880, he married Miss Orilla Delmond 
Morton, daughter of Charles A. and Mary Morton, who came to 
Dubuque in 1855, originally coming from France. Mr. Morton 
was engaged in steamboating and died in 1895, aged sixty-six years. 
His widow survives him and resides in Idaho. To Mr. Keckevoet 
and wife one son has been born, Charles A., a licensed pilot and 
engineer, and at present the engineer of his father's boat. Charles 
A. married Sarah Bastian and they have two children, Orilla Del- 
mond and Gilbert. 

James O'Farrell. — To America the Emerald Isle has given 
some of her best citizens, and it is to her that the city of Dubuque 
is indebted for one of her representative contractors and builders. 
James O'Farrell, president of the O'Farrell Contracting Company, 
was born in County Tyrone, August 13, 1850, the son of Francis 
and Rose O'Farrell, who immigrated to this countr}' via New York 
in 1850, the trip across occupying a period of nearly four months. 
For a time they remained in the East, where the father secured 
employment in the lead mines of Maryland, but in 1856 came to 
Dubuque and here spent their remaining days. The father was 
engaged in the garden, truck and poultry business, and after an 
honorable residence and business career of forty years passed away 
at the advanced age of eighty-three years. His widow followed 
him in 1903, at the same age, and both are buried in Mount Olivet 
Cemetery. James O'Farrell was but seven months old when he was 
brought to the United States. When the family came west to Du- 
buque he received his education in the local public and parochial 
schools, leaving same in his seventeenth year. He first started out in 
life as an apprentice in the stone-cutting establishment of Schulte & 
Wagner, and by close observation mastered the details in that line 
of business. Then, in partnership with John P. Dorgan, in 187 1, 
he embarked in that business on his own account, continuing until 
his appointment as street commissioner. Two years thereafter he 
engaged in the general contracting business, specializing in sewers, 
streets and concrete work, in partnership with Mr. Charles Stenck, 
being thus associated from 1889 to 1897. When gold was discov- 
ered in Alaska Mr. O'Farrell made up his mind to cast his lot with 
the thousands of fortune seekers who rushed to the far North, but 
in Augvist, 1898, returned to Dubuque and founded the present 
contracting firm of which he has since been president. This con- 
cern o]>erates a large stone quarry, furnishing all kinds of stone, 
employs about seventy-five people and has in the neighborhood of 
twenty teams for hauling purposes. E.xcellent management and 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 833 

fair business dealings have given the O'Farrell Contracting Com- 
pany an enviable reputation, and their concern is one of the solid 
and substantial houses of Dubuque. Mr. O'Farrell is an inde- 
pendent Democrat in politics and a member of St. Patrick's Roman 
Catholic Church. Socially he is identified with the Knights of 
Columbus, the Catholic Order of Foresters and the Independent 
Order of Foresters. He has been twice married; his first wife. 
Miss Anna Flynn, daughter of Michael and Johanna Flynn, of 
Dubuque, died in 1903, aged forty-six years, leaving six children 
living. On April 30, 1907, at Chicago, Mr. O'Farrell married Mrs. 
Margaret Donoghue, daughter of James Crawford, of Dubuque, 
and they now reside in this city. Ten children were born to Mr. 
O'Farrell by his first union, four now deceased, and the names of 
the living are: Joseph J., with the Chicago Athletic Club; Vivian 
M., at home, a graduate of Dubuque Academy; James J., assisting 
father; Bernice M., graduate of Dubuque Academy; Ruth C, 
attending school, and Anna A., student at St. Joseph's College. 

Anthony A. Hartmann^ engaged in the general contracting 
business in Dubuque, with offices at 1539 White street, was born in 
this city January 17, 1884, and is the son of Leonard and Regina 
Hartmann. The father, native of Austria, came to America about 
1866. locating first at Bellville, Illinois, where he married the fol- 
lowing year, and in or about 1870, came to Dubuque, Iowa. Here 
for two years he worked at various employments, then started a 
general contracting business, his first contract being for the erection 
of St. Joseph's Academy. For years he followed this profession 
with unusual success and among his more important works were the 
insane asylum, school houses and various other public and private 
buildings. He passed away on July 16, 1908, preceded by his 
wife on March 19, 1906, and both are buried in Mount Calvary 
Cemetery. To them nine children were born, as follows : Eliza- 
beth, living at the old home; Magdalene; Sister M. Leo, Franciscan 
Sisters, Ossian, Iowa: Joseph A., partner of Hartmann contracting 
firm; Bernard A., also partner in firm; Susie, the wife of M. C. 
Kurz, of the Iowa Coffin Company ; Anthony A., the subject of this 
review ; Leo L. ; Othilia, attending Immaculate Conception Acad- 
emy. Early in life Anthony A. Hartmann attended the local paro- 
chial schools and finished his education with a course in St. Joseph's 
College, which he completed when nineteen years of age. He 
immediately began the study of the contracting business under the 
tutelage of his father, and has always followed that occupation 
with a great deal of success. He and his brothers, Leo. L. and 
Bernard A., have for many years been actively identified with the 
building interests of Dubuque county, and many of the finest resi- 
dences and public edifices have been erected by them. Mr. Hart- 
mann is a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Vincent De 



834 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Paul Society, the Modern Woodmen of America and in religion is 
of the Roman Catholic faith. 

Leo L. Hartmann, of the Hartmann contracting and building 
concern, is a native of Dubuque and the son of Leonard and Regina 
Hartmann, appropriate mention of whom immediately precedes 
this. He received his scholastic training in St. Mary's parochial 
school, from which he was graduated when fifteen years old. and 
then learned the contracting business under the tutelage of his 
father, with a view to making it his life's work. When the elder 
Hartmann died the sons continued the business and many of the 
finest buildings in the community have been erected by them. Mr. 
Hartmann is a member of St. Boniface Y. M. C. A., and, like his 
father before him, is a staunch adherent of the Roman Catholic 
faith. His birth occurred on September 22, 1888, and he has 
always resided in Dubuque. 

William H. Klauer, secretary and treasurer of the Klauer 
Manufacturing Compan}', was born in Dubuque, Iowa, August 18, 
1870, and is the son of Peter Klauer, appropriate mention of whom 
immediately precedes this. In early youth he attended the parochial 
schools, subsequently graduating from the Dubuque high scliool and 
completing his scholastic studies witli a course at Bayless Business 
College. At the age of seventeen years he entered his father's 
establishment in an humble capacity, with which he has ever since 
been identified, advancing tlirough the different departments until 
he attained his present official position in the corporation. While it 
is true that the prosperity of the Klauer Manufacturing Company 
is, to a large extent, the result of the father's personal supervision, 
it is also a fact that it is in no small measure due to the working 
out of numerous details and capable assistance on the part of the 
son. Aside from the interests he has in the business, William H. 
Klauer is identified with various other commercial enterprises. 
To his marriage with ■Miss ]\Iillie F., daughter of Joseph A. Rhom- 
berg, a detailed sketch of whom appears in another part of this 
publication, three sons have been born, namely, Walter, Alphonse 
and William. Mr. Klauer and family are members of St. Mary's 
Roman Catholic Church, and their residence is in the old Rhomberg 
home on West Seventh street. 

Earl J. Farrington, of Dubuque, is a native of the state of 
Iowa, his birth occurring at Manchester, September 2/, 1866. and 
is a son of Thomas A. and Clara Amanda Farrington. The father 
was a school teacher and also conducted a potten,' at Manchester. 
When the Civil War broke out he enlisted for the preservation of 
the Union in Company — , Ninth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and 
at the conclusion of that struggle was honorably discharged by the 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 835 

War Department of the United States government with the rank 
of corporal. He died in 1886, well advanced in years, and was 
followed by his wife March 27, 1906, at the age of sixty-eight 
years. The father is buried at Silver Cliff, Custer county, Colo- 
rado, and the mother at Mount Hope, Kansas. Earl J. Farrington 
received his early education in the public schools of Valiska, Iowa, 
and subsequently, when twenty-three years old, was graduated 
from the Western Normal School at Shenandoah, Iowa. The ex- 
penses of his education were defrayed by chopping wood and other 
odd jobs that he was able to secure. After graduating from the 
Normal school he worked for a time at Hayfield, Iowa, then went 
to Nebraska and for two years was employed as brakeman on the 
Fremont, Elkhorn & Missouri Valley railroad. In 1892 he became 
a conductor on the Missouri Pacific railroad, continuing as such 
four years, and then went with the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific 
road as brakeman. From 1901 to 1905 he acted as conductor on 
the Wisconsin Central line, and then, until coming to Dubuque, 
was with the Grand Rapids & Indiana road. In 1908 Mr. Farring- 
ton became a conductor with the Chicago & Great Western concern 
and took up his residence in Dubuque. He is a Republican in poli- 
tics, and socially is identified with the Masonic fraternity, the 
Ancient Order of United Workmen and the O. R. C. At Trenton, 
Missouri, June 17, 1897, he married Miss Eva Benson, and they, 
with their one daughter, Frances, born April 5, 1900, reside at 29 
Thirty-first street. Mrs. Farrington is a daughter of H. Frank and 
Lucinda Benson, pioneers of Trenton, where the father is engaged 
in carpentering. The family is of English extraction. 

Michael McEnany, for the past ten years engaged in the prac- 
tice of law in Dubuque, was born at Ryan, Delaware county, Iowa, 
on January 29, 1863, the son of Patrick and Ann McEnany. The 
father is a native of County Monahan, Ireland, and came to the 
United States in 1853. settling on a farm in Delaware county. By 
hard work and careful saving of his money he prospered, and today 
is the owner of 1,000 acres of fine farm land which he rents. He 
is now residing on the old home place with his son James, at the 
advanced age of eight^'-eight years. His wife died in 1902, aged 
seventy-six, and was buried in Monti Cemetery. While always 
interested in public afifairs. the elder McEnany never sought office 
or was active in politics, preferring to confine his attention to 
private business matters. Michael McEnany was primarily edu- 
cated in the country schools of his native county, and later entered 
Manchester Academy, receiving in 1887 his degree of Bachelor of 
Philosophy. In conjunction with the above he also studied law 
and in 1888 was granted the degree of Bachelor of Laws. For nine 
years thereafter he was successfully engaged in the general prac- 
tice of his profession at Salt Lake City, Utah. In 1897, during the 



836 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

gold excitement in Alaska, he went north and practiced at Circle 
City, and was the attorney in the second case tried in the estab- 
lished courts there. Owing to adverse conditions he returned to the 
United States, located at Dubuque, Iowa, and has here since been 
actively and successfully engaged in the general practice of law. 
Mr. McEnany is a Democrat in politics, a Catholic in religion and is 
socially identified with the Owls, Woodmen of the World and the 
Catholic Order of Foresters. On April 9, 1912, in Ryan, he was 
united in marriage with Miss Anna Clark, and four sons and one* 
daughter have been born to them, as follows : Patrick, July 29, 
1903; Cyril, August, 1904; John, Catherine and Francis. The 
family residence in Dubuque is located at yj Nevada street, for- 
merly the home of Bishop Father Carroll and one of the oldest in 
Dubuque. 

Jacob Haudenshield, proprietor of the Haudenshield Livery 
and Sales Stables, corner of Eighteenth street and Couler avenue, 
Dubuque, was born in Dubuque August 14, 1858, and is a son of 
Charles and Margaret Haudenshield. The father was a native of 
Switzerland and came to America when a young man, locating for 
a time in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. He came to Dubuque, Iowa, 
about 1850 and embarked in the coal and ice business. He was 
accidentally killed in 1861, when only twenty-six years old, by the 
first train on the Illinois Central railway to run into Dubuque. His 
widow later married Fred Snider, now deceased, and is yet living 
and residing in Dubuque. Jacob Haudenshield was educated in the 
country schools of this county, completing his studies when four- 
teen years of age. He then spent three years learning carpentering, 
and during the winter months acquired a good knowledge of butch- 
ering. For about five years he alternated at these trades, and in 
1889 became a salesman for tlie Schmidt Brewery, now consoli- 
dated with the Dubuque Brewing & Malting Company, and held 
that position two years. The next two years he spent in traveling 
for M. HoUenfall, succeeding which for three years he also repre- 
sented the Jaeger & Long wholesale liquor firm. From 1896 to 
1898 he operated a hay and feed concern, doing also team con- 
tracting; then was elected sherifif of Dubuque county, serving as 
such one term. In 1900 he embarked in his present business, at 
which he has been unusually successful. Mr. Haudenshield is a 
Republican in politics, and in addition to serving as sherifif was 
elected to the office of county auditor in 1904. Socially he is identi- 
fied with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He has been 
twice married, first to Miss Minnie Neubauer, who died August 12, 
1890, aged twenty-eight years, and was buried in Linwood Ceme- 
tery; secondly he married, on December 15, 1891, Miss Louisa 
Henkels. daughter of Michael and Elizabeth Henkels, pioneer set- 
tlers of Dubuque. Five children have been born to Mr. Hauden- 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 837 

shield, as follows: Sydney, a graduate of the local public and high 
schools and of Bayless Business College; William, Charles, Mabel 
and one other. The family residence in Dubuque is located at 1800 
Couler avenue. 

Ferdinand W. Brunkow, senior partner of the contracting 
firm of F. W. Brunkow Sons & Company, Dubuque, was born in 
Waukesha county, Wisconsin, April 12, 1861, the son of David and 
Louisa Brunkow. The parents were both natives of Germany, but 
left that country about 1848 and immigrated to America, settling 
on a farm in the above mentioned county. Shortly thereafter they 
removed to a farm of some 200 acres in Buffalo county, Wiscon- 
sin, and there spent their remaining days. The father died in 1896, 
when sixty-five years old, and was followed ten years later by his 
wife, aged seventy-five. The old homestead is still in possession of 
the family and being operated by William Brunkow. Ferdinand 
W. Brunkow, the immediate subject of this memoir, received his 
early education in the public schools of Buffalo county, and later 
attended the high school at Wabasha, Minnesota, working at the 
carpenter trade during the summer months. For a time thereafter 
he taught in the public schools of Wisconsin, and during his resi- 
dence at Nelson, Buffalo county, was town clerk for four years at 
a salary of $100 per year. In 1892 he came to the city of Dubuque, 
and has since been prominently identified with the contracting and 
building interests of the county. He erected the Lincoln public 
school and also many of the best residences of which the city 
boasts. Mr. Brunkow is general agent for the German-American 
Equation Premium Life Association, acting as such since 1907, and 
is an ex-president of the local Contractors' Association. He is a 
Republican in politics, a member of the Modern Woodmen of 
America and of the German Methodist Church. To his marriage 
with Miss Julia Hasch, solemnized in Dubuque on October 25, 
1888, eleven children have been born, as follows: Norman F., a 
graduate of the Dubuque High School, now attending the Uni- 
versity of Illinois; Otto E., in business with his father; Cora E., 
attending high school; Ethel L., attending high school; Charles D., 
member of Fulton school; William H., also of Fulton school; 
Florence G., same; Frederick W., same; Myrtle M., same; Reupert 
A., aged five years, and Ruth L., aged six months. Mrs. Brunkow 
is a graduate of the Audubon school. 

Julius H. Mathiesen, since 1905 manager of the cloak depart- 
ment of the Roshek Brothers establishment, Dubuque, is of Dutch 
extraction and was born on the Island of Fohr, now under German 
rule, April 16, 1859, a son of J. L. and Johanna Mathiesen. The 
father died when our subject was but thirty months old, and subse- 
quently, in June, 1868, Mrs. Mathiesen came to the United States 



838 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

with her two sons and first located at CHnton, Iowa. She later 
came with her son to Dubuque and here died in September, 1903. 
Julius H. Mathiesen, the immediate subject of this memoir, received 
his primar>' education in the public and German Lutheran parochial 
schools of Clinton, Iowa, and also attended business college. In 
1874 he entered the employ of the Towle & Spreter Company, dry 
goods merchants, and remained with this concern, occupying vari- 
ous positions, for a period of twenty years. During this time he 
mastered the details of the dry goods business, and in 1894 went to 
Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where for one year he had charge of the 
cloak department of the C. Denecke establishment. For a time 
thereafter he was employed in a like capacity in Peoria, Illinois, and 
in 1903 came to Dubuque and until 1905 had charge of the cloak 
department of the J. F. Stampfer house. He was then offered and 
accepted his present position in the Roshek Brothers Department 
Store and has been thus associated ever since. Mr. Mathiesen is a 
German Lutheran in religious views, a Republican in politics, and 
for the past twenty years has been a member of the Ancient Order 
of United Workmen. He was married at Clinton, Iowa, on June 
19, 1884, to Miss Nina Hutchinson, and to them one son, Harold, 
has been born. Mrs. Mathiesen was the daughter of John and 
Helen Hutchinson, of Clinton, the father being a contractor and 
builder by occupation. The Mathiesen home in Dubuque is located 
at 1752 Seminary Hill. 

GusTAVus A. Heyne, owning and operating the Linwood Floral 
establishment at 957 Windsor avenue, Dubuque, since 1890, was 
born in Germany, June 2y. i860, a son of Ludwig and Theresa 
Heyne. The family immigrated to the United States in 1870, 
locating a short time in Baltimore, and from there came to Du- 
buque, Iowa. The father was a stairbuilder by occupation, and was 
an active and lifelong member of the Ancient Order of United 
Workmen and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He died 
October 28, 1909, aged seventy-eight years, and is survived by 
his widow, who is residing in Dubuque at 363 Kaufman avenue. 
Gustavus A. Heyne attended the Fifth Ward school until thirteen 
years old, and in 1873 secured employment with Randal & Thom- 
son, harness manufacturers, with whom he remained three years. 
The succeeding three years he worked out in the country as a 
gardener, and then for two years was with the Carr & Austin sash, 
door and blind manufacturing concern. In 188 1 he went to Chi- 
cago and entered a large floral establishment, and four years later, 
after having carefully mastered the details of that line of business^ 
returned to Dubuque and established a nursery. Mr. Heyne has a 
natural love of beautiful flowers and seems admirably qualified for 
the floral business. He has experimented a great deal in the culti- 
vation of plants, and in 1890 took charge of his present establish- 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 839 

ment to succeed A. C. Bentley. He leased the Linwood floral 
nursery, tore down old-fashioned buildings and erected modern 
ones, and has specialized in landscape gardening, at which he has 
been very successful. Many of the parks in Dubuque have been 
filled with beautiful floral designs created by Mr. Heyne. In 1907 
he was employed by the Board of Education as superintendent of 
floral improvements, and for the past twenty years has had charge 
of the flowers and trees in Linwood Cemetery. He is superinten- 
dent of the city park system and through his suggestions manv 
improvements have been made, among which are the beautiful 
steps at Eagle Point Park leading up the cliff. Mr. Heyne is a Re- 
publican in his political views, is a charter member and has served 
as first chancellor of the Court of Honor, and is also identified with 
the Woodmen of the World. In religion he is a Congregationalist. 
On November 10, 1890, in Dubuque, he married Miss Nancy C. 
Wilkie, and they reside at 957 Windsor avenue. Mrs. Heyne was 
the daughter of Ludwig and Christina Wilkie, pioneer farmers of 
this section of the country. Her father died in 1876, aged seventy- 
six years, and was followed by his widow in 1902, at the age of 
eighty-four years. Both are buried at Sherrill's Mound. 

Jason F. Van Vors, manager of the Dubuque Telephone Com- 
pany, was born on a farm near Lamont. Buchanan county, Iowa, 
November 17, 1864, a son of David and Mary Van Vors. The 
father is of Holland ancestry, the grandfather of Jason F. being 
the progenitor in America. David Van Vors was a farmer by 
occupation during the greater part of his life. He moved from 
Michigan to Iowa in i860, and there died in 1898 at the age of 
sixty-two years. Jason F. Van Vors attended the public schools 
in youth, subsequently entering Fayette University, from which 
he was duly graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. After 
teaching school in his native county two years he became superin- 
tendent of the Level Tread Manufacturing Company at Independ- 
ence. Having studied electrical engineering and its practical appli- 
cation relating to motive power he became superintendent of the 
Rush Park Street Railway Company and as such continued twelve 
years. In 1900 he organized and was one of the incorporators of 
the Buchanan County Telephone Company, of which he was super- 
intendent and general manager until his removal to Dubuque in 
1905 to accept the position of manager of the Dubuque Telephone 
Company. The career of Mr. Van Vors has been one of unusual 
activity. He is the owner of 320 acres of land in North Dakota 
and residential property in both Independence and Dubuque. He 
is a Republican in politics and a member of the Fraternal Order of 
Eagles, the Knights of Pythias, the Modern Woodmen of America 
and the Mystic Toilers. November 17, 1886, he married Miss 
Charlotte, daughter of Cornelius and Harriet Baird, of Rock Island, 



840 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Illinois, and to them has been born one son, Laverne David, on 
December 17, 1903. 

August W. Wieneke is a son of the old pioneers, Henry C. and 
Margaret Wieneke, who came to Iowa when it was yet a territory 
and to Dubuque when it was little more than a village. Henry C. 
Wieneke was a native of Detmold. in the Prussian Province of 
Hanover, Principality of Lippe, Germany, and there learned car- 
pentering and cabinet making. This occupation he followed to a 
considerable extent after immigrating to the United States. He 
died in December, 1868, when sixty-three years of age, followed by 
his widow April 23, 1884, aged sixty-eight years. Both are buried 
at Linwood Cemetery. August W. Wieneke was born in Dubuque, 
Iowa, August 31, 1848. He was here reared to manhood, attended 
the third ward school, and employed his time in assisting his father 
and clerking in a store. When eighteen years old he went to 
Cassell, Sauk county, Wisconsin, there learning the trade of tin- 
smith and subsequently working as a journeyman at Guttenberg, 
Iowa, and still later at Sioux City. He returned to Dubuque in 
1874, worked at his trade a year and then became an employe in the 
shops of the C. C. D. & M railroad. After the sale of the road he 
became fireman on the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul road, con- 
tinuing as such about four years. In 1880 he was promoted to 
engineer, a position he yet occupies. Mr. Wieneke is a Republican 
on general principles, but votes independently. He is an Encamp- 
ment degree Odd Fellow and has served as noble grand of the local 
subordinate lodge and as chief patriarch of the encampment. His 
wife, formerly Miss Susan Elmer, to whom he was married March 
19, 1873, is the daughter of Samuel and Phoebe Elmer, whose 
settlement in Dubuque dates back to the time when Indians were 
more numerous than whites in this locality. Samuel Elmer was 
a non-commissioned officer during the Civil War. He died in the 
house in which the subject of this sketch now resides in June, 1897, 
at the age of sixty-eight years. His widow yet survives him at the 
advanced age of eighty-four years. Seven children have been born 
to Mr. and Mrs. Wieneke as follows: Gustave L., an engineer 
on the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railway : Henry Charles, a 
jeweler at Oxford Junction, Iowa; Susan Evelyn, the wife of Frank 
Curt, a fruit merchant of Oxford Junction ; Maude Margaret, a 
graduate of the Des Moines Embalming College, and practicing in 
Dubuque; Frederick Elmer, a fireman on the Chicago, Milwaukee 
& St. Paul road; Samuel, died in 1887 when four years old; and 
Charles Henry, who died in infancy. 

Charles Pitschner, secretary and treasurer of the Dubuque 
Mattress Company since 1898, is a son of Charles and Ernestine 
Pitschner. The father came to Dubuque from Cincinnati, Ohio. 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 841 

in 1856, and for years conducted a retail grocery establishment 
in this city. He died in September, 1901, aged seventy-three years, 
and was followed by his wife in 1902, at the age of sixty-five years. 
Both are buried in the Center Grove Cemetery. Until sixteen years 
old Charles Pitschner attended the local public schools, then was 
employed as shipping clerk in the furniture establishment of WuU- 
weber Brothers, later becoming traveling salesman for the firm. 
In 1884 he became associated with the Dubuque Mattress Com- 
pany as a traveling salesman and secretary, and in 1898 was also 
elected treasurer, holding all these positions at the present writing. 
Mr. Pitschner is identified with the Masonic fraternity, in which 
he has attained the rank of Knights Templar. On December 23, 
1896, in Dubuque, he was united in marriage with Miss Jessie Kam- 
muller, and to them two children have been born : Karl, attending 
Lincoln school, and Doris Elizabeth, also a student in that institu- 
tion. Mrs. Pitschner is the daughter of Louis and Martha Kam- 
muller, early settlers of Dubuque county. The father passed away 
in 1881, followed by his wife in 1902, and both are at rest in the 
family lot in Linwood Cemetery. Mr. Pitschner and family reside 
at 46 Winona avenue. 

Anton W. Ferring, vice president of the Schroeder-Kleine 
Grocer Company, Dubuque, since 1905, is a native of this city and 
the son of J. P. and Anna Ferring. J. P. Ferring was born and 
reared a subject of the German Empire and at an early date came 
to America, locating in Dubuque, Iowa. Here he engaged in the 
wholesale grocery business as a member of the firm of Rumpb, 
Hosford & Ferring, located on Main street, since dissolved, and 
was thus connected until his death in 1892, aged fifty-two years. 
Mrs. Ferring is also deceased, and both are buried in the Mount 
Olivet Cemetery. Anton W. Ferring was born on June 17, 1879, 
and was educated in the local public and parochial schools, gradu- 
ating also from the Dubuque High School. Immediately there- 
after he entered the employ of the Schroeder-Kleine Grocer Con;- 
pany, remaining about three weeks in the olifice and then taking up 
the sales end of the work. He gradually mastered the details of 
the grocery business and in 1905 purchased an interest in the con- 
cern, at which time he was elected to his present position of vice 
president. He is also a director of the corporation. In political 
affairs he is independent, voting for the man regardless of party 
affiliation, and socially is a member of the Knights of Columbus and 
the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, being at jivesent 
exalted ruler of the latter organization. On September 25, 1907, 
in Dubuque, Mr. Ferring was united in marriage with Miss Mar- 
garet Murphy, daughter of the pioneers, John S. and Anna Murp'ny. 
Mr. and Mrs. Ferring are members of St. Raphael's Cathedral and 
reside at 322 Bluff street. 



842 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

George P. Smith, manager of the Western Grocer Company, 
Dubuque, since 1908, was born in Warren county, Pennsylvania, 
April 15, 1863, the son of C. H. and Martha J. Smith. C. H. 
Smith was prominent among the early members of the medical 
profession in Warren county, where he practiced for twenty years 
and later removed to Mason City, Iowa, where he remained active 
in his profession for thirty years, or until his death in February, 
1909, aged seventy-two years. His wife passed away in 1903 at 
the age of sixty-five, and both are buried at Mason City. George P. 
Smith was primarily educated in the public schools of that city 
and later attended the high school. He then entered the State 
University of Iowa, where he remained until his twentieth year. 
He then established himself in the boot and shoe business in Mason 
City and was thus engaged from 1883 to 1894, then disposed of 
his interests and for about two years followed fruit raising in Cali- 
fornia with some success. He then returned to Mason City and 
in 1895 founded the Mason City Grocer Company, which he later 
sold to the Letts-Spencer-Smith Company, and which was after- 
wards merged into the Western Grocer Company, of which he is a 
director. Mr. Smith still retains extensive real estate interests in 
and around Mason City. In 1908 he established in Dubuque his 
present concern, located at the corner of First and Main streets, and 
has been thus connected ever since. He is an independent Repub- 
lican in politics and, while residing in Mason City, served as 
alderman from his ward. He is a Knight Templar Mason and a 
member of the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of 
America. To his marriage with Miss Jennie A. Calkins, solem- 
nized in Oswego county. New York, on February 7, 1889, one 
daughter, Margaret C, now attending Dubuque High School, has 
been born. This branch of the Smith family came originally from 
Great Britain and has resided in America for many generations. 
Mr. Smith's residence is located at 1592 Locust street, Dubuque. 

Daniel E. Maguire, since 1903 engaged in the general practice 
of law in Dubuque, with ofiices at 302 Security building, was born 
at East Dubuque, Illinois, July 31, 1877. He was reared there and 
in 1896 was graduated from the Dubuque High School. For about 
five years thereafter he remained at home, teaching for two years 
in the neighboring schools and assisting his father on the farm and 
in the store in East Dubuque. Having decided to make the study 
and practice of law his life's work, Mr. Maguire, in 1899, entered 
the legal department of the Iowa State University, and was duly 
graduated therefrom in 1903 with the degree of Bachelor of Laws. 
He immediately returned to Dubuque and embarked in the general 
practice of his profession, at which he has since successfully con- 
tinued. He is a member of the local order of Eagles, the Modern 
Wootlmen of America, the Knights of Columbus and St. Patrick's 



& 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 843 

Roman Catholic Church. On June 24, igo8, at Chicago, Mr. 
Maguire was united in marriage with Miss AHce G. Quinlan, 
daughter of John and Catherine Quinlan, the former a conductor 
on the Illinois Central railroad. Mr. and Mrs. Maguire reside at 
427 South Alpine street, Dubuque. 

William B. Martin, since 1904 commissioner of the Dubuque 
Shippers' Association, with offices in the Bank and Insurance 
building, was born at Ypsilanti, Michigan, March 26, 1868, the son 
of William B., Sr., and Sarah Frances (Thompson) Martin. The 
Martin and Thompson families have resided in America many 
generations, the mother's people coming to this country as early as 
1 70 1. She died on September 4, 1870, and is buried at Ypsilanti. 
During his acti\e business career William B. Martin, Sr., engaged 
in mercantile pursuits, but for the past six years he has been retired 
from the active business cares of life and resides with his son in 
Dubuque. William B. Martin, the immediate subject of this 
review, was primarily educated in the public schools of his native 
city, later attending the State Normal School and Shattuck Military 
Academy at Faribault, Minnesota. For a time thereafter he was 
associated in business with his father, but in 1887 entered the 
general offices of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway 
Company at St. Paul, where he remained until 1890. The follow- 
ing year he entered the employ of the Chicago & Great Western 
Railway Company and remained thus connected for fourteen years. 
In 1897 he was promoted to the position of freight auditor and 
held that position until 1901. His next advance was to the assistant 
general freight agency, which position he held until coming to 
Dubuque. Socially Mr. Martin is identified with the Independent 
Order of Odd Fellows and the Dubuque Club, being at present 
secretary of the latter organization. In politics he is independent. 
On January 20, 1892, at St. Paul, Minnesota, he was united in 
marriage with Miss Rosa F. Wurst, daughter of Henry Wurst, who 
died at Fort Yates, North Dakota, in 1885. To Mr. and Mrs. 
Martin one daughter and one son have been born, named Ada M., 
attending Visitation Academy, and Wallace O., now in high school. 
The family home is at 88 Winona avenue. 

Mathew C. Clancy, of the Clancy Transfer Company, located 
at 356 Iowa street, Dubuque, since 1900, is a native of Dubuque 
county and the son of Patrick and Ann Clancy. The father was 
born in Ireland and came to the United States when but ten years 
old. He located in Dubuque in 1846 and resided in this city until 
his death, which occurred on November 11, 1902. He was a 
Democrat in politics, serving as alderman from his ward six years, 
and a Roman Catholic in religious faith. Mrs. Clancy yet survives 
him and resides at 1 1 5 Blufif street. Patrick Clancy was the organ- 



84-1 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUXTY 

izer of the Clancy Transfer Company and carried on the business 
up to the time of his death, since which time his sons. Mathew, 
John, Thomas and Charles, have successfully continued. Robert. 
Kate and Annie were the other children born to Mr. and Mrs. 
Clancy. Kate married J. A. McDermott, of Minneapolis, and 
Annie became the wife of the late Thomas Healy, and at present 
resides with her mother. Mathew C. Clancy, the immediate subject 
of this review, primarily attended the local public and parochial 
schools, and finished his education with a course in St. Joseph's 
College, which he left when nineteen years old. He then assisted 
his father until the latter died, after which time, in partnership 
with the above mentioned brothers, he continued the business. He 
is a Democrat in politics and for eight years has ser\"ed as alderman 
from his ward, and in religious views is a member of St. Raphael's 
Cathedral. On August 12, 1878, in Dubuque, !Mr. Clancy was 
united in marriage with ^liss Catherine Jamieson, daughter of 
George and Mary Jamieson. pioneers of the county. Her father 
died by accident in 1862, and was followed by his wife in 1902. 
aged sixty-eight years. Xine children have blessed the union of 
Mr. and ^Irs. Clancy, named William, who died when eight years 
old : Ethel, died at tlie age of three : Harry A., conductor on the 
Illinois Central railroad, a graduate of Bayless Business College : 
Patrick M.. brakeman on the Illinois Central road; George C. now 
attending the State Military School; Raymond H.. attending school 
at Marion. Iowa: Dorance M.. attending Cathedral School: Lo- 
retta. the wife of S. Brim, merchant tailor, of Winona, ^Minnesota : 
and Catherine, a graduate of the Sister's .\cademy and residing with 
her parents. 

Frank P. Kutsch. for the past sixteen years general foreman of 
the sheet metal department of the Peter Klauer Manufacturing 
Company, was bom in Dubuque, June 9, 1858, and has known 
practically no other home. Nicholas and Helene Kutsch. his par- 
ents, came to Dubuque about 1850. and here for many years the 
father followed his trade of carpenter. He is now living in Du- 
buque, retired from the active cares of life, his wife dying in 1895, 
at the age of sixty years, and is now buried in Mount Calvarj- Ceme- 
ter\". Frank P. Kutsch received his education in the local public 
and parochial schools, which he left when fourteen years old. and 
then was apprenticed to Mr. Peter Klauer. He remained with the 
concern upon its incorporation, and as occasion warranted was 
advanced step by step until he became general foreman of the sheet 
metal department, his present position. ]Mr. Kutsch is a Democrat 
in politics and a member of St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church in 
religious views. Socially he is identified with the Catholic Order of 
Foresters and the Aloysius Benevolent Society. On May 5. 1885, 
in Dubuque, he was united in marriage with Miss -\nna \\'iesebeck, 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 845 

and they reside at 2044 Jackson street. Mrs. Kutsch is the daughtet 
of George and Anna W'iesebeck, early settlers of Dubuque county, 
her father dying at Spring Valley, Minnesota, and the mother in 
1906, and both now lie at rest in Dubuque. 

Alfred L. Clark, manager of the Clark Rolling Awning Com- 
pany, 224 Iowa street, Dubuque, since 1900, was born in Syracuse, 
New York, August 2. 1845. Warren and Elizabeth Clark, his 
parents, were of English and Irish descent, respectively, but both 
branches of the family have resided in America many generations. 
Warren Clark was a carpenter contractor and machinist by trade and 
followed this for years in Dubuque. He came to Dubuque in 1852, 
via Galena and Plattville, and died in East Dubuque in 1893 at the 
age of sixty-five years. His wife followed him in 1901, aged 
seventy-one. Alfred L. Clark, the subject of this sketch, attended 
the public schools until eighteen years old. In the fall of 1863, 
in answer to President Lincoln's call for volunteers, he enlisted 
for the preservation of the Union, but was recalled by his parents. 
This took place on three different occasions and he managed to 
remain in the service of his country until the close of that memo- 
rable struggle. He participated in various battles and skirmishes and 
was present at the battle of Nashville as corporal. At the close 
of the war he came to Dubuque and spent two years in completing 
his education. He then learned the carpenter trade with Hender- 
son & Brandt, architects and contractors, succeeding which for two 
years he was engaged in the manufacture of picture frames, learn- 
ing also gold gilding and stands today as the only man in Dubuque 
who can do this class of work. In 1871 the firm of Lyons & Rice 
failed in business, and the following year Mr. Clark, with the 
assistance of R. M. Hamlin, bought out the concern. Mr. Hamlin 
furnished the money and Mr. Clark managed the business, and 
their success was such that in time Mr. Clark was enabled to buy 
Mr. Hamlin's interest in 1875, ^"^ ^o^ two years thereafter con- 
tinued alone. In 1877 ^^^- J- C. Gregoire was admitted to partner- 
ship, but two years later Mr. Clark sold out to his partner and 
began traveling. From 1879 to 1899 he was engaged in the art 
business in Dubuque, and in the fall of the latter year, in partner- 
ship with A. A. and W. F. Cooper, embarked in the awning busi- 
ness. This association was dissolved about two months and a half 
later, and the Clark Roller Awning Company was organized. This 
concern has been unusually successful in its business operations and 
is one of the solid and substantial commercial houses of Dubuque. 
Mr. Clark is the general manager and a director. He is the in- 
ventor of thirty-one different ingenous contrivances, among which 
are the roller awning patents and rope fire escapes which have been 
endorsed by fire commissioners and legislatures. His last invention 
was the new idea railroad car truck. Mr. Clark is a Republican in 



846 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

politics, and although he has been requested to run for office on 
various occasions has always refused, preferring to confine his 
attentions to private business affairs. He is a member of the Grand 
Army of the Republic, the Woodmen of the World, Dubuque 
Traveling Men's Association, the Knights of Pythias, Benevolent & 
Protective Order of Elks and the Episcopal Church. He was 
married in Dubuque, October 6, 1874, to Miss Emma Melhop, 
daughter of John and Rebecca (Wiening) Melhop, and two daugh- 
ters have been born to them, named May and Grace. May is a 
graduate of Dubuque High School and resides at home; Grace mar- 
ried W. H. Glasser, of Dubuque. Mrs. Clark was a daughter of 
John and Rebecca ]\Ielhop, who were among the earliest pioneers 
of the county. Her father was a native of Germany, where he 
engaged in the wholesale grocery business, but in 1837 located in 
Dubuque, Iowa, and farmed until his death on November i, 1901, 
aged eighty-four years. His wife died April 9, 1900, aged seventy- 
three years, and both are buried in Linwood Cemetery. 

Frederick C. Burdt, of the contracting firm of C. Burdt & Son, 
was born in Dubuque, Iowa, April 6, 1872, and is a son of Christian 
Burdt, whose active career here as a contractor and builder for 
nearly half a century has made his name one of the most familiar 
in this section of the country. Christian Burdt came from Mecklen- 
burg, Germany, to Dubuque in 1859, and he has had to do with the 
erection of such noted structures as the Sacred Heart College at 
Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, the public school and bank buildings 
in East Dubuque, a large number of buildings at Sumner, Iowa, 
the Carr, Ryder & Adams factory, the Couler avenue car barns, 
the Dubuque Club, the first Sacred Heart church, the Holy Ghost 
Convent, the Thill double store building, numerous public and 
parochial school edifices and scores of imposing dwellings. Fred- 
erick C. Burdt is a graduate of Sacred Heart College at Prairie du 
Chien and the Bayless Business College. He began his business 
career in a minor capacity in his father's office and step by step 
mastered all the details incident to the building and contracting 
industry. For a time he was in the employ of a large contracting 
firm in Chicago, but for the most part lias been associated in busi- 
ness as a partner of his father. The sinking of the battleship 
Maine in Havana harbor and the subsequent declaration of war 
between the United States and Spain, led to his enlistment. He 
saw active service on the Island of Cuba and in the trenches before 
Santiago, then returned to his native city, which has since been the 
headquarters for his extensive building operations. Mr. Burdt is a 
member of the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, the Catholic 
Order of Foresters, the ^Modern Woodmen of the W'orld, the Wood- 
men of America, the Knights of Pythias, and is an independent 
Republican in politics. On September 12, 1900, Miss Mary E. 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 847 

Eberhard became his wife, and to them four children have been 
born: Erwin C, born July 9, 1901 ; Ahvin C. J., born October 20, 
1902; Melvin F., born December 2. 1907: and Milita M., born 
July 5, 1910. Mrs. Burdt is the daughter of Joseph and Mary 
Jane Eberhard, who came to Dubuque in 1855. 

Arthur M. Conzett, secretary-treasurer and a director of the 
Iowa Dairy Company since its incorporation in 1906, is a native 
of Dubuque, a son of Otto and Catherine Conzett and grandson of 
Lucius Conzett. Tlie latter immigrated to America from Switzerland 
with his family in 1835, locating in Dubuque, Iowa, and here died 
in 1896 when eighty-four years of age. Otto Conzett came to this 
country with his parents, learned the harness maker's trade, which 
he followed for many years, and is now living in Dubuque retired 
from the active cares of life. Arthur ]M. Conzett was born on July 
14, 1878, and until seventeen years old attended the local public 
schools. He then, in 1895. joined his father in conducting the 
Key City Dair\- Company and continued thus until, in partnership 
with Andrew Fletsch and Henry J. Jackson, he organized the Iowa 
Dair)- Company. This concern is the largest of its kind in the state 
of Iowa, and through the excellent management of the above named 
gentlemen has become one of the solid and substantial business 
establishments of the city. They transact an immense amount of 
business annually: in one year they receive 1,780,866 pounds of 
cream and 2,929,648 pounds of milk for bottling purposes. Mr. 
Conzett is a Republican in his political views and affiliates with 
the Westminster Presbyterian Church. On June 3, 1908, in 
Dubuque, he was united in marriage with Miss Josephine Xicks, 
daughter of Nicholas P. and Mary Nicks, and one daughter, Mil- 
dred Marie, was born to them on July 23. 1909. Mr. and Mrs. 
Nicks are among the pioneer settlers of the county, the former 
at present serving as deputy sherifif. The Conzett home in Dubuque 
is located at 2279 Jackson street. 

Horace F. Bunker, president of the Dubuque Art Glass Com- 
pany, Dubuque, is a native of England, born Januar}' 18, 1879, at 
Lenton, Nottingham, the son of Henry and Rebecca Bunker. The 
family immigrated to America in 1886, locating for three years on 
a farm in Winnebago county, Illinois, and then removing to Rock- 
ford. There the father resided until 1909, at which time he came 
to Dubuque and has since made this city his home. Horace F. 
Bunker was educated in the Rockford public schools, and when 
fifteen years old entered the employ of the National Mirror Works 
with a view of learning thoroughly the business. He remained with 
this concern nine years, live years of which he was foreman, then 
went to Chicago, Illinois, and for five years was assistant foreman 
for the Chicago Mirror & Art Glass Manufacturing Company. He 



848 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

then came to Dubuque and in June, 1909. founded the Dubuque 
Art Glass Company, of which he has been the active head since the 
incorporation. Mr. Bunker, by reason of his long connection with 
the glass manufacturing business, has thoroughly mastered the 
details of that line of endeavor, and largely through his manage- 
ment the concern of which he is the head has become one of the 
solid and substantial commercial houses of the city. In politics he 
is independent, voting for the man rather than the party. On 
April 18, 1900, he was united in marriage, at Chicago, with Miss 
Jennie Downing, and to them three daughters have been born, 
named Lilly Louise, Jane, attending Lincoln School, and Helen 
Rebecca. Mrs. Bunker is the daughter of John and Elizabeth 
Downing, residents of Cascade. The Dubuque Art Glass Company 
employs in the neighborhood of thirty men and transacts business 
all over the United States. 

Rev. Peter O'Malley, pastor of St. Anthony's Roman Catholic 
Church, Dubuque, since 1898, is a son of John and Nora (Ken- 
nedy) O'Malley, and descended from an old Irish family. The 
parents were farmers in the old country and there died and were 
buried. Peter O'Malley, the immediate subject of this memoir, 
was born in the city of Limerick, February 8, 1866, and was 
primarily educated in the Jesuit College at that place. He early 
decided that his life had best be spent in the service of the Master, 
and accordingly in 1883 he entered St. Patrick's College, Thurles, 
County Tipperary. On June 24, 1890, at Maynooth, he was form- 
ally ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop Walsh, of Dublin, 
and in September of that year came to America and Dubuque, Iowa, 
and until March, 1892, was assistant priest in St. Patrick's Church. 
His next mission was at St. Theresa's Church, Jackson county, 
Iowa, and due largely to his efforts a fine brick edifice was erected 
at Lamotte, that county. There he remained until called to 
Dubuque as pastor of St. Anthony's Church to succeed Father 
Kenny. His teachings and labors in this community have been of 
the highest order and much good has been brought about by his 
able ministrations. He erected a new church and school house and 
has improved the pastorage. Father O'Malley stands very high in 
the estimation of the citizens of Dubuque county. 

The Rt. Rev. Roger Ryan, vicar general of the archdiocese of 
Dubuque, and on whom also the high church title of monsignor 
was bestowed in 1896, is a native of Cashel, County Limerick, 
Ireland, and the son of John and Ellen (Cofifey) Ryan, whose 
ancestry can be traced in a direct line for a period of 1.500 years. 
Both father and mother lived and died in their native country. 
Fatlier Ryan was born on April 6. 1842, and after attending the 
parochial schools finished his scholastic training with a six years' 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 849 

course in Mount Melleray College, County Waterford, Ireland. He 
early determined to study for the priesthood and to spend his life 
in the service of the Master. In 1868 he crossed the Atlantic ocean 
to America, and on March 13, 1869. was formally ordained to the 
priesthood. Shortly thereafter he came to Dubuque, Iowa, and 
for a time was associated with St. Raphael's Cathedral, later being 
transferred to St. Patrick's parish, where he has since continued 
and become endeared to the hearts of all who know him and listen 
to his able ministrations aiKl- teachings. Dubuque county owes a 
good deal to the efforts of Father Ryan. He not only built the 
imposing St. Patrick's Church edifice, pastorage and school, but 
was one of the most instrumental in bringing about the erection 
of St. Joseph's College, an institution whose influence in the behalf 
of education and moral uplifting has been felt all over the J^Iiddle 
West. 

Harker Brent Spensley, senior partner of the long established 
firm of Spensley & Spensley, was born March 7, 1875, at Mineral 
Point, Wisconsin. His parents, John and Mary Spensley, for many 
years resided at Mineral Point, where the father was engaged in 
the lead smelting business. The mother, a daughter of Robert 
Waller, who came to America in 1820 and to Dubuque in 1830, 
is descended from an old English family whose members were 
prominent in affairs of the old country. When six years old 
Harker Brent Spensley came to Dubuque to be educated, and 
after attending the public schools entered and in 1904 was gradu- 
ated from the high school. This was supplemented by a couri-se in 
the legal department of the State University at Iowa City, from 
which institution he was duly graduated and granted the degree of 
Bachelor of Laws. He immediately returned to Dubuque and has, 
since 1896, been engaged in handling a general line of investments. 
Mr. Spensley is also a director of the Dubuque Opera House. In 
politics he favors the policies of the Republican party, and in 
religious views is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
Socially he is a member of the Masonic fraternity, in which order he 
has attained the rank of Knight Templar Mason, and of the Knights 
of Pythias. On May 8, 1907, at Pasadena, California, he was 
united in marriage with the great-granddaughter of Col. D. E. 
Lyon. To Mr. and Mrs. Spensley one child, Ann, has been born, 
now living at home with her parents. 

Dr. Charles Palen, one of the leading medical practitioners of 
Dubuque, is of German ancestry, his parents, Nicholas G. and Bar- 
bara Palen, coming from Luxemburg to this country. They were 
among the early settlers of Dubuque, and the father for many years 
engaged in mercantile pursuits here. He died November 13, 1902, 
at seventy-three years of age, and his widow, March 6, 1910. aged 



850 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

seventy-one years. Dr. Charles Palen was born in this city on 
September 2;^, 1879, and obtained his literary education in the 
public schools and at St. Joseph's College. Having decided to 
make the study and practice of medicine his life's occupation, he 
first prepared himself by reading in the otifice of a local practitioner, 
then entered the Northwestern Medical School at Chicago, from 
which he was graduated in 1902 with the degree of Doctor of 
Medicine. Succeeding this, until June i, 1904, he served as interne 
in the Cook County Hospital, then returned to the city of his 
nativity and has here since been engaged in the active and suc- 
cessful practice of his profession. He is vice president of the 
Dubuque County Medical Society and a member of the Iowa and 
Illinois State Medical societies and of the American Medical Asso- 
ciation. In religion he is a Roman Catholic ; in politics a Democrat, 
and socially a member of the Knights of Columbus. He is the 
present attending physician of St. Joseph's College. Dr. Palen 
married Miss Elizabeth J. Spilman on October 14, 1907, and to 
this union two children have been born : Elizabeth J. and Barbara 
Mary. 

Henry L. Buckley, well known resident of Dubuque and a 
justice of the peace, was born in East Dubuque January 2, 1875, 
and is a son of John and Catherine (McManus) Buckley. The 
father was a native of Ireland and came to America and Dubuque, 
Iowa, at an early date. For a period of forty-three years he was an 
employe of the Illinois Central Railway Company, being at the time 
of his death station master at Dubuque. He died in 1898 at the age 
of sixty-six years, but his widow still survives him and resides in 
Dubuque. She came from Ireland to America with her parents 
when young and has always resided in Dubuque county. ]\Iichael 
McManus, her brother, was killed by accident during a sham battle, 
his head being severed from his body by a gun thought to be 
unloaded. Until 1893 Henry L. Buckley attended the public school 
of his native city, and upon his parents removal to Dubuque finished 
his education in the third ward school. He then entered the employ 
of the Illinois Central railroad as messenger boy and upon his 
resignation in 1902 was timekeeper. A few years later Mr. Buckley 
was appointed deputy county clerk, serving as such until his election 
in 1908 to the office of justice of the peace. In politics he is a 
Democrat and socially a member of the Woodmen of the World, 
Modem Woodmen of America and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. 
At St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church, Dubuque, December 30, 
1903, he was united in marriage with Miss Clara M. Heeb, daughter 
of Louis and Catherine Heeb, who have been residents of Dubuque 
county for the last thirty years. Mr. Buckley is one of Dubuque's 
public spirited citizens and is highly respected by all who know him. 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 851 

Thomas J. Mulgrew, a native of the city of Dubuque and a 
member of one of its oldest and best known families, was born May 
8. 1867, a son of John and Louisa (Boxleiter) Mulgrew. Origi- 
nally the family resided in Germany, but the direct ancestors of the 
subject of this sketch moved to County Cavan, Ireland, and from 
there immigrated to America. Members of this family have 
achieved distinction in the various walks of life. The grandfather 
of Thomas J. was a soldier in the War of 1812 and lost his life at 
the battle of Black River Bridge. John Mulgrew came from New 
York City to Dubuque in 1850, and as was usual with many of the 
pioneers, engaged in mining, operating his own plant. He is yet 
well remembered by the old settlers as a man of strong character 
and unblemished integrity. Thomas J. Mulgrew passed his youth- 
ful days attending the public schools, and began his business career 
as a bell boy in the Julien Hotel, succeeding which for a time he was 
employed in several other capacities, eventually becoming connected 
with the Hansen & Lincoln Company as manager of their coal busi- 
ness. For eight years he was thus associated, then embarked in 
that line of business for himself. This, under the management of 
Mr. Mulgrew, gradually increased in importance in the commercial 
world of Dubuque until it is now recognized as one of its most 
stable and prosperous institutions. The concern is now incorpo- 
rated as the Mulgrew-Boys Company, of which Mr. Mulgrew ir t^c 
president and treasurer. He is also the treasurer and a director of 
the Dubuque Art Manufacturing Company, is a director of the 
Dubuque National Bank, the Dubuque Industrial Association, the 
Dubuque Board of Education and is the owner of a cotton planta- 
tion in Bolivar county, Mississippi. Mr. Mulgrew started out in 
life for himself a poor boy and by his own unaided efforts has 
accumulated a competency and an honored name among his fellow- 
men. He is a Roman Catholic in religion, being a member of St. 
Anthony's parish, is a Knight of Columbus, a member of the Benev- 
olent and Protective Order of Elks, and in politics is a Democrat. 
September 9, 1891, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary C. 
Cosley, daughter of Amab and Caroline Cosley, who were among 
the early pioneers of Dubuque county, and to their union four 
children have been born as follows: Myrtle V., Russell J., Carl 
George and Kathleen. The Mulgrews are among the best people of 
Dubuque. 

Rev. Michael H. Carey, pastor of St. Raphael's Cathedral, 
Dubuque, since 1905, is unusually well known because of bis promi- 
nence in connection with Catholicism in this city and throughout 
the central West. Born at Shullsburg, Wisconsin, on September 5, 
1858, he is a son of John and Ellen Carey, who came to this country 
in 1850 and engaged in agricultural pursuits. The family subse- 
quently moved to Storm Lake, Iowa, where the father died April 5, 



852 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

1900, aged eighty years, and where his widow survives him. The 
early life of Father Carey was passed on his father's farm and his 
first schooHng was acquired in the pubhc institutions. He received 
his classical education at St. Mary's Jesuit College, Kansas, his 
philosophical schooling at St. Joseph's College, Dubuque, and his 
theological training at the Grand Seminary, Montreal, Canada. 
Originally he expected to follow in the footsteps of his father and 
become a farmer, but believing he could accomplish more good in 
the world by an active career in the Mother Church first began the 
study of theology in 1892. He was ordained to the priesthood on 
December 22, 1900, and immediately thereafter came to Dubuque 
as assistant pastor of St. Raphael's Cathedral, of which he subse- 
quently, in 1905, became pastor. The piety, learning and business 
capacity of Father Carey have placed him in the ranks of the fore- 
most clergymen of the West, and enshrined him particularly in the 
hearts of his parishioners. 

Rev. Michael Barry is one of the most widely known of the 
clerg}^ of Dubuque. He was born in Limerick, Ireland, and there 
received his classical and theological training. He was ordained 
to the priesthood July 5, 1885, and shortly thereafter came to the 
United States and for two years was stationed at Lycurgus, Iowa. 
He then came to Dubuque and for seven years was professor of 
Latin and Greek in St. Joseph's College. This position he filled 
until his appointment to the very responsible office of chancellor to 
Archbishop Keane, in which capacity he has since served. 

Christopher E. Staheli is a native of Dubuque, Iowa, where 
he now resides, his birth occurring December 4, 1888. His parents, 
Ernst and Rose (Sutter) Staheli, were natives of Switzerland and 
Dubuque, respectively, and were married in this city. Ernst Staheli 
immigrated to America when nineteen years old, locating in 
Dubuque, and has since made this city his home. He is now 
employed as a jeweler for Hopkins & Witty. To Mr. and Mrs. 
Staheli seven children have been born as follows: Christopher E., 
Bertha M., Catherine, Ernst, Edward, John and Charles, all living 
but John, who died in infancy. The rest reside with their parents, 
with the exception of the subject of this sketch. Christopher E. 
Staheli was educated in the public schools of Dubuque until the 
age of fifteen years, at which time he began working for wages in 
the meat market business. After continuing thus about four years 
he bought the business he now owns and operates, his present loca- 
tion being at 298 Hill street. Mr. Staheli is one of the progressive 
young business men of Dubuque and by close attention to business 
has succeeded in building up a profitable trade. In 1910 he married 
Miss Lena Duscheck, born March 23, 1888, the daughter of John 
and Barbara Duscheck, who were natives of Germany and Galena, 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY S53 

Illinois, respectively. Mr. Duscheck is a stone mason by trade, but 
is now living in Dubuque retired from the active cares of life. Mrs. 
Duscheck died in 1906 at the age of fifty-two years. One son, 
Cliester, born December 2y, 1910, has blessed the marriage of Mr. 
and Mrs. Staheli. Mr. Staheli is independent in politics, voting for 
the one who in his judgment is best fitted to fill the otBce. Mrs. 
Staheli is a member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church. 

Robert H. Trombley, born August 19, 1859, in Scott county, 
Iowa, and now residing at 21 11 Jackson street, Dubuque, is a son 
of George and Catherine (McCaffery) Trombley, natives of Canada 
and Ireland, respectively, the former of French ancestry. George 
Trombley in early life secured employment on the river, .beginning 
in a minor capacity and gradually working his way up to the com- 
manding position. For fifty-five years his life's occupation was on 
the river and about thirty years of this time he served as captain. 
He died at the age of seventy-four years in 1906, but his widow 
survives him and resides at Le Claire, Iowa. They were the parents 
of three children : George, who is a steamboat captain, married, 
and resides at Le Claire; Robert H., and Minnie, the wife of Elmer 
McCraney. who is also a steamboat captain and resides at Le Claire. 
Robert H. Trombley was educated in the common schools and 
when eighteen years old began his career on the river. In 1881, 
at the age of twenty-two, he received his license as captain, and 
since that time, for a period of nearly thirty years, he has plied his 
vocation as steamboat captain on the Mississippi river. During 
this period he has had charge of about twenty different boats, at the 
present time being the commanding officer of the steamer Kalitan, 
the Indian name for arrow. In 1883 he married Miss Stella E., 
(laughter of Amos and Sophronia ( East ) Young, the former born 
in New York and the latter in Illinois, both descendants of Holland 
ancestry. Mr. and Mrs. Young were the parents of five children, 
as follows : Frank, who died in infancy ; Gertrude, married Robert 
Burchell and died in 1890, leaving two children: Stella E., the wife 
of the subject of this sketch; Joseph, married, the father of two 
children and a steamboat captain ; and Floyd, a stationary engineer 
residing in Chicago. Mr. Young died in 1866, aged fifty-one years; 
his widow survives him and is seventy -seven years old. Stella E., 
of the foregoing children, was born November 30, 1859, and to her 
marriage with Mr. Trombley four children have been born : Helen, 
the wife of William Von Hein, a steamboat engineer at Seattle, 
Washington ; Robert and Arthur, both single and traveling sales- 
men for Carr, Ryder & Adams, of Dubuque: and Paul, living at 
home and attending school. Mr. Trombley is a member of Du- 
buque Lodge No. 97, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, 
the Modern Woodmen of America and an honorary member of the 



854 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Dubuque Motor Boat Club. He is a Democrat in politics and he 
and wife attend the Christian Scientist Church. 

Carl A. Steuck^ who was born January 31, 1848, in Prussia, 
Germany, is now residing at 58 Francis street, Dubuque, and is 
engaged in the general contracting business. He was reared to 
manhood and educated in his native country, but thinking to better 
his condition, he immigrated to .\merica in 1873, and in March of 
that year located in Dubuque, Iowa, which has since been his 
home. For several years succeeding his arrival here he was em- 
ployed in the stone quarries, then began contracting for himself, 
at which he has met with a fair measure of success. He macadam- 
ized most all the streets of Dubuque and has also bricked most of 
the sewers of the city. The most noteworthy feature of the work 
of Mr. Steuck is the honesty and thoroughness with which he has 
filled all his obligations. In 1873 he married, at Dubuque, Henri- 
etta Graybow, who was born in Prussia, Germany, August 11, 
1852, and to them this family has been born: William, married 
Christina Wimmer. lias one child and resides at 342 Eagle street, 
Dubuque; Clara, the wife of John Behrensby, by whom she is the 
mother of two children and lives in Wisconsin ; Charles, unmar- 
ried and resides at home ; George, married Ruby Reider, the father 
of one child, the home being at 931 Lincoln avenue, Dubuque; 
Emma, who lives with her parents, and two deceased — Ida, who 
died when four years old, and Anna, who passed away at the age 
of twenty-five years. Prior to coming to this country Mr. Steuck 
served his country, in 1870-71, in the French and German war, and 
for five years was in the Prussian army. He is independent in his 
political affiliation. Since 1873 he has been a member of St. 
John's Lutheran Church, in which he has been an active worker and 
in which he has been an elder and trustee for many years. 

Patrick Norton, deceased, for many years engaged in the team- 
ing and real estate business in Dubuque, was a native of the Emer- 
ald Isle, his birth occurring in County Limerick in the year 182 1, 
and a son of Edmund and Annora Norton. In 1832 the family 
crossed the Atlantic ocean in a slow sailing vessel and after landing 
in America first located on a farm in New York state. They then 
removed to Vermont, but later came west to Higginsport, Iowa, 
where the father followed farming until his death. Patrick Norton 
received a common school education in his youth, and about 1837 
came to Dubuque county, Iowa, at which time it was little more 
than a frontier locality, scarcely free from the presence of the 
Indians. Here for a time he engaged in draying and teaming and 
later dealt extensively in real estate, building and renting homes and 
selling same on time payments. In 1842 Mr. Norton married Miss 
Amanda M. F. Kev, who was a native of South Carolina and came 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 855 

with her parents to Dubuque at an early day. To them the follow- 
ing named children were born: Mary, Joseph S. and Ellen C. (de- 
ceased) ; John W., farming in Dubuque county: Annora (de- 
ceased): Edmund F., marketmaster at Dubuque; Daniel D., who 
was killed in the discharge of his duties as policeman in Dubuque ; 
James P., jailor at Dubuque; Amanda and Patrick S., both of 
Dubuque. In March, 1868, when in the prime of life, Mr. Norton 
passed away, aged forty-seven, a man highly respected by all who 
knew him, and now lies at rest in Kelly's Bluff Cemetery. His 
widow, a fine and motherly old lady, yet survives him and resides in 
Dubuque. Many years ago, when Bishop Loras first visited this city, 
she entertained him in her home and is very proud of this fact. At 
the early age of sixteen she was converted to Catholicism, this being 
brought about by her intimate acquaintance with Father Kelley, 
whom she and several other young girls nursed during his illness. 
She has since been a staunch advocate of the Catholic religion and 
has reared her children in that faith to honorable and useful lives. 
Some four years ago Mrs. Norton met with a severe accident in the 
breaking of her collar bone, which, at her time of life, might easily 
have proved serious, but, through the careful and loving ministra- 
tions of her children, she recovered entirely and is at present in the 
enjoyment of the best of health. She takes great delight in the 
association of her children and is grandmother to fifteen and great- 
grandmother to two. She has hosts of friends throughout the 
•county and is greatly beloved by all who know her. 

Adolph Schaul, who owns a farm of 160 acres on section 9, 
Liberty Township, is a native of Dubuque county, Iowa, and a son 
of John N. and Kate ( Stoffel ) Schaul. John N. Schaul was born 
and reared to manhood in Luxemburg, Germany, and about 1863 
immigrated to the United States by way of New York City. He 
immediately came west to Iowa, but after a short residence in 
Luxemburg, Dubuque county, he removed to Michigan and there 
followed log teaming. Shortly thereafter, however, he returned to 
Liberty Township and bought 100 acres of wild and unbroken 
prairie land and here participated in the trials and hardships inci- 
dent to pioneer life. Farm life during early times was exceedingly 
hard at best, and in addition to this Mr. Schaul was without funds 
to enable him to live in ease, but he worked hard and gradually 
improved his property and in time became one of the substantial 
farmers of the community. He later added another forty acres to 
his holdings, and this he sold in 1876, disposing of the other hun- 
dred acres in 1881. He then purchased 160 acres of improved land, 
and this was his home ever afterwards. He died on January 30, 
1894, and is survived by the following children: Peter, John, 
Nic, Susan and Adolph. One child, Katie, died December 25, 
1908, being the wife of John Mathias. Mrs. Schaul passed awav in 



856 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

1876. Adolph attended the public schools of Liberty Township and 
the parochial school at Luxemburg until thirteen years old. He was 
born on December 12, 1870. He remained at home until his father's 
death, and five years later went to South Dakota and there bought 
a quarter section of land. He improved and later disposed of 
same, and then located on his present property, where he has since 
been successfully engaged in general farming and stock raising. 
He is a Democrat in politics, a Catholic in religion and a member 
of the Roman Catholic Mutual Protective Association of the State 
of Iowa. At Luxemburg, February 20, 1900, he married Miss 
Mathilda Stefifan, daughter of the old pioneers, John and Susan 
Stefifan, and granddaughter of one of Dubuque county's first set- 
tlers, William Steffan. Father Oberbroekling officiated at the wed- 
ding of Mr. and Mrs. Schaul, and to their union have been born 
these children: Edmund, died in infancy; Olive S., Aloysius J. and 
Margaret Catherina and Cecelia. 

Peter J. Maiers, residing on a farm of 247 acres in section i. 
Liberty Township, is a native of Dubuque county, Iowa, and a son 
of J. N. and Mary (Ries) Maiers. His birth occurred on the old 
homestead in section 36, September 10, 1880, and he received his 
scholastic training in the district school and the parochial school at 
Luxemburg, leaving 'the latter when fourteen years old. He 
remained at home assisting his father until nineteen years old, and 
then learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed during the 
summer months for four years. In winter he assisted his brother, 
J. A. Maiers, in the drug business. With his father he then 
bought part of the property now in his possession, consisting of 
120 acres, and two years later purchased another tract of 127 acres, 
all of which is now possessed by him. This he has brought to a 
high state of cultivation and today is regarded as one of the valu- 
able farms in Liberty Township. He remodeled the house, built 
a new corncrib and other outhouses and stocked his place with all 
manner of domestic animals necessary to farm life. He has about 
forty head of cattle and an average of one hundred head of swine. 
Mr. Maiers is a Democrat in his political views and has served as 
a director on the Board of Education. He is a Catholic in religion 
and a member of the Roman Catholic Mutual Protective Associa- 
tion of the State of Iowa. On January 12, 1904, at Holy Cross, 
Iowa, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Schneider, daugh- 
ter of Mathias and Margaret Schneider. To them these children 
have been born: one who died in infancy: Clarence J., born Octo- 
ber 16, 1904; Hilda M., bom October 2, 1908: Leona C, born 
December 14, 1909; and Alphonse M., born March i, 1910. Mathias 
Schneider, father of Mrs. Maiers, came to Concord Township, 
Dubuque county, Iowa, from Germany in i860 and here followed 
farming until his death, which occurred December 15, 1902, at the 






MRS ELIZABETH IWEIGEL) HEALY 



MRS, PHOEBE (WEIGEL) ELMER 




MRS. CHRISTINA (WEIGEL) CHRISTMAN 



RESIDENTS OF DUBUQUE SINCE JUNE 3. 1833 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY S57 

age of fifty-nine years. He is buried at Holy Cross. His widow- 
yet survives liim and resides on the old homestead in Concord 
Township. 

SEVENTY-EIGHT YEARS IN DUBUQUE. 

The three oldest settlers in Dubuque are Mrs. Elizabeth (Weigel) 
Healey, Mrs. Phoebe (Weigel) Elmer and Mrs. Christiana (Wei- 
gel) Christman. Special interest lies in the fact that they are 
sisters, the daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Philip J. Weigel, who landed 
at Dubuque June 3, 1833, having come from St. Louis on the 
steamboat Winnebago. Elizabeth was born January 3, 1824; 
Phoebe, October i, 1826; Christiana, August 26, 1828. By treatey 
the white people were given the right to settle what was known as 
the Blackhawk Purchase on and after June i, 1833. The Weigels 
landed on the 3rd. The family consisted of the parents, the three 
daughters named above and a son, Fred. This boat landed these 
early pioneers, including eight men besides the Weigel family, not 
far from where the Beach soap factory is now located. Here they 
were left without hut or tent, and without boards, shingles or nails 
with which to build. On account of the children it was necessary to 
provide some form of shelter immediately. For the first three 
weeks they made use of bushes and the lower limbs of trees cov- 
ered with blankets. During this time the entire party cut down 
trees and erected a temporary log house, in which they lived for 
about a year. During the summer of 1833 many settlers arrived. 
Some came to Chicago and teamed across the country ; others came 
to Pittsburg, down the Ohio and up the Mississippi. Early in 1834 
Mr. Weigel built a hewn log house near what is now the corner of 
Sixth and Main streets, on his little farm which embraced the block 
now bounded by Sixth and Seventh streets, between Main and 
Iowa. In the spring of 1834 Mr. Weigel went to Galena and pur- 
chased perhaps the first team of horses ever brought to Iowa ; at this 
time he also brought some sheep and geese. 

While the Weigels were living in their first log house near the 
present site of the Beach soap factory, they had many interesting 
experiences with the Indians. Once Mr. Weigel bought from a 
number of Indians some venison, but as this was the first venison 
his wife had seen, she was at a loss to know how to cook it prop- 
erly. After conferring with some of the young men in tiie neigh- 
borhood, she cooked it in some manner over the open fireplace. 
The children had been instructed not to get into contention with 
thelndians if they came while the men were not at home. Four 
big Indians did come one time when Elizabeth, then ten years old, 
and the younger children were alone at home. They wandered 
about, evidently looking for something to eat, as they could smell 
the bread just baked for a week's supply. The bread had been care- 



858 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

fully placed in a closet, but the Indians soon found it and without 
saying a word took the entire baking and marched out the door and 
up over the bluffs. 

Mrs. Healey, the oldest of these "girls," says she well remembers 
the first store established on the levee where the boats landed. It 
was made of a number of boards set up on end and placed together 
in the form of the letter A ; over the ends cloth was tacked, with 
flaps for entrance and exit. A man by the name of Johnson was 
the enterprising merchant and handled calicos, sugar, tea, nails, 
tobacco and liquor. 

About 1839 Mr. Weigel moved his family to a large farm on the 
Bloody Run, immediately north of Sageville. and was one of the 
men interested in building the city of Peru on land now known as 
the Peru Bottoms, which for a time they hoped to make the coming 
city of the West, but it was soon outstripped by Dubuque, and the 
boomers of Peru left the Bottoms and united with those of 
Dubuque. 

Mrs. Weigel bore sixteen children and lived to be ninety-three 
years old. An older brother of the three surviving children was 
Fred Weigel, of whom an appropriate sketch appears elsewhere in 
this book. On January 12, 1840, Elizabeth married Thomas 
Healey, living on the adjoining farm, now known as the "Sleepy 
Hollow Farm." They had eight children, three of whom are 
living, as follows; George, Florence (Mrs. George Walton), and 
Caroline (Mrs. George Fifield). 

Phoebe married Samuel Elmer, August 10, 1848, and they had 
twelve children, seven of whom are living: Susan (Weineke), 
Daniel, Emma (Trumbull), Charles, Frances (Engler), Florence, 
and Minnie (Goodfide). Christiana married Peter Christman No- 
vember 27, 1846; they had eleven children, seven of whom are 
living: John, Fred, Ida (Nienstedt), Peter, Charles, William, and 
Emma (Manson). 

Mr. Healey died in 1878; Mr. Elmer, June 18, 1895; Mr. Christ- 
man, January 14, 1896. The three sisters reside in the city of 
Dubuque, aged eighty-seven, eighty-five and eighty-three years, 
respectively. 

Joseph W. Newburgh, one of the oldest living residents of 
Dubuque, and who for nearly fifty years has conducted a contract- 
ing painting, paper-hanging and decorating establishment in this 
city, was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, January 13, 1840, the 
son of Fred W. and Caroline (Oenrichhaus) Newburgh. The 
father was a native of Pennsylvania and the mother of Germany 
The father's father came from Holland at an early date and partici- 
pated in the War of 1812. Joseph W. Newburgh was educated in 
the district schools of his native county and early in life turned his 
attention to painting. For a time thereafter he worked at his trade 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 859 

in Cleveland, Ohio; then in Canada, and subsequently at Detroit, 
Chicago, Janesville and Galena until 1863, when he located perma- 
nently in Dubuque. He opened an office here as a contracting 
painter, paper-hanger and decorator, and ever since has been a resi- 
dent and foremost business man of Dubuque. His business in- 
creased as time passed and spread to neighboring cities, but of 
recent years Mr. Newburgh has confined his operations largely to 
this city. His services are in such demand here that he has but 
little or no time for work elsewhere. In Dubuque the name New- 
burgh is synonymous with "the best there is in his line." He holds 
the enviable reputation of being the second oldest business man in 
continuous management under the same name in Dubuque, and has 
conducted his affairs with his own sign over the door for over 
forty-eight years. Mr. Newburgh is the second oldest living mem- 
ber of the Dubuque lodge of the Masonic fraternity, in which he 
has attained the rank of Knight Templar Mason, and is also the 
second oldest member of Harmony Lodge of the Independent Order 
of Odd Fellows. For many years he has also been identified with 
the Knights of Pythias. In political views he is a Republican, 
but, although always taking an active interest in public affairs, has 
never aspired to hold office, preferring to confine his attention to 
business affairs. In i860 he married Miss Elizabeth Brendell, of 
Galena, Illinois, the daughter of John Brendell, and to them these 
children have been born : Carrie, now Mrs. Homer E. Jackson ; 
Charles, in glass business at Chicago, and Albert, associated in 
business with his father. Mrs. Newburgh was born in November, 
1840, and she and her husband have lived happily together for over 
fifty years. They have long been inacti\'e members of St. Luke's 
Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. and Mrs. Newburgh are among 
Dubuque's best citizens and are highly respected and esteemed bv 
all who know them. 

Robert W. Quinlan, engaged in the grocery and buffet busi- 
ness in the city of Dubuque, was born in Sinsinawa, Grant county, 
Wisconsin, April 18, 1869, the son of Henry and Margaret (Len- 
ham) Quinlan. During his active business career Henry Quinlan 
was a grocer and buffet operator, and at an advanced age he passed 
away at his home in East Dubuque, where his widow still resides. 
Robert W. Quinlan received his early education in the public 
schools, later taking an electrical course with the Scranton Corre- 
spondence School, and for twenty years thereafter was employed 
as operator and electrician by the Western L^nion and Postal tele- 
graph companies and the Board of Trade. He came to Dubuque 
in 1905 and purchased his present establishment, located at 1091 
White street, and has since been thus successfully engaged. In 
1894 he was united in marriage with Miss Danglemeyer, of East 
Dubuque, and one son. Robert Joseph, was born to them on March 



86o HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

26, 191 o. Mr. Quinlan is a Democrat in national political views, 
but in local affairs prefers to cast his \ote for the man, regardless 
of party affiliation. Socially he is identified with the Eagles, Ori- 
oles, Woodmen of the World, Owls and the Licjupr Dealers' and 
Grocerymen's associations. Although always taking an active in- 
terest in local affairs of importance, he has never held office, prefer- 
ring to confine his attentions to private business. 

Edmund A. Linehan, prominently identified with the retail 
drug interests of Dubuque, was born in this city, October 26, 1873, 
the son of Dennis W. and Mary A. (Cox) Linehan. Dennis W. 
Linehan was of Irish nativity, born in 1840, and when ten years 
of age was brought to the United States by his parents, Edmund 
and Mary (Donovan) Linehan, and the father for years engaged 
in the contracting business in Dubuque. To them were born seven 
children, as follows: Dennis W., November 4, 1840; J. J.; Rev. 
T. M., afterwards a bishop (deceased); M. C. ; Bart E., and 
Michael, both deceased, and Mrs. Mary Molo, of Dubuque. Dennis 
W. Linehan eventually succeeded to his father's contracting busi- 
ness, and also for many years engaged in the real estate business. 
In 1910, owing to ill health, he retired from active participation in 
business affairs. Edmund .\. Linehan, the immediate subject of 
this memoir, attended the public schools, St. Joseph School, St. 
Joseph's College and St. Mary's College, of St. Marys, Kansas. 
For three years he then was with Walton & Bieg, stationers, of 
Dubuque, then with Linehan & Molo three years, and also as 
purchasing agent for the Union Electric Company seven years. 
From 1906 to 1910 he served as city recorder of Dubuque, and is 
at present engaged in the drug business at the corner of Iowa and 
Twelfth streets, which establishment was formerly owned by J. J. 
Fettgatter. In 1904 Mr. Linehan was united in marriage with Miss 
Elma C. McLaughlin, daughter of J. T. McLaughlin, of Chicago, 
and to them have been born: Mary Elma and Edmund John. Mr. 
Linehan has always been an active Democrat in his political affilia- 
tions, is a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Catholic 
Order of Foresters and resides with his family at 349 Hill street. 

James Leary, of the Leary Commission Company, dealers in 
stocks, bonds, grain, cotton, provisions, etc., with offices in the 
Bank and Instirance building, was born in County Wick ford, Ire- 
land, August 13, 1868. He received his education in the Canadian 
sectarian schools, business college, and in Bishop's Academy at 
Montreal. He then studied telegraphy and for a number of years 
was employed by the Canadian Pacific and other railroads as oper- 
ator and train dispatcher. He later relinquished this, however, to 
engage in the brokerage business on the Chicago Board of Trade, 
being thus connected for a period of ten years. In 1902 he opened 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 86i 

his present offices in Dubuque and has since made his headquarters 
in this city. He is independent in poHtics, stands high in social and 
business circles, and is a member of the Dubuque Club, the Elks, 
and the Catholic Order of Foresters. In religious views he is a 
Roman Catholic and a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church. 
To his marriage with Miss Matilda St. Pierre, of Montreal, two 
sons have been born, namely. Walter, now attending St. Joseph's 
Academy, and William, a student in the public schools. 

John M. Byrne was born in the city of Dubuque on May 29, 
1853, the second in a family of four children born to the union of 
Patrick and Theresa (Hart) Byrne. The father, a native of Kil- 
kenny county, Ireland, came to America and Dubuque in 1850 and 
obtained employment as clerk in the O'Hallern grocery establish- 
ment. He was later elected city treasurer of Dubuque and died in 
1858 while occupying that office. He was forty yaers of age when 
he passed away and was survived by his wife until 1878, she dying 
when fifty-one years old. To them four children were born, as fol- 
lows : one, who died on the passage across the Atlantic to the United 
States, unnamed: John M., subject of this review; Joseph T. and 
Francis J. John ]\I. Byrne received his education in the local public 
schools, succeeding which he spent six years in the L. H. Jordan 
sash factory. After a short connection with Patch & Waite he then 
established himself in the grocery business at the southwest corner 
of Fifth and Main streets, continuing thus two and a half years and 
then selling to Dunn & Collins. He and brothers then purchased of 
the George Wilde estate the livery establishment where the Rider- 
Wallis building now stands, taking charge on September 26, 1876, 
and conducted that business some fourteen months under the firm 
name of O'Brien & Byrne Brothers. In November, 1877, the Byrne 
brothers disposed of their interests to Mr. O'Brien, and on May 12 
of the following year established themselves at Seventh and Locust 
streets, which barn is still operated. On May 12, 1888, they acquired 
the large barn and transfer house at Ninth and Iowa streets, now 
their headquarters, and in 1901 also purchased the Dubuque Omni- 
bus Company, which they have since successfully operated. John 
M. Byrne is a member of the Dubuque Club, the Commercial Club, 
St. Raphael's Cathedral and the Modern Woodmen of America. 

Dr. Isaac S. Bigelow, perhaps the oldest active medical prac- 
titioner in Dubuque, and a man highly respected by all who know 
him, is a native of Dubuque county, his birth occurring January 27, 
1859, in Washington Township. He was the youngest son of Dr. 
Israel S. and Margaret (Bughman) Bigelow, pioneer residents of 
this county. The father was born and reared in Center county, 
Pennsylvania, and there for a time practiced medicine, but at an 
early date came west to Dubuque county, with the intention of 



862 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

abandoning his practice and following farming. However, when it 
became known generally that he was a doctor, the demand for !iis 
services became so great that he was forced to resume the practice. 
For a period of fifty years he was thus engaged throughout Du- 
buque, Jackson and Jones counties, and during this time was spared 
none of the trials and hardships incident to the life of the early 
practitioner. He kept fully alive to the leading topics of the day, 
and wlien Death halted his career in 1881, at the great age of 
eighty-one years, the people lost one of their best friends and the 
county a good and loyal citizen. His wife still survives and is now 
residing with her son, a kindly old lady of eighty-nine years. To 
their union the following children were born : Alpheus, of Boze- 
man, Montana; Mrs. Anna long, of Iowa; Mrs. Sarah Lloyd, of 
Algona, Iowa; Mrs. Mary Long, of Nebraska; Mrs. Emma Seeley, 
of Algona, Iowa ; Israel, of Bozeman, Montana : James, of Du- 
buque, and Dr. Isaac S., our subject. After attending the public 
schools Dr. Isaac S. Eigelow pursued his studies in Lenox College, 
and subsequently entered and in 1881 was duly graduated from 
Rush Medical College, Chicago, with the degree of Doctor of Medi- 
cine. For two years he then practiced medicine at La Mott, Jack- 
son county, Iowa, and in 1883 came to Dubuque, and in partnership 
with Dr. Benjamin McCluer (then one of the leading physicians of 
Dubuque) engaged in the general practice of his profession for 
six years. This association continued until 1890 and since that time 
our subject has continued alone. He is recognized as one of the 
leading men of his profession in the county, and for years, by 
reason of conscientious practice, has enjoyed a large clientele. Dr. 
Bigelow is a member of the American Medical and Iowa State 
Medical associations, is an ex-president and ex-secretary of tlie 
Dubuque County Medical Society, and has contributed various arti- 
cles to medical journals, chief among which was, perhaps, "Frac- 
tures of Elbow Joint," which attracted wide and favorable atten- 
tion. He is a member of the Finley Hospital staff, and is physi- 
cian for the Iowa Home for tlie Friendless. For years he served as 
examiner for the Iowa State Pension Board, and was a member of 
the Insanity Commission. In politics the doctor is a Democrat of 
the Cleveland school, and socially is a Knight of Pythias and a 
member of the Dubuque Club. In 1887 he was united in marriage 
with Miss Mary A. Van Duyce, of Dubuque, and to them, on 
April 29, 1889, was born Emily, now a graduate of the Quincy 
Mansion School, of Boston. The doctor is still actively and suc- 
cessfully engaged at his profession and, like his father before him, 
is a highly respected citizen of Dubuque county. 

Jacob Speilman, one of the venerable pioneers now residing in 
Dubuque, was born in Germany. April 14, 1822, the son of Mathew 
Speilman. He learned the trade of carpenter, joiner and builder 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 863 

under the tutelage of his father, who was extensively engaged in 
the contracting and building business. He came to Chicago. Illi- 
nois, many years ago, where he followed his trade until 1848, when 
he removed to Dubuque. Iowa, and has since continuously made 
his home in this city. His father came here at the same time, and 
they had their active part in the construction of many of the earlier 
substantial buildings of Dubuque, and some of them are still in a 
good state of preservation. In March, 1848, Jacob Speilman was 
united in marriage with Miss Carrie Walker, and to them were born 
nine children, eight of whom are living : Carrie, Minnie, Mary, Lena, 
Jacob Speilman, Jr., Frederick, David and Charles. After retiring 
from the active pursuit of his trade, Mr. Speilman was employed 
as a carpenter for a number of years in the car shops of the Chi- 
cago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway in Dubuque. He has been 
in retirement for some years, and with his wife is enjoying the 
peace and quiet earned by a well-spent life in their comfortable resi- 
dence at 534 Rhomberg avenue, Dubuque. 

Ferdinand Freking has for many years been actively identified 
with the farming interests of Dubuque county, Iowa. He is of 
German nativity, born at Oldenburg, December 6, 1856, and a son 
of Carl and Elizabeth Freking, both of whom lived and died in 
the old country. He attended the German public schools until 
reaching the age of fourteen, and for several years thereafter 
assisted his father with the work of the home farm. In 1875 ^^''• 
Freking determined to cast his lot with the thousands of home- 
seekers who were constantly immigrating to the United States, and 
accordingly crossed the Atlantic ocean to this country, landing at 
New York City. He immediately came west to Dubuque county, 
Iowa, and for a time worked as a farm hand ; then removed to 
Delaware county, Iowa, and farmed on rented land for seven years. 
Succeeding this he returned to Dubuque county and bought a tract 
of 160 acres of rough and unimproved prairie land in New Wine 
township, and this has been his home ever since. Mr. Freking 
erected suitable buildings on his property and is engaged in general 
farming and stock raising. His life in this country was begun 
under rather adverse circumstances, he being $4,100 in debt on his 
farm, but by hard work and careful saving of his money he honor- 
ably settled all obligations and today is regarded as one of the pro- 
gressive and prosperous farmers of the community. As a Demo- 
crat in politics, he has taken an active interest and part in local 
affairs of importance, and for fifteen years has served as a member 
of the school board. He is a Roman Catholic in religion, belong- 
ing to Father Pape's parish, and is a member of the Roman Catho- 
lic Mutual Protective Association of the State of Iowa. Mr. Frek- 
ing has been twice married : First to Miss Helena Glass, who died 
April 15, 1888, leaving two daughters, Frances and Elenora, the 



864 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

former the wife of Clemens Lunsman; October 3, 1893, Mr. Frek- 
ing married Miss Francisca Oberbroeckling, daughter of the old 
pioneers. George and Maria Oberbroeckling, yet residing in this 
county. To Mr. Freking's second marriage the following named 
children have been born : Franz, assisting his father ; Mary, Martha, 
Annie, Leonetta and Catherina, all of whom are being reared in the 
Catholic faith. 

Francis Xavier Bullinger, who passed away January 5, 1899, 
at Dyersville, was one of Dubuque county's foremost citizens. A 
native of Bavaria. Germany, he was bom December 3, 1833, and 
when but eighteen years of age was master of the German, French 
and Latin languages and a graduate of the Gymnasium at Heidel- 
berg. In 1854 he determined to cross the ocean and seek a home 
and fortune in America, and after landing in this country located 
for a time at Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he attended St. Francis 
College. He then accepted a position in the postofifice of that city, 
succeeding which for many years he taught in the public schools 
throughout Iowa and Wisconsin. In 1859 he came to Dyersville, 
Iowa, and embarked in mercantile pursuits, at which he success- 
fully continued for many years. He was ever active in local affairs 
of importance, and when death halted his career he died in the 
knowledge that his whole life had been devoid of dishonorable 
deeds, and with the high respect and esteem of his fellowmen. On 
September 6, 1856, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary 
Boeckensted, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Frank Boeckensted. 
She was born a subject of the German Empire, birth occurring at 
Steinfelf, Oldenburg, March 30. 1841. and when five years old was 
brought to the United States and New Vienna, Dubuque county, 
Iowa, arriving here on All Saints Day of the year 1846. Her mar- 
riage to Mr. Bullinger took place in St. Boniface Church, the late 
Rev. Father Jacob Orth officiating, and shortly after the ceremony 
they removed to Dyersville. Mrs. Bullinger was a very kindly lady 
and had hosts of friends wherever she was known. On May 21, 
1898, she was summoned to the great beyond, and her loss was 
mourned generally throughout the county. To her and husband 
the following named children were born : John ; Joseph ; Lydia, 
born at Dyersville, educated in the public schools, a graduate of high 
school, taught ten years in the county schools, and after her mother's 
death engaged in the millinery business ; and Annie, educated in the 
Dyersville parochial school, and now engaged with her sister in the 
millinery business. 

John W. Menke, engaged in general farming and stock raising 
near Luxemburg, is a native of Liberty township, Dubuque county, 
Iowa, and a son of Henry and Katherina Menke. Henry Menke 
was bom in the Prussian Province of Westphalia, Germany, and in 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 865 

1840 immigrated to the United States and came to Dubuque county. 
He settled on 240 acres of land in section 16. Liberty township, and 
here participated in the scenes and incidents prevalent in the early 
days. He was schooled in the lessons of thrift and economy in the 
fatherland, and these essential qualities for success he put into oper- 
ation in this country. As time passed he prospered, the first build- 
ings were replaced with better ones, old-fashioned implements of 
husbandry gave way to those of more modern manufacture, and the 
soil was brought to a high state of cultivation on a scientific basis. 
Mr. Menke was prominent and held various township offices of 
honor and trust, and in 1894, at the age of sixty-eight years, passed 
away. His widow yet survives him and resides at Bancroft, Iowa. 
John W. Menke was born on the old homestead, July 21, 1859, and 
during boyhood days attended the district and parochial schools and 
assisted his father with the work on the farm. His schooling was 
completed in his thirteenth year, and he remained under the parental 
roof until of age. He then bought forty acres of land in Liberty 
township, later adding forty more thereto, which he disposed of 
before purchasing his present property near Luxemburg. He has 
always followed general farming and stock raising. In politics he 
is a Democrat, in religion a staunch adherent of the Roman Catholic 
faith. He belongs to the Roman Catholic Mutual Protective Asso- 
ciation of the State of Iowa. February 8, 1881, he married, at 
Luxemburg, Miss Katherine Froehle, daughter of Clemens and 
Mary Froehle, and one daughter, Irene, who was educated in the 
parochial school, has been born to them. Mrs. Menke's father was 
a native of Oldenburg, Germany, and immigrated to America about 
1845. He came to Dubuque county, Iowa, and for many years fol- 
lowed farming, dying in 1897 at the age of sixty-eight years. His 
widow yet survives him, aged seventy-nine years. 

Gen. George W. Jones, one of the foremost men of Dubuque, 
and prominent in national and state affairs, was born at Vincennes, 
Indiana, April 12, 1804. In 1825 he graduated at Transylvania 
Lhiiversity, succeeding which he read law. Owing to failing health, 
he was advised to take up outdoor pursuits, and in 1827 located at 
Sinsinawa Mound, Wisconsin, seven miles from Dubuque. He 
served in the Black Hawk war, and under General Dodge partici- 
pated in the battle on the Wisconsin river when the Indians were 
practically annihilated. Upon the close of the war he was appointed 
colonel of the militia. In 1833 he was appointed a judge of the 
United States district court and as such attained distinction. Two 
years later, and again in 1837. he became congressional delegate 
from Michigan Territory, then embracing nearly all the Northwest, 
and was instrumental in organizing the territories of Wisconsin and 
Iowa, and was strongly recommended for governor of the former. 
In 1840 he was made surveyor-general by President Van Buren, a 



866 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

position he filled until removed by President Harrison for political 
reasons, but from 1845 to 1848 occupied the place by reappointment 
of President Polk. In 1848, General Jones and A. C. Dodge, both 
Democrats, were elected the first United States Senators from Iowa. 
The general was re-elected in 1853, and served till the expiration 
of the term, March 4, 1859, on which day he was appointed minister 
to Bogota. He was recalled at the beginning of the Lincoln admin- 
istration. Because of intimate friendship with Jefferson Davis, he 
was arrested and for a number of months confined a prisoner in Fort 
Lafayette. Intellectually, General Jones was a giant, and to enumer- 
ate his many public acts would fill a volume. He was original, and 
a pioneer in clearing the way for many of the progressive changes 
which have come to the country in subsequent years. When a dele- 
gate in congress, he secured the establishment of a land office in 
Dubuque and one in Burlington, and the office of surveyor-general 
in Dubuque ; the construction of lighthouses along the western shore 
of Lake Michigan ; large appropriations for the improvement of 
public roads and the improvement of the rapids of the lower Missis- 
sippi river; the purchase of large tracts of land from the Sac and 
Fox Indians, etc. As senator he secured for Dubuque the initial 
point for the river mail line between Galena and St. Paul and the 
carrying of the mail by a Dubuque concern, and in numerous other 
ways accomplished much for Iowa and Wisconsin. General Jones 
was a man of marked personality. Invariably courteous, especially 
to ladies, he was equally aggressive in advocating his cause among 
men. His physical courage was undoubted. His marriage with 
Josephine Gregoire was one of unalloyed happiness. He died July 
22, 1896, aged ninety-two years, three months and ten days, and 
was buried in Mount Olivet Cemetery, by the side of his wife, who 
had preceded him several years, receiving the full rites of the Roman 
Catholic church, of which he was a devout member. His surviving 
daughter, Mrs. J. Linn Deuss, lives at 1599 Blufif street, Dubuque. 

D. C. HuNTOON, a well-known resident of Dubuque, was born 
at Marine City, Clair county, Michigan, on August 25, 1854, and 
is a son of Edward and Cordelia (Wilkins) Huntoon, and grand- 
son of Dr. Humphrey Huntoon. who came to America during 
colonial days and participated in the Revolutionary war. The 
father was a sailor and for many years resided at Marine City, 
where he died in 1896, and was followed by his wife in 1903. Del 
C. Huntoon was educated in the public schools of his native city 
and later entered the State University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, 
from which institution he was graduated in 1876. He then took 
up journalism and has followed that profession ever since, a period 
covering thirty years. Upon coming to Dubuque he became editor 
of the Tiiucs-Joiinml. which position he has since held, and as a 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 867 

Republican in politics has served as assistant chairman of the 
Republican State Central Committee of Iowa. He has always 
taken great interest in public affairs of importance, both local and 
national, and has officiated in numerous public positions. Mr. Hun- 
toon is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and in religious views 
is identified with the Episcopal church. On November 21, 1904, 
in Dubuque, he was united in marriage with Miss Annie E. Mar- 
shall, who was born in Dubuque and attended the Prescott school. 
She was the daughter of William and Sarah Marshall, the former 
dying February 15. 1904, and the latter February 10, 1907, and 
both are buried in the family lot in Linwood Cemetery. 

William Marshall was a native of London, England, and came to 
America in 1852, locating at Dubuque. Iowa, where he founded 
the Eagle Steam Boiler Works, and was one of the pioneer 
boiler manufacturers. He was a broad-minded man and did much 
toward the growth and development of his adopted country and 
city. Mr. and Mrs. Huntoon reside at 925 Grandview avenue, and 
are among the best people of Dubuque. 

John Jerome Roshek, president of the Roshek Brothers Com- 
pany, and one of the well-known commercial men of the North- 
west, is a native of Fort Washington, Pennsylvania, his birth 
occurring January 22, 1872. He is of Swiss extraction, his par- 
ents, Joseph Jerome and Mary M. Roshek, being born, reared and 
educated in that country. For years the father was engaged in the 
live-stock industry, both in Switzerland and in the State of Iowa, 
and was unusually successful in that line of business. He died in 
1883, aged forty-nine years, an honored and highly esteemed citi- 
zen of the land of his adoption. When the disruption of the Union 
was threatened by civil war between the North and the South, 
Mr. Roshek took his place with the Boys in Blue and served faith- 
fully during the struggle that followed. John Jerome Roshek. the 
immediate subject of this memoir, acquired his early schooling in 
the public institutions of Pennsylvania, and when fourteen years 
old started out for himself as an employe of a Chicago shirt manu- 
facturing concern, with whom he remained three years. For a 
time he then traveled for an Eastern dry goods house, and in 1894, 
with his brother. F. H. Roshek. came to Dubuque, where they 
opened a small dry goods establishment on Main street, between 
Sixth and Seventh streets. From a comparatively small beginning 
their business grew and prospered, and. adding to their premises 
and stock as occasion warranted, they were soon compelled to seek 
larger quarters. They then removed their concern to the south- 
east corner of Main and Eighth streets, remodeling an old build- 
ing that had for years been a landmark in Dubuque, and temporarily 
occupied the first two floors. Here they again were unusually sue- 



86R HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

cessful, and in time inaugurated and put into practical use the 
"bargain basement," now in vogue in New York, Chicago and 
many of the other large cities throughout the United States. Their 
estabhshment now occupies five floors and basement ; they employ 
in the neighborhood of 225 people, and have the largest department 
store in Dubuque and one of the largest and l^est in the entire 
Northwest. Branch offices have been opened in New York City 
and in Paris, France, these being under the supervision of F. H. 
Roshek. These two men started out in life comparatively poor 
boys, and by hard work and strict attention to business have become 
prominent factors in the local commercial world. 

Alfred T. Roedell, teacher of the violin and leader of the 
orchestra which bears his name, Dubuque, was born in this city 
July 18, 1880, the son of Robert T. and Arabella P. Roedell. He 
received his early education in the local public schools, after which 
he took a course in music under Professor Thomas, of Dubuque. 
He then went to Chicago and studied the violin under Carmon Bar- 
rille and also took vocal instructions in Milwaukee. Succeeding 
this he returned to Dubuque, where he has since attained consider- 
able reputation as an instructor in violin and vocal accomplishments. 
He also conducts the Roedell Orchestra, which furnishes music on 
select occasions, and which is composed of finished musicians. On 
June 17, 1908. Mr. Roedell was united in marriage with Miss 
Minna Schulter, of Castleville, Iowa. Her grandfather at one 
time owned 175 acres of land where now is located the heart of 
the city of Dubuque, which he purchased from the Indians. In 
1830, when this section of the country was thrown open for settle- 
ment by the government, his claim to the land was disputed, and 
received no recognition. Mr. and Mrs. Roedell, with their one son, 
Alfred T., Jr., make their home in the city of Dubuque. 

Adolph Langel, now living retired from the active cares of life 
in Dyersville, has been prominently identified with the growth and 
development of the western portion of Dubuque county. A native 
of Prussia, Germany, he came to the United States in 1850, with 
a view to making this country his future home. His arrival in 
America was not calculated to inspire confidence in an adopted 
country, for while attending to some business matters in New York 
Citv his Imggage, which had been left near the landing, was stolen. 
He later lost his hat on a trip down the Hudson river and his only 
suit of clothes was taken by thieves shortly afterward. A kind- 
hearted lady supplied his immediate wants, however, and he worked 
successfully for a time at his trade of carpenter. He then came 
west to Iowa and settled on eighty acres of land in Dubuque county. 
This he grubbed and cleared, and as his means afforded he added to 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 869 

his properties until he became the owner of over 2,000 acres of 
farm land. In conjunction with farming he also followed carpen- 
tering, and erected many homes throughout his section of the 
county. He took an active part in local commercial enterprises, 
and was at one time president of the Farmers' State Bank at Dyers- 
ville. He married Miss Catherina Schlichter and in 1906 they 
celebrated their golden w-edding amidst the hearty congratulations 
of their many friends and admirers. They reared to honorable and 
useful lives a family of seven sons and four daughters. 

John Langel, residing on a farm of 200 acres on sections 24 
and 25, Liberty township, is a son of the old pioneers. Adolph and 
Catherina (Schlichter) Langel, appropriate mention of whom im- 
mediately precedes this. He was born in Liberty township, Octo- 
ber 17, 1867, and until thirteen years of age attended the district 
schools. Until twenty-six years old he assisted his father in farm- 
ing and then bought 160 acres of his present land, and in 1906 forty 
acres more. This he improved by erecting a fine residence, barn 
and various outhouses, and today has one of the best farms in the 
community. He follows general farming, and also deals exten- 
sively in cattle and hogs. Mr. Langel was one of the organizers 
and is a director of the Luxemburg Savings Bank, is a Democrat 
in politics, and a trustee of Liberty township. He is a Roman Cath- 
olic in his religious views and has served as secretary of the 
Roman Catholic Mutual Protective Association of the State of 
Iowa. On January 23, 1894, at Luxemburg, he was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Elizabeth Steffan, daughter of the highly respected 
pioneers, Anton and Elizabeth Steffan, and to their union these 
children have been born: Anton, died February 11, 1904, aged five 
years; Joseph, died in infancy. Katie, attended parochial school, 
now at home ; Clemens, in school ; Raymond : and Agnes. 

D. A. Gehrig, cashier of the German State Bank at Dyersville, 
Iowa, and ex-mayor of that city, was born in Switzerland in 1852, 
and when but quite young was brought by his parents to America 
and Dubuque county. He was educated in the Dubuque public 
schools, working after school hours and during vacation, and for 
a time was a clerk in the city treasurer's office. He was deputy 
county treasurer, and thus familiarized himself with figures and 
sound business principles. He served as city treasurer for two 
terms and for five years also occupied the position of deputy county 
sheriff with credit. Mr. Gehrig then, at the request of the directors 
of the German State Bank at Dyersville, relinquished his political 
affiliations and accepted the position of cashier in the above insti- 
tution. He has since served in this capacity, and has seen the bank 
grow and prosper until it has become one of the best institutions of 



870 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

its kind in the state. In the spring of 1893, ^^^- Gehrig was elected 
mayor of Dyersville, and most creditably filled the position. He 
is half owner of the P. Freymann dry goods and grocery esablish- 
ment in Dyersville, which has become one of the solid and substan- 
tial concerns of the county. In 1875 he was united in marriage 
with Miss Frances Kistler, whose parents were among Dubuque 
county's oldest and highly respected citizens. 



THE CATHOLICS. 

THE first Catholic services in Dubuque were held by Rev. 
Father Quickenbourn, of the Jesuit College, St. Louis, at the 
home of Mrs. Brophy the summer of 1833. Services were 
afterward held the same year at the house of Patrick Quigley. 
Early in 1834 Rev. J. Fitzmaurice, a Catholic clergyman, was sta- 
tioned at Dubuque. 

"In the fall of 1833, in the south room of Patrick Quigley's two- 
story log house, at First and Bluff streets, religious services were 
held by Rev. Fr. Fitzmaurice, and during the following winter and 
for over two years mass was said by Rev. Fr. Mazzuchelli in the 
same room." — Statement of J. P. Quigley. 

"The Catholics of Dubuque have subscribed $1,100 for the pur- 
pose of getting a Catholic church built. . . . We have already 
bought the lumber and let out the contract, and expect to have it 
finished before All Saints' day, as they are far more zealous there 
than at Galena." — Rev. Fr. Fitzmaurice, in a letter dated July 28, 

1834, to Bishop Rosati, of St. Louis. 

Father McMahan was sent in 1834 by the Bishop of St. Louis to 
visit the few Catholics at Dubuque, but died the same year in 
Galena. 

Although Patrick Quigley had a large family, he nevertheless 
furnished Father Mazzuchelli with room; the latter was really ar- 
chitect and builder of the first Catholic church and also collected 
and applied the funds. Services were held at Patrick Quigley's 
until September, 1836, when the roof of the church having been 
put on, meetings thereafter were held in that building. The corner 
stone was laid August 15, 1835. 

St. Raphael's Catholic church in Dubuque was at first a member 
of the Catholic Episcopal See of Wisconsin Territory. In 1834 
the subscription for the church was commenced. By November, 

1835, the subscriptions amounted to $3,669.8754 and by December 
19, 1837, amounted to $4,961.6254 and every cent had been ex- 
pended. Included in these receipts and expenditures were the 
following sums which had been borrowed : $200 of James Mc-^ 
Cabe; $200, James Cunningham; $91, William Burke; $65.75, Pat- 
rick Finn; $50, Baker & Cox; $26.50, Alexander Levi; $19.75, 
Patrick Quigley and Mr. Butterworth. The corner stone was laid 
bv Father Mazzuchelli August 15, 1835. 

871 



872 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Rev. Samuel Mazzuchelli, in May, 1836, requested that sub- 
scribers to the new CathoHc church fund would come forward and 
pay up or the work would have to stop. The total subscriptions 
>vere reported at $2,942.87; paid in thus far, $1,847.87; balance 
due, $1,095. 

William Gary built the foundation for $809. A school was 
opened in the church in June, 1836. 

While Rev. Samuel Mazzuchelli was the first priest to attend 
the congregation here regularly, he did not belong to this diocese ; 
his field of labor was across the river in Illinois and Wisconsin, 
but he came to this mission to minister to the spiritual wants of 
the resident Catholics. On July 28, 1837, when this metropolitan 
see was created, when the diocese of Dubuque was formed, and 
when Rev. Mathias Loras was named first bishop of Dubuque, 
there were but three churches and one priest in the diocese. 

Very Rev. Sanuiel Mazzuchelli died February 23, 1864, aged 
fifty-six years. In early manhood he came west and established a 
mission at Prairie du Chien, to which Dubuque mission was at- 
tached in 1832. After the arrival here of Bishop Loras in 1839, 
Father Mazzuchelli took up his permanent residence in Galena. 
Pierre Jean Mathias Loras arrived in New York in October, 
1838, having come from France. With him came four sub-deacons, 
Causse, Petiot, -Ravoux and Galtier, and all spent the winter of 
1838-9 near St. Louis, learning the English language and otherwise 
fitting themselves for their religious duties. The four sub-deacons 
came to Dubuque in the summer of 1839, were ordained deacons in 
November of that year and on January 5, 1840, were raised to the 
priesthood. In the spring of 1839 Dubuque had a population of 
about 2,500, of whom quite one-half was Catholic; Father Maz- 
zuchelli had not been idle. In 1838 there came fromi France, with 
Father Loras, Revs. Joseph Cretin and A. Pelamourgues ; the 
latter afterward went to Davenport and the fonner to St. Paul. 
In the spring of 1839 Father Mazzuchelli was anxious to have 
Bishop Loras arrive and take charge of the diocese. 

Hoping to bring back the new bishop for the celebration of 
Easter, Father Mazzuchelli started on March 19, 1839, O" ^ steamer 
from Galena, arrived on the 23d at St. Louis, and in company 
with the good Bishop Rosati started on horseback to a neighboring 
French village, where Bishop Loras, assisted by Father Cretin, was 
giving a French mission. — (Rev. Louis De Cailly, in Memoirs of 
Bishop Loras.) Bishop Loras could not leave at once and it was 
not until April 21 that he reached Dubuque. 

The first ten years of the labors of Bishop Loras here were 
spent in organizing the Catholics of the diocese. The settlement 
was very rapid and he had more than he could do — missions and 
churches were founded in all parts of the diocese. In 1839 when 
he came here there were not to exceed 2,000 Catholics in the dio- 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY ?,y^. 

cese; nineteen years later it was estimated there were forty-eight 
priests, sixty churches and forty stations and an estimated CathoHc 
population of 54,000; all this was mainly due to the labors of Bishop 
Loras, who passed away in 1858. In 1850 the St. Paul diocese 
was separated from this and Father Cretin was named bishop; he 
died in 1857. In 1885 the Davenport diocese was separated from 
the Dubuque diocese. In 1856 Bishop Loras asked Rome to give 
him a coadjutor and in 1857 he received a rescript from Cardinal 
Barnobo which stated that the Holy Father had granted the re- 
quest and had named as his coadjutor Rev. Clement Smyth, super- 
visor of the Trappist Monks in this county, with the title of bishop. 
During his ministration of the diocese Bishop Loras had seen the 
establishment of the Sisters of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Trap- 
pist Monks, Brothers of the Christian Institution, Sisters of Visi- 
tation, and had seen Catholic education e.xpand to a wonderful 
degree. 

St. Martin's congregation at Cascade was organized back in the 
thirties and at first was small and was visited only occasionally. 
Rev. Father Predine was one of the first, if not the first, pastor;, 
his successor was Rev. Fr. Tracy, then stationed at Garryowen. 
Finally Cascade mission was severed from Garryowen and attached 
to Temple Hill, a strong Catholic settlement. Rev. Fr. McGinnis 
was pastor at this time. The church was a small brick building. 
Among the pastors have been Rev. Frs. Hamilton, Slattery, O'Con- 
nor, Cunningham, Lynch (under whom a fine new building was 
erected; also St. Martin's convent and the accompanying schools), 
Hennessy, Barron. Roche and others. In 1882 the parsonage of 
St. Martin's was built. The new church cost about $45,000 and is 
beautiful and imposing; the organ is valued at about $4,000. The 
interior is tastefully, artistically and richly frescoed; it was built 
in 1890; the fine school adjoining cost about $15,000. Near stands 
the beautiful convent where the Sisters of Charity, B. V. M., reside 
and labor; they have successfully conducted the parish schools for 
over forty years. 

St. Joseph's church at Rickardsville was established by the 
French settlers before 1837. about two miles south of the present 
church. Father Cretin, later bishop, was the first pastor and 
probably organized the congregation. In 1840 Bishop Loras of- 
fered the holy sacrifice of the mass and occasionally preached to 
the congregation. In i860 a large frame church was erected at 
Rickardsville, which was nearer the center of the parish. In 1905 
a fine brick building was erected. Among the pastors have been 
Rev. Frs. Malony, Byrne. Quirk, Daly, Brody. McCarthy, Ma- 
honey. Clark and others. Adjacent is the school, priest's residence 
and cemetery. 

In 1833 and 1834 Mother Clarke, Margaret Mann, Rose O'Toole, 
Elizabeth Kelly and Catherine Byrne, came to the United States 



«74 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

from Ireland for the purpose eventually of establishing a convent 
and school. They first located in Philadelphia and on the 8th of 
September began their convent life. 

They became acquainted with Rev. Terence James Donaghoe, 
who materially and spiritually assisted them in their efforts; they 
enabled him to edticate his flock. In November, 1833, Father 
Donaghoe, having secured the right, bestowed on the above little 
community the title, "Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin 
Mar}'." From 1834 to 1843 fourteen young women entered the 
■community. In the latter year, mainly through the influence of 
Bishop Loras and J. J. E. Norman, of Dubuque, and Father Don- 
aghoe of Philadelphia, five of the sisters came to this county, 
where their services were much needed. They came here in 1843, 
accompanied by Bishop Loras, who had gone to Philadelphia on 
duties connected with his diocese. The five sisters to come here 
were Mary Margaret, Mary Joseph, Frances, Elizabeth and Patrice. 
They immediately began their important duties. They opened St. 
Mary's Academy for day pupils, soon expanded it, provided a 
boarding house, and ere long received pupils from the best families 
of the West. Thus the most sanguine hopes of Bishop Loras were 
realized. But before this date so rapid was the growth he was 
forced to call for assistance, and in October, 1843, thirteen other 
sisters and Father Donaghoe arrived, to the intense joy of Bishop 
Loras, the five sisters already here, J. J. E. Norman and wife, and 
the Catholics of this county and diocese. The site chosen for this 
community was a beautiful prairie tract about ten miles southwest 
of Dubuque, to which the name "St. Joseph's Prairie" was applied. 
In 1844 two other sisters from Philadelphia joined the community 
here. On August 15, 1845, the sisters, then numbering nineteen in 
all, renewed the triple vow of proverty, chastity and obedience at the 
Cathedral in Dubuque. Bishop Loras celebrated mass and Rev. 
Father Donaghoe and Rev. Father Cretin, afterward bishop of St. 
Paul, were present in the sanctuary; the latter had conducted the 
retreat of the sisters and now preached the sermon. Rev. Father 
Donaghoe settled afifairs in Philadelphia and came here for perma- 
nent residence. He wrote to Bishop Loras, "The community 
brought me to Iowa; it is the cause of my return (to Iowa) ; and 
to its prosperity, or otherwise, will my continuance be prolonged, 
which I trust in God may be all the days of my life." He became 
vicar general under Bishop Loras, but devoted much of his time to 
the community. 

A large frame building was erected on St. Joseph's Prairie, and 
there the novitiate and boarding school of the sisters were trans- 
ferred. Additions were made, many young ladies attended the 
school and the community prospered. On May 22, 1849, the con- 
vent, academy and all the adjacent buildings were totally destroyed 
by fire, with nearly all their contents. All the wearing apparel of 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 875 

the twenty-three sisters was burned — the books and clothing of the 
pupils were saved. This was a serious blow, but undaunted they 
began to build anew and there remained nine years longer, when 
they removed to Dubuque, locating on the present site of St. 
Joseph's college and later to Thirteenth and Main streets. After 
about twenty years the school was transferred to Mt. St. Joseph 
College, an institution devoted to the higher education of women. 
The Thirteenth street academy is used for day pupils. The boys 
of St. Patrick's are also taught by the sisters of the academy. The 
first parochial school in Chicago was taught by these sisters ; it 
was opened in 1867 by Sister Mary Agatha. The sisters have 
steadily spread their influence until they now have schools at Dav- 
enport, Council Bluffs, Lyons, Boulder, Colo., Petaluma, Cal., 
Holden, Mo., Des Moines, Milwaukee and other places. Father 
Donaghoe died January 5, 1869. When Mother Clarke died, 
Mother Mary Gertrude succeeded her, and during the term of the 
latter the Mother house was transferred from St. Joseph's Prairie 
to Mount Carmel, Dubuque, in 1892. In 1894, Mother Gertrude 
was succeeded by Mother Mary Cecilia, but later Mother Gertrude 
again had charge; she was the last to die of the faithful band 
which came from Philadelphia in the forties. 

The Cistercian order is a branch of the Benedictine order and 
was founded in the eleventh century by Robert of Moleme. When 
almost ready to die it was revived and rejuvenated by St. Bernard. 
In 1 140 Abbe de Rauce, in the department of Orne, founded the 
Trappist Monks in the celebrated abby of La Trappe. 

In 1849 Bishop Loras visited Mount Melleray, Ireland, and ex- 
pressed a strong desire to Dom Bruno Fitzpatrick for the estab- 
lishment of a colony of Trappist Monks in his diocese at Dubuque 
and offered a tract of land therefor, located twelve miles southwest 
of Dubuque. Abbot Bruno immediately sent messengers to inspect 
the land. They reported favorably and accordingly twenty-two 
monks of La Trappe crossed the ocean and came to this county. 
This led to the foundation of New Melleray Abbey and Father 
James O'Gorman became the first superior. It was first a mbnas- 
tery, but in 1859 was constituted an abbey and Father Ephraim Mc- 
Donald becarrte first abbot; the second was Dom Alberic Dunlea. 

In 1841 Bishop Loras selected the site of Holy Cross church. 
In July, 1 84 1, he laid the corner stone of the Catholic church in 
Iowa City ; Father Mazzuchelli delivered the address. In January, 
1847, Bishop Loras called a large meeting of all Catholics inter- 
ested in temperance in the schoolroom of the Sisters of Charity. 

On November 14, 1847, t'l^ corner stone of the new Cathedral 
in Dubuque was laid. Rev. Samuel Mazzuchelli was orator ; Gen. 
George W. Jones, grand marshal ; Valentine Glenat, master of cere- 
monies, and his assistants were H. Gildea. J. Fitzpatrick, William 
Newman, J. B. Dessere, D. O'Shea. The order of the procession 



876 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

was as follows: (i) Cross bearers and acolytes; (2) school boys 
and teachers; {3) young ladies in white; (4) other ladies; (5) 
gentlemen; (6) clergy. Bishop Loras agreed to give $5,000 toward 
the new cathedral, providing the congregation would raise the bal- 
ance. All tried, but the work languished. In 1852, Bishop Loras 
agreed to pay one-fourth of the cost as the work progressed. The 
Catholic ladies' fair netted $375 for the cathedral in July, 1852. 
The New Vienna and St. Boniface congregations to all intents 
and purposes are one and the same. Bishop Loras gave the name 
New Vienna to the town as an honor to Leopold, Emperor of Aus- 
tria, for his assistance to American Catholic missions. The first 
five pioneer families to locate at New Vienna were those of John 
Fangmann, Friedrich Rohenhahl, Heinrich Tauke, Herman H. 
Weickmann and Gerhard Hellmann ; they formed the nucleus of the 
village and church. They and others who followed them had come 
originally from Germany — Oldenburg, Hanover and Westphalia, 
and had first settled about 1833 near Muenster, Ohio. The above 
six families arrived in six prairie schooners drawn by oxen. They 
stopped at Cascade for two weeks in order to find a suitable location, 
which they found at Wilson's Gro\'e and in the meantime visited 
Bishop Loras at Dubuque, by whom they were warmly welcomed. 
In October, 1843, their first log houses were built and occupied 
and farm work was commenced. By 1846, when Bishop Loras 
visited the colony there were seventeen families. Other German 
families continued to arrive. Religious services were held from 
the start. Mass was first celebrated January 6, 1846, in the log 
house of Herman Weichmann by Bishop Loras and there services 
were held for two years. The congregation was visited by Revs. 
Allemann and Rafife. Lay services were conducted by Mr. Fang- 
mann. To the south of this settlement were the English at Dyers- 
ville; on the east was the McKee settlement of pioneers from New 
England ; on the west was a Yankee settlement, and on the north 
the Dixon settlement. In 1848 the first church was built of hewed 
logs and with a stone foundation, and was dedicated to St. Boni- 
face. It was used for about seven years when a much more pre- 
tentious structure of solid stone was constructed and was dedicated 
in 1855 by Bishop Smyth. The last church was built in 1884-7 
after which the old church of 1855 was devoted to school pur- 
poses. St. Francis Xavier church at Dyersville was an ofifspring 
of St. Boniface church. So was Holy Trinity at Luxemburg and 
others. The present church is one of the finest in the west. It 
cost $80,000, is built of limestone, gothic in style and 172x62 feet. 
The steeple is 20x20 feet and 200 feet high. The interior is rich 
and beautiful in the extreme. The tabernacle is a splendid speci- 
men of artistic carving and cost about $5,000. Among the pastors 
have been Rev. Frs. Plathe, Leutner, Orth, Weikmann, Schulte 
and Pape. The first school connected with the church was opened 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 877 

in 1847 snd was conducted by John Kostermann in the old log 
church. John Rauch was another teacher ; also Schulte and Birk- 
meier. The Franciscan sisters began as teachers about 1864. 

In a public meeting in Dubuque in February, 1848, the Catholics 
of this locality deplored the speech recently made against their 
religion by Delazon Smith at Iowa City. General Jones expressed 
the opinion that the Catholics should take no notice of the speech 
and stated that if he had one hundred votes he would cast them 
all against the action contemplated by the meeting. J. J. E. Nor- 
man was chairman of the meeting and B. J. O'Halloran secretary. 
The following were appointed a committee to investigate the whole 
matter and report at a future meeting: Patrick Quigley, B. J. 
O'Halloran, Valentine Glenat, J. J. E. Norman and Hugh Treanor. 
After a full investigation the committee reported a series of reso- 
lutions which disapproved of the introduction of religion into pol- 
itics, denied the accusation of Mr. Smith, and absolved the Demo- 
cratic state central committee from blame for the speech of Mr. 
Smith. The report of this committee was adopted by the second 
meeting. 

In 1850 Bishop Loras lectured on temperance: he was an elo- 
quent speaker — one of the local favorites. The best lawyers hera 
were willing to take lessons from his polished diction and trench- 
ant periods. At this time Father Matthews, an eloquent tem- 
perance priest, was securing hundreds of signers to the pledge in 
St. Louis. The Express here said, "Would to Heaven that some 
one could have the same influence over inebriates and grog shops 
in this comnumity." Bishop Loras was making the attempt and 
secured scores of signatures to the pledge. In September, 1851, 
St. Joseph's Female Academy, ten miles southwest of Dubuque, 
was in a prosperous condition again. In October, 185 1, five young 
ladies there took the white veil from Bishop Loras ; the ceremony 
was very beautiful : Father Clement, O. T., preached the sermon. 
School was taught by the Trappist Monks in one end of the old 
frame church at New Melleray as early as 185 1 ; Fathers Bernard, 
McCaffery, Francis Walsh and Clement Smyth were the teachers. 

The church and school at Key West were built by Fr. Reiley, 
the convent by Fr. Ward, and the priest's residence by Fr. Mortell. 
Frs. Ward, Norton, Burns, McMahon, Mortell, Slattery and Mc- 
Namara have attended the congregation. Opposite the church is 
Mt. Olivet cemetery. 

The congregation of SS. Peter and Paul. Sherrill's Mound, was 
organized March 28, 1852, and a log church was promptly erected, 
among the early members being Bernard Claus, John Behr, John 
Hirsch, Adam 'Haberkoen and Frederick Stillmunkes. A better 
church was built later and finally, about 1888, a much finer struc- 
ture was erected. Bishop Loras often appeared here, as did also 



878 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Rev. Frs. Hattenberger, Emmons, Frauenhofer, Feudrick, Junker, 
Schulte, Rottler, Kiiemper, Nacke and others. 

In 1 85 1, about forty families of German Catholics began to 
erect a stone church at Eighth and White streets, Dubuque, and 
christened the same Holy Trinity. A school was opened in the 
basement later. They began a new building in 1864 and completed 
it in 1867 at White, Jackson, Fifteenth and Sixteenth streets. This 
congregation, St. Mary's, has extensive schools (see elsewhere) 
and a fine clubhouse. At a later date Sacred Heart and Holy Ghost 
parishes were formed from St. Mary's. 

St. Joseph's Catholic church, Farley, was established about 1856 
in an old frame building in the northern part of town. Rev. Fr. 
Elward was the first pastor and was succeeded by Frs. Bennett, 
McGauran, Brody and others. About 1869 they erected a large 
church at a cost of $10,000. In March, 1856, Bishop Loras and 
Father McCabe said mass in the home of James Lyons at Asbury. 
A few dozen persons were present and subscriptions for a church 
were started and soon completed. It was immediately erected and 
was at first attended by Father Boden from 1857 to 1861. It was 
known as St. Philomena's congregation. Father Walsh, of St. 
Patrick's, Dubuque, had charge from 1861-68; Rev. Thomas Reilly, 
of St. Raphael's, succeeded him until 1873. ^^ the meantime an 
addition was built to the church and about the same time a Catholic 
school was established adjacent. Other pastors have been Rev. 
Frs. Ward, Stach, Coyle, Hennessy, Reilly, Rowe, Kenny, Minogue, 
O'Malley. Under Fr. Kenny the cemetery was established. 

The laying of the corner stone of St. Raphael's church in 1857 
was most imposing. The stone was laid by Rt. Rev. Bishop 
Smyth, coadjutor of the diocese of Iowa. Rev. Fr. McDonnell 
preached the sermon, his text being, "Thou art Peter and upon 
this rock will I build my church ; and the gates of hell shall not 
prevail against it." There was a large attendance and all were 
impressed with the solemnity of the occasion. Bishop Loras was 
absent. 

Right Rev. Bishop Loras died here at his residence on Blufif 
street February 19, 1858. Death had been expected for some 
time, but the good bishop desired to say mass once in the new ca- 
thedral before passing on. He was born in Lyons, France, in 
May, 1791, and was forty-three years in the ministry, fifteen as 
president of a college in France. He was eight years in Mobile 
and twenty years in Dubuque as bishop of this diocese. He was 
greatly beloved. 

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul had been in existence about 
six months by May, 1859, and had done an immense amount of 
good in that time. Hundreds of cases of want and destitution 
were cared fo^. They gave weekly relief all winter to from 
twenty to sixty families. The whole city was districted and ap- 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 879 

pealed to systematically. The society itself was composed mainly 
of poor men. Miss Molony was at the head of a society of ladies 
which also did great good. Connected with the relief movements 
were Andrew Cummings. Dr. Quigley, Charles Corkery, James 
Rowan, John Deery, D. A. Mahony, Rev. P. McCabe of St". Pat- 
rick's church, and Revs. Durian and Donelan of the cathedral. — 
(E. & H., May 18, 1859.) 

In 1859, Rev. Dr. Edward organized St. Clement's parish at Far- 
ley; held services in the residence of Maurice Kirby, who donated 
the ground for the church site and for the cemetery site. The 
Catholics here were early visited by Rev. Frs. Mazzuchelli and 
Cretin, and Bishop Loras, long before the congregation was or- 
ganized. Soon after the organization a church was erected. 
Among the pastors have been Rev. Frs. Elward, Bennett, Mc- 
Lauran, McGowan, Walsh. Nicholls, Toohill and others. Among^ 
the first families belonging were those of Casey, Kelley. Kirby, 
Duggan, Murray, Hegarty, O'Connor, Quirk, Foley, Kennedy, 
Daly, Barry, Hortnett, Coleman, Guery, Hogan, Cotter, Ferring, 
Heiberger, Roach, Wolf, Mallon, Mahoney, O'Hare, Kerrin, 
Smith, Callahan, Thielen, Dunn, Kane, Leahy, Vanderscheid and 
others. 

Late in May, 1859, the Sunday school children of the Cathedral^ 
Dubuque, held a picnic on the bluiTf back of the church, there being 
present about 2,000. They were attended by the Germania band. 
Three little girls, Mary E. Sullivan, Julia Williams and Yettie 
Plasten. were crowned queens. All enjoyed a bountiful repast and 
a fine day on Kelly's bluff. 

At the feast of Corpus Christi in June, 1859, at Dubuque, about 
5,000 people participated in the ceremony. The following was the 
order of the procession : Cross, acolytes, sodality, German So- 
ciety, St. Vincent de Paul Society, children, clergy, banner, canopy, 
banner, ladies, male members. Father McCabe delivered the dis- 
course. Bishop Smyth attended the procession, bearing the Sacred 
Host. 

St. Francis Xavier church, Dyers\'ille, was organized in 1858, 
and at first worshiped in a frame house near the bridge on Main 
street, under the ministrations of Rev. Fr. Langfelz. who, after 
five months, departed and the congregation was supplied from 
New Vienna. Soon a brick church was erected and in 1862 Rev. 
Fr. Kortenkamp became pastor and the congregation again became 
a separate parish. Among the first members were the families of 
Stoeckel, Schindler, Goerdt, Schultz, Holscher, Steger, Christoph, 
Henry, Burkle, Reittenger, Kramer, Stoeckl, Stockerl and others. 
The church was completed in 1862, and in 1870 was greatly en- 
larged. In 1872 a parsonage was built and in 1876 a parochial 
schoolhouse. Rev. Fr. Kortenkamp was pastor until his death in 
1889. Rev. Fr. Heer had charge from 1889 until 1905 and was 



-58^ HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

succeeded by Very Rev. Theo. Warning in 1905. The new church 
cost over $100,000 and is not surpassed in size, equipment, adorn- 
ment and grandeur by any west of the Mississippi river. In 1894 
the old building was transformed into a schoolhouse, where the 
Sisters of St. Francis instruct and control. In 1902 a special 
school for boys was instituted. The great increase in pupils, both 
boys and girls, has necessitated additional buildings from time to 
time. 

Late in the year 1888 the magnificent Catholic Church at Dyers- 
ville was dedicated by Bishop Hennessy, on which occasion about 
1,500 people attended from Dubuque. There were fully 6,000 people 
present at the interesting ceremonies. Over forty clergymen were 
present, and the eloquent sermon was preached by the good bishop on 
"Duty as to Charity and Obedience.". The splendid new church 
■was 70x1 74V2 feet outside, had two fine towers 200 feet high with 
a cross at the top of each, and seated 1,800 persons. This building 
then and since has been so richly dressed and ornamented that it is 
probably not surpassed in beauty and costliness of interior by any 
church structure in Iowa. The corner stone was laid June 3, 1888, 
-by Bishop Hennessy with the usual profound ceremonies. 

The lecture of Rev. James B. Donelan on "A Y\s\i to Jerusalem 
in 1858," at the People's theater gave the Society of St. Vincent de 
Paul net returns of $170 in March, 1859. 

The first anniversary of the St. Vincent de Paul Society was 
held in December, 1859. For the year ending December 8, they 
had raised for relief $1,437.08 for 201 families. There were 
enrolled 149 members, of whom sixty-nine were active in society 
work. Bishop Smyth's charity sermon had netted $202.36. Rev. 
Father Lynch, of Holy Cross, had raised si.x wagon loads of flour 
and other contributions. The farmers near the monastery, St. 
Joseph's convent and Mount St. Bernard had donated large quan- 
tities of provisions at the request of the society — flour, groceries, 
clothing, money and incidentals. As the weather in November, 
1859, had been very severe, the society made great efforts. At a 
meeting of the society committees were appointed to continue the 
relief work. 

In February, i860, the Protestant churclies of Dubuque had a 
membership of 912 and a Sunday school membership of 892. The 
Catholics had a church membership of 6,200 and a Sunday school 
membership of 1,400. — {Herald, February 7, i860.) 

"Spiritual Retreat. — The Catholic clergy of the diocese of Du- 
buque, which includes the whole state of Iowa, is now assembled 
in this city, enjoying what is termed 'a spiritual retreat.' The cele- 
brated Father Damen preached to the assembled clerg}- last even- 
ing." — {Herald, April 27, i860.) Bishop Smyth had charge of 
the assemblage. Revs. J. B. Donelan, James A. T. Durnin, Pat- 
•rick McCabe and John Fendrick, of Dubuque; Rev. Flanning, of 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUXTY 8Si 

Tete des Morts ; Rev. John Ayhvood, of Dyersville ; Rew ]\Iichael 
Lynch, of Holy Cross; Rev. G. Orth, of Xew \\'ine, and Rev. Jere- 
miah O'Connor of Cascade, were present. 

The members of the CathoHc Institute gave an excursion on 
July 4, i860. They were accompanied by the Washington Guards. 
They went to Cassville by the boat Fannie Harris. The Declara- 
tion was read by D. P. Quinn and the oration delivered by P. J. 
Ouigley. 

The Bankson Catholic church was built about i860 and dedicated 
by Father Bennett, who was succeeded by Father McGovern. In 
1898 the new church was built and about the same time the For- 
esters' hall was erected near. 

In i860, during the troubles in Italy, the subjects at issue were 
discussed pro ancl con in Dubuque. An address by Rev. Father 
Durnin of St. Raphael's church, called out a reply from Rev. Dr. 
Smith. There was an attempt made at this time and before to aid 
the Pope in his present difficulties. The Italians were engaged in 
a war for temporal independence. The various questions at issue 
were examined by the press and speakers of Dubuque. 

"On Sunday, October 28, i860. Bishop Smyth administered 
confirmation to sixty-five persons at New Wine (New Vienna.) 
The bishop was met at Dyersville by a cavalcade of men from 
New Wine. The people of New Wine can boast of the handsomest 
church edifice in Iowa, and its interior finish, especially its pulpit 
and altars, of which latter there are three, are scarcely surpassed in 
beauty of design and richness of embellishment. It would surprise 
our citv people to see religious worship conducted with such order 
and magnificence as can be witnessed at New Wine; and apart 
from this church itself it is worth the trouble of a journey to see 
its rich altar and pulpit carvings and decorations." — (Herald, Oc- 
tober 30, i860.) 

The Catholic fair at the city hall, to aid the cathedral was an 
important event in December, i860, and was almost like a week of 
carnival. It was one of the most elaborate efiforts of the kind 
e\er instituted here. On the first evening the receipts were about 
$500. The total receipts were $2,490.72; total expenses, $222.92. 
" In April, 1861. a marble tablet, in memory of Bishop Loras, was 
placed in the cathedral at the instance and expense of Bishop Smyth 
and the clergy in Dubuque. On the tablet was the following in- 
scription : "Right Reverend Mathias Loras, First Bishop of Du- 
buque, who died 1858, March 11." Rev. J. C. Perrodin, formerly 
Catholic pastor at Garryowen, eighteen miles from Dubuque, was 
located in this city for a while in 1861. 

The annual May festival of the Catholic Sunday schools took 
place Mav 28. 1861. There were present nearly i.ooo children and 
about 3.000 adults. It was an interesting event in church circles. 
The Germania band furnished the open air music. A large pro- 



882 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

cession marched from St. Patrick's church to the German Cathohc 
church, where they were joined by many more. Over 900' star 
spangled banners were carried in tlie procession, which finally 
marched to the cathedral wliere all witnessed Bishop Smyth raise 
a beautiful flag of large size at his residence. Then at a signal 
from Father Donelan all cheered and waved their small banners. 
The procession of children alone reached from the cathedral north- 
ward and westward far up Lorimier avenue. Father Durnan's 
fifty boys of St. Raphael's school marched next to the music. The 
May queens were Miss Katy Tshudy of the German Sunday 
school. Miss Mary Evans of St. Patrick's Sunday school, Miss 
Fannie Simplot of the Cathedral Sunday school. The German 
Catholic school, which included about 200 members, was taught 
mostly by lectures delivered twice a week and Sunday by Father 
Fendrick, assisted by Rev. Mr. Uhlenbrock. The day was spent 
in the groves to the west. At noon there were several acres of 
hungry ones around bounteous spreads under the shade. All re- 
turned to their churches to be dismissed at the close of the day. 

The cathedral was formally blessed and dedicated July 7, 1861. 
A great crowd gathered to see the new church and witness the in- 
teresting and imposing ceremony. The opening proceedings were 
conducted by Bishop Smyth, assisted by Bishop Duggan of Chi- 
cago, and other clergymen. High mass was celebrated by Rew J. 
B. Donelan, assisted by several visiting fathers. J. A. T. Durnan 
acted as master of ceremonies. Rev. Samuel Mazzuchelli acted as 
chaplain to Bishop Smyth. Father Duman read the prescribed 
prayer. The sermon was preached by Bishop Duggan. "The 
points of his argument were that God, besides redeeming mankind 
by the blood of Jesus Christ, prescribed to mankind a certain 
course, including faith and conduct whereby they might avail them- 
selves of the merits of the redemption and attain salvation." The 
choral performance was a prominent feature of this interesting 
event. 

About 1 861, Abbot Ephraim, who afterwards went to reside in 
Ireland, was blessed at New Melleray by Bishop Smyth, assisted by 
Bishop Duggan, of Chicago. 

In November, 1861, Mary Veronica, one of the four original 
Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, died at the Mother 
house, St. Joseph's, at the age of thirty-five years. Mary Frances, 
another of the fovir, had died here a few years before : Mary Joseph 
and Mary Francis Xavier were still living. Sister Mary Aloysius 
died at the Mother house in December, 1861. 

The splendid organ for the new cathedral arrived December 19, 
1861 : it cost about $3,000: it was tried for the first time before a 
few persons on New Year's Eve, 1861. A magnificent side altar 
and six new richly stained windows were placed in the cathedral 
in Februarv, 1862. In Dubuque at this date were the cathedral. 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 883 

with Bishop Smyth in charge ; St. Patrick's at Iowa and Fourteenth, 
witli Re\ . Patrick McCabe pastor ; and Holy Trinity at White and 
Eightli streets, Rev. John Fendrick pastor. ' Rev. Fr. Bernard Mc- 
Caffrey, prior of the monastery of New Melleray, returned from 
Ireland in February, 1862. 

In the spring of 1862, Bishop Smyth left for Rome, upon invi- 
tation of the Pope to be present at the canonization of several mar- 
tyrs who had lost their lives in the church's cause in Japan. 

In 1862 the Catholic Institute of Dubuque was considered one of 
the very best literary institutions in Iowa. The lyceum had been 
in existence about three years and met regularly once a week. The 
exercises consisted in lectures, essays, debates, etc. Its officers 
were, John Rooney, president; John Deery, vice-president; Thos. 
Connolly, secretary: James Rowan, treasurer; Edward Dunne, li- 
brarian. 

In the spring of 1862, the Society of St. \'incent de Paul, St. 
Raphael's conference presented to the cathedral a very fine Gothic 
side altar. The design was executed by Mr. Keenan and the paint- 
ing by Walsh and Bonce. As a work of art it was not excelled in 
this county. 

Early in 1862 the conferences of St. Raphael and of the Immac- 
ulate Conception, Dubuque, contributed $239.20 to the sufferers in 
Ireland. 

Bishop Smyth returned from Rome late in July, 1862. He had 
called at Mount Melleray, Ireland, of which institution he had 
formerly been a member, associated with Father Xavier in the con- 
duct of the collegiate establishment. While thus associated he be- 
came well known outside the institution as Father Clement, whom 
all loved and respected. About 1849 he and a number of clerical 
brothers left Mount Melleray to establish another monastery i;i 
Dubuque county, of which he was elected superior and as such 
managed its affairs until called by the sovereign pontiff to the 
vacant see of Dubuque. Late in 1862 he went to Ireland to attend 
the ceremony of laying the corner stone of the Catholic University 
of Dublin. He never lost interest in Mount Melleray in this county 
and usually attended the collegiate and other exercises of that in- 
stitution. His addresses to the classes there were events of im- 
portance in the history of the collegiate department. It was said 
that during the fifties the students' roll showed the presence of 
young Irishmen from nearly every county in Ireland as well as 
from many in England. 

The students of Melleray forwarded to Ireland a most beautiful 
address to Bishop Smyth before his return from abroad in July, 
1862 : the following are extracts from this address: "While it is a 
happiness to us to have the opportunity of testifying to you our 
grateful appreciation of your services to education and religion and 
to ecclesiastical youths of our country and of others, we feel as- 



884 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

sured that the spectacle which greets your eyes today will be grati- 
fying to you, as it is honorable alike to you, to our beloved presi- 
dent and to the zeal and solicitude for the diffusion of enlighten- 
ment which distinguish the illustrious Lord Abbott of Mount Mel- 
leray. . . . The seminary has been a fertile nursery for the 
vineyard of the Lord and many a seedling planted by you and 
tended by the fostering hand of your noble hearted fellow laborers 
has been transplanted to other soils. . . . While your church, 
uniting all the accomplishments which adorn, dignify and ennoble 
the bishop with virtues, fervor and sanctity which distinguish the 
Monk of St. Bernard, wins from us the homage of our respect 
and admiration, we freely and heartily offer the tribute of our 
reverent esteem and affectionate welcome to you as the reverend 
founder of the institution — as the beloved and fondly cherished of 
our venerable president and as our guide and illustrious model." 

Bishop Smyth officiated at St. Patrick's church Sunday, October 
26, 1862, on which occasion he bestowed the papal benediction. 
In the absence of Bishop Smyth, Father Brazill, in a measure, sup- 
plied his place ; his parish was in Des Moines. 

In the fall of 1862 he again went to Italy and upon his return 
in October he was received at Dunleith by a large deputation of 
citizens headed by the mayor and other dignitaries. Upon reach- 
ing Dubuque he addressed a large assemblage on what he had seen 
— commerce, learning, art, religion, mountain and ocean scenery, 
etc. He said, "After all there was a vacancy in my heart even in 
Imperial Rome, in the midst of its grandeur and sacred shrines 
for my people were not there — Dubuque was not there." It was 
such noble and touching sentiments that endeared him to the Cath- 
olics, yes, all the population, of Dubuque. All the Catholic so- 
cieties and churches welcomed him ; presents and loving addresses 
were showered upon him. P. T. Walsh, prefect of the conference 
of St. Raphael congratulated him on behalf of the conference on 
his safe return. On the following Sunday the services at the cathe- 
dral were imposing and grand beyond description on the occasion 
of the celebration of Haydn's mass No. 2. 

Early in 1863 D. A. Mahony lectured before the Catholic Insti- 
tute on "The Philosophy of English Grammar." Charles Lascelles 
was engaged as organist at the cathedral this year. In April, 1863, 
the German Catholic church at the foot of Eighth street having be- 
come too small for the congregation, a much larger and finer struc- 
ture was planned and at once commenced. In April the news- 
papers spoke particularly of the grand music at the cathedral, 
i-endered by the Lascelles choir during Easter time. At the Cath- 
olic fair in the summer of 1863, to aid the new German Catholic 
church, the total net proceeds were $1,641.24. Father McCabe 
and Father Fendrick were prominent in this movement. 

By May 15, 1863, there was subscribed for the new German 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 885 

Catliolic church about $41,000. The new residence of Bishop 
Smyth near the cathedral, to cost about $8,000, was planned at this 
time. 

On Sunday, May 3, 1863, i" the Cathedra! the ceremony of bless- 
ing an abbot (Rev. Ephraim McDonnell) occurred for the second 
time in the United States. An abbot governs a monastery ; a bishop 
governs a diocese. In a monastery there is perpetual abstinence 
from flesh meats; seven hours a day for manual labor; two for 
pious reading, besides meditation from 2 o'clock a. m. to break of 
day. St. Bernard was a famous abbot of the twelfth century, and 
the scene of his labors was on Mount Blanc. An imitation of that 
monastery and abbot was the mission in this county and were the 
monks of La Trappe. At the Cathedral on May 3 the entrance of the 
bishops and clergy into the sanctuary was highly imposing. There 
were present Rt. Rev. Bishop Smyth, Revs. Fathers McCabe and 
Clifford, deacon and sub-deacon, respectively. On the right sat Rt. 
Rev. Bishop Duggan, of Chicago, attended by Rev. Moloney and 
Very Rev. Dr. Dunn. There were also present Rev. Father 
Fendrick, of Holy Trinity church, Dubuque ; Father Myetz and the 
Trappist Fathers, Robert and John. At a signal the abbot ad- 
\-anced, knelt before the bishop, read the vow of obedience and was 
interrogated on each question by the bishop. The abbot having 
answered in the affirmative, the apostolic mandate was read by the 
notary, and the bishop said Deo gratias. Then the solemn pontifical 
mass was said. After the epistle the bishop advanced to the mid- 
dle of the altar and, while the abbot prostrated himself, the pre- 
scribed litanies and psalms were recited. The abbot then arose, 
repaired to a side altar, vested himself and began his devotions of 
the occasion. After the benediction of the bishop the abbot was 
in\-ested with the mitre and crozier and, passing down the aisle, 
gave the people his blessing. This beautiful ceremony was long 
remembered by all who wijnessed it. The sermon of Bishop Dug- 
gan was a masterly effort. The text was from the first Epistle of 
wSt. Paul to the Corinthians, beginning first chapter and seventeenth 
verse, "The peroration would do honor to the head and heart of any 
divine in Christendom." The great organ used was really obtained 
by Father Donelan, familiarly known as Father James. It had 
been intended for a church in the South, but was secured by Father 
James, who paid about $2,000 for it. Charles Lascelles, the most 
superb organist in the West, presided at the instrument. On this 
occasion he rendered "Kyrie Eleison" (Lord, have mercy upon us), 
a piece so full of pathos, supplication and entreaty. His "Gloria in 
Excelsis" reached the highest point of musical perfection. Miss 
Lorin Jones rendered with great sweetness and pathos the "Qui 
Tollis" in the "Gloria." The "Crede" in "Mercandante" was also 
superbly rendered. The "Et Incarnatus," by Mrs. P. T. Brown, 
ind "The Confitior," by Mr. Lascelles, were given with splendid 



886 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

effect. The extraordinary solemnity, grandeur, beauty and holiness 
of the occasion were never forgotten by the immense audience. 

The German Catholics bought five lots on White street, near 
Fifteenth street. They were 256x100 feet, and were bought of 
Edward Langworthy for $2,500. Plans for a magnificent church 
building were prepared. It was but a short time before that the 
old stone church of that congregation was large enough, but now 
it was far outgrown in size and pretensions. 

In 1863 Joh'i Deery was president of the Catholic Institute of 
Dubuque. About this time there were sharp attacks on the Catholic 
parochial schools, while the Catholics retaliated by opposing the 
proposed compulsory educational law. By November, 1863, Bishop 
Smyth's new residence, adjoining the Cathedral, was completed. 
In 1858, when Bishop Smyth took charge of this diocese, there 
were about 50 churches, 53 priests and nearly 50,000 Catholics ; 
by November, 1863, there were over 80 churches, 85 priests and 
nearly 100.000 Catholics. In December, 1863, the fair to aid the 
German Catholic church yielded $3,364 receipts. It was the largest 
event of the kind ever in Dubuque up to that time. 

The death of Father Mazzuchelli at Benton, Wisconsin, on Feb- 
ruary 23, 1864, was appropriately observed here, where he was 
dearly beloved and had labored so long in early years. Bishop 
Smyth preached the funeral discourse. In the spring of 1864 the 
old residence of Bishop Smyth, near the Cathedral, was remodeled 
and occupied by St. Mary's Select Female School, in charge of 
Sister Mary Catherine. 

The German Catholic church, at White and Sixteenth streets, was 
built in 1864 and cost $25,000. In August Bishop Smyth on one 
occasion administered the right of confirmation to over 100 children 
at Father Fendrick's church. About this time Bishop Smyth bought 
two fine Morgan colts of Edward Etimson for $500. He also 
bought for $500 the beautiful carriage that had been shown at 
the recent Catholic fair. He thus owned the finest "turnout" in 
the city. 

Rev. Andrew Bennett, aged fifty-four years, pastor of St. Clem- 
ent's church, Bankston settlement, Dubuque County, died Decem- 
ber 16, 1864. He was a zealous missionary priest, much beloved 
by his parishioners, and had been there four years. 

In 1865 the Catholic Orphan Asylum was planned. Temporarily 
the building on Fourteenth street, used by the Sisters of Charity, 
was used. Bishop Smyth, Father Donaghoe and the abbot and 
brothers of New Melleray gave the grounds, money, etc., for the 
new building on Fourteenth street. The corner stone of the Ger- 
man Catholic church was laid May 28, 1865, with great ceremony. 
A long procession passed through the streets and marched to the 
grounds. Rev. Father Samarius delivered the sermon. 

On Bishop Smyth's lots, corner Bluff and Third streets, a brick 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY SB- 

structure was erected in 1865, designed to be used by Christian 
brothers as a training school for boys and young men. 

Dubuque, August 21, 1865. 

"On a recent occasion our citizens were deeply affected by the 
burning of my coach house, carriage, horses, etc., but it will prove 
a source of pleasure to them to learn that the injury then inflicted 
has been honorably repaired by the generosity of my many friends 
in Dubuque. 

"During my absence in Des Moines they had the coach house, etc.. 
built up anew, and lest that house should remain untenanted, those 
same generous friends on last Saturday presented me with a beauti- 
ful new carriage, horses, etc., of which even European nobility 
might well be proud. Were this the gift of Catholics alone I should 
feel truly grateful, but how deep and lasting must be my gratitude 
for this gift, since gentlemen of every religious denomination had 
united and generously contributed to purchase for me this solid 
proof of their friendship. . . . Dubuque may well be proud 
of such noble souls, such unprejudiced minds, and very justly may I 
feel proud of such a noble gift, well worthy of such noble bene- 
factors. A thousand most grateful thanks to my many kind friends. 

Clement Smyth, 
Bishop of Dubuque." 

Bishop Smyth died September 23, 1865, and all Dubuque 
mourned. He was born in County Clare, Ireland, in 1810, and 
finished his literary education at Trinity College, Dublin. He be- 
came a postulant of the Brothers of Presentation, became connected 
with the Abbey of Melleray, where he was leader of the choir, and 
founded a school connected with the Monastery. In 1848, when 
famine wrought havoc in all Ireland, a deputation of monks came 
to America, arriving in 1849. I^^^y finally located on a tract of 
land in Vernon Township, Dubuque County, proffered them by 
Bishop Loras. One of the monks thus to come here and the first 
iM-ior of the order was Bishop Smyth. In 1856 he became co- 
adiustor of Bishop Loras and in 1858 bishop of Dubuque. His 
former and ordinary naine was Timothy, but in the Catholic church 
became Clement. He was consecrated at St. Louis, May 3, 1887, by 
Archbishop Kenrick. Bishop Smyth was an ardent patron of the 
public schools and visited them regularly. Bishop Hennessey was 
the first in the United States to raise his voice against the public 
schools. He commenced on the first Sunday of Lent, 1867. He 
was a magnificent orator and denounced the public schools as 
"Godless," "breeders of infidelity" and "hot-beds of hell." The 
services at Bishop Smvth's obsequies were grand, solemn and won- 
derfully impressive. ' Bishop Duggan, oif Chicago ; Archbishop 
Kenrick of St. Louis, and Bishop Henri, of Milwaukee, and 



888 HISTORY Of DUBUQUE COUNTY 

many other church dignitaries were present. Archbishop Kenrick 
celebrated solemn requiem high mass, and Bishop Duggan preached 
the funeral sermon. While his remains lay in state in the Cathedral 
thousands of people who loved him for his high character and great 
worth looked upon his marble features for the last time with tears 
and murmured blessings. 

In July, 1866, Rev. John Hennessy, pastor of the Catholic church 
at St. Joseph, Missouri, was appointed bishop of Dubuque. Rev. 
J. A. M. Pelamourgues supplied the congregation until the consecra- 
tion of Father Hennessy, September 30, 1866. The latter was a 
native of Ireland and had served as professor of theology at 
Carondelet, Missouri. The ceremony at his consecration was very 
impressive. Archbishop Kenrick, and Bishops Duggan, of Chicago ; 
Henri, of Milwaukee, and O'Gorman, of Omaha, and scores of 
clergy were present. Rev. P. J. Ryan, of St. Louis, delivered the 
principal discourse. His peroration was said to be a masterpiece of 
eloquence. The music was specially sweet and grand. 

Sister Mary Catherine (Burns) died here in October, 1866. She 
was one of the four sisters to come here in 1843-4. She was greatly 
loved by all who knew her. 

In September, 1866, the Lattnerville members of Centralia 
Catholic church separated from the parent congregation and estab- 
lished a church for themselves at Lattnerville in 1867. They were 
assisted by Father Meis, who was deputized by Bishop Hennessy. 
A church was begun and the corner stone was laid August 15, 
1868, by RcA-. J. B. ]\IcGowan, of Bankston. In 1869 the rock 
church was duly dedicated. Father Weikmann delivering the dedica- 
tory sermon in German. The pastors in charge of this congrega- 
tion have been Frauenhofifer, Stritzelberger, Oberbroekling, Heim- 
brucher, Heer, Nacke. Kuemper, Hemesath, Bauemler and Tier- 
ney. The latter made great improvements. Andrew McBreen 
gave five acres for the church site and the Lattner brothers two acres 
for a cemetery. 

The dedication of St. Mary's German Catholic church occurred 
February 10, 1867, and the ceremony was conducted by Bishop 
Hennessy. At this date about $50,000 had been raised and already 
spent, and approximately $20,000 more would be needed, it was 
estimated. The new church, located at White and Sixteenth streets, 
was a brick structure in florid Gothic style. The bishop preached 
the dedication sermon. 

Rev. Jesuit Fathers Sniarius and Boudreaux, of Chicago, assisted 
by Rev. Fathers Lynch, of Cascade; Kinsella. of Garryowen ; 
McGaunn, of Farley; Shields, of Cedar Rapids, and Gosher, of 
Independence, gave a mission in the new Catholic church at Cas- 
cade in November. 1867. "Nothing can surpass the holy en- 
thusiasm of the people in their attendance on the mission. First 
mass commenced at 5 o'clock in the morning, and from that hour 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 889 

till ir o'clock at night the good fathers never ceased their labors 
of love, instructing, teaching, preaching and hearing confessions." 
The church was blessed November 15, 1867. Over 2,000 heard the 
services on Sunday, and over 1,000 each week day while the mis- 
sion continued. 1"here was collected $1,000 for church purposes. 
For the lecture, "St. Patrick and His Children," there was re- 
ceived $475. 

In February, 1868, a large festival in Snyder's hall. Cascade, 
netted $570 for the Catholic church there. In 1868 there was or- 
ganized in Dubuque the Catholic Pay and Free School Association, 
the object of which was to establish a system of Catholic public 
schools. At the Monastery in February, 1868, Bishop Hennessy 
confirmed 260 persons. At this time Very Rev. Father Bernard 
was prior of the Abbey of New Melleray. When he was made so 
Bishop Hennessy preached the discourse, one of the most notable 
and powerful ever delivered in Dubuque. 

In 1871 six sisters of the Visitation, at the request of Bishop 
Hennessy, came to Dubuque and opened a school at Bluff and Third 
streets, and there remained until 1879, when they moved to General 
Jones' old place. In 1883 they commenced work on their academy 
and finished in 1891. 

Rev. Father Donaghoe died here in January, 1869. ^'s obse- 
quies were very elaborate and impressive. Very few Catholics in 
the county did not know him personally and all revered and loved 
him. He was the real head of the movement of the Sisters of 
Charity in this diocese. 

In June, 1871, the Catholics of the county celebrated on a scale oi 
great magnificence the twenty-fifth anniversary of Pope Pius IX's 
accession to the pontifical chair. The proceedings in the churches 
were of great interest. In 1871 a branch of the Academy of 
Visitation of St. Louis was opened by the nuns of that organiza- 
tion in a new building adjoining the Cathedral. These sisters were 
called "Nuns of the Visitation," who also established a convent of 
that order here. Their design was to give a general education re- 
gardless of other religious views. They were warmly recommended 
to the public by Bishop Hennessy. Sister Mary of the Visitation 
died in September, 1873. On Christmas day, 1873, Sister Mary 
Margaret died at St. Joseph's Academy. She was one of the four 
who came originally from Ireland to Philadelphia. 

In July, 1874, Bishop Hennessy authorized Peter Erschens and 
Nicholas Meyer to organize a Catholic congregation at Centralia. 
The former donated se\-en acres and more was bought of John 
Kisch. The building was immediately erected and was of brick 
with native stone foundation. In the fall the corner stone was laid 
by Very Rev. R. Ryan. V. G. Rev. G. W. Hear was first pastor. . 
The congregation was $5,000 in debt. Gradually this was paid. In 
1880 Fr. Nacke became pastor, then Kuemper, who built the Sisters' 



890 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

dwelling, the parochial brick school house and paid off old and new 
debts. Father Rottler took charge in 1887. After him came 
Hernesath, Bauemler and Tierney, all of whom made important 
improvements, Father Hernesath frescoing the church with his own 
hands, beautifying the cemetery, planting trees and paying debts. 
Father Tierney paid the last of the church debt. The Franciscan 
Sisters taught the schools. 

Pleasant Grove Catholic frame church, four miles south of Ep- 
worth. was erected in 1874. The members previously had attended 
the churches at Melleray, Farley, Garryowen and Cascade. Under 
Father Hawe's supervision the church was built. In the meantime 
the niembers met in the home of E. H. Horsefield. Late in 1874 
the church was occupied. Fathers Hawe, O'Donnell, Comerford 
and others were pastors. 

The Catholic church in Liberty Township was commenced in 
April, 1874, but when partly up a storm leveled it to the ground, 
but another was immediately commenced and soon completed. Rev. 
Conrad Schulte was first pastor. Later Rev. Father Hannasch took 
charge and under him a new and better church building was erected. 
Lender Father Oberbroeckling a school was attached. A parsonage 
was built in 1899 and a residence for the Sisters of the school in 
1904. 

A fair held at Key West in 1875 netted about $800. This sum 
assisted greatly in paying the church debt. Caggie Moore was 
largely instrumental in making the fair a success. In October, 1875, 
several large granite blocks brought from Ireland by Rev. Father 
Burke were received here to be placed in the foundation walls of St. 
Patrick's church. In 1875 the Catholics who had worshiped at 
New Melleray divided and a portion joined the church movement at 
Centralia. 

St. Paul's congregation at Worthington was organized in the 
early sixties and a small brick church was erected. The congrega- 
tion was at first small and was attended by Rev. Fr. Kortencatnp 
from Dyersville. In 1875 the first resident pastor arrived. Rev. J. 
S. Baunlan. His presence greatly stimulated the growth and an ad- 
dition to the church was built and pastor's house erected. He was 
succeeded in 1880 by Rev. G. W. Heer, who built the next fine 
church in 1883. Schools were started by Rev. Bauman with the 
Sisters of St. Francis in charge, and in 1880 a fine school building 
was erected. Rev. J. B. Zigrang succeeded Rev. Heer in 1889 ^"d 
under him great improvements were made. 

St. Raphael's tower and spire were completed in November, 1876. 

The corner stone of St. Patrick's church, Dubuque, was laid in 
April, 1877. The stones came from Dalkey, Dublin County, 
Ireland, one of them weighing 2,000 pounds. Bishop Hennessy 
officiated at the ceremonies. The church was duly dedicated in 
August, 1878, Bishop Hennessy preaching the sermon. All the 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 891 

Catholic churches of tlie county held appropriate services in memory 
of Pope Pius IX in February, 1878. The ascension of Leo XIII 
to the pontifical chair in February, 1878, was celebrated throughout 
the county. 

St. Joseph's Mercy Hospital began operations in 1879. It was 
in charge of the Sisters of Mercy and had capacity for 200 patients. 
It filled at once a long felt want in this community. 

St. Mary's Orphan Home was established in 1879, as was also 
St. Francis' Convent the same year. St. Francis' Industrial Home 
for Young Ladies is a branch of St. Francis' Convent. 

In 1845 the St. Joseph Catholic church at Farley was established 
by Rev. C. McCurren, who was pastor of the flock for twenty years. 
Other pastors since then have been Fathers Brady, Cooney, Phelan 
and Slattery, the present priest in charge, who has been here for 
twenty-six years. The first church was a frame building which 
was used until 1862, when the present stone edifice was erected. 
The pastor's residence was built in 1893. This is the parent of the 
Bankston and Pleasant Grove parishes. z\t first the membership 
numbered about 125 families, but the formation of other parishes 
from this one cut down the congregation. There are now about 
400 communicants of St. Joseph's parish. In the Sisters' School 
adjoining are about fifty children under Mother Margaret, Superior. 

During the spiritual retreat at St. Joseph's College in August, 
1880, there were present a greater number of priests at one time 
than were ever here before. Among them were Archbishop Heiss, 
of Milwaukee ; Bishop Hennessy, and P. J. McGrath, president of 
St. Joseph's College. 

LTpon the return of Bishop Hennessy from Europe in May, 1881, 
he was tendered a fine reception and presented with a beautiful team 
and carriage by Fathers Ryan, McGrath, Powers, Leahy, Roche, 
Brennan and others. 

The remodeling of the Cathedral in 1886 was succeeded by its 
dedication in November. By this time the diocese had grown 
enormously and had established branches and missions all over the 
West. The See of Da\enport liad been severed from that of 
Dubuque, but the development continued. The congregation here 
had outgrown the Cathedral and the addition and remodeling was 
necessary. The paintings and frescoings of the interior were 
genuine works of art done by a Roman artist. The marble altar 
was a feature. Rev. Father IJurke greatly assisted in the improve- 
ments made. By this time the parochial schools in all parts of the 
diocese had reached enormous proportions in the aggregate. Each 
of the parish churches— Cathedral, St. Patrick's, St. Mary's and 
Sacred Heart — had appended a large school. In addition there were 
St. Joseph's College, Mt. St. Josepli's Academy for lady boarders, 
Mt. St. Joseph's Academy for day scholars. Academy of the 
Visitation, St. \"incent Pre'sentation Convent. St. Mary's Academy, 



t> 



892 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

St. Francis' Con\ent School and St. Malichi's School — in all twelve 
large educational institutions. 

The ceremonies of rededication in 1886 were attended by a large 
assemblage of Catholics and others. Many church dignitaries were 
present and the music was grand and inspiring. Bishop Hennessy 
preached a discourse of unusual eloquence and power. In his ser- 
mon he recited a number of historic facts connected with the parish 
and the diocese. When he assumed charge of the diocese in 1866 
there were about 50 priests and 45 church buildings and a number 
of missions. By 1888 there were about 175 churches and 200 
clergymen. Then the diocese embraced the whole State of Iowa. 
Now it embraced less than half in the northern part. 

The new Sacred Heart church, on Eagle Point avenue, was dedi- 
cated in July, 1888. The other was built seven years before, but 
now so great had been the growth of that part of the city a much 
larger structure was imperatively demanded. The new church 
seated i ,400, cost nearly $50,000 and was dedicated with imposing 
ceremony by Bishop' Hennessy. 

On March 27, 1888, Rev. Father Alberie, prior procurator and 
treasurer of the New Melleray community of Trappist monks, died 
at Mercy Hospital, Dubuque. He had become temporal head of the 
order in 1880 upon the death of Brother Murphy. His remains 
were buried at the Monastery. 

The new Cathedral windows arrived from abroad early in 1889 
and were detained at the custom house until Congressman Hender- 
son explained their uses and secured their relinquishment. 

The corner stone of the new Catholic church at the Monastery 
was laid April 7, 1889, by Bishop Hennessy. The ceremonies were 
witnessed by 2,500 people, who were dinecl in the old church. The 
building was 42x100 feet. 

In 1889 the Sisters of Charity bought the Stout property, in the 
southern part of the city, and planned to erect thereon St. Joseph's 
Convent. Here was to be the mother house of the order, with ac- 
commodations for from 1,000 to 1,500 sisters. The location was at 
the bend on West Locust street. There were no acres, which cost 
$15,000. The place had been called "Summer Hill." Here in 1890- 
91 the large, fine brick convent was built. 

In 1891 St. Francis' congregation at Balltown was organized by 
Rev. Joseph Kuemper. The church was erected in 1892 and was 
used as a school and later was remodeled. Pastors from Sherrills 
attend this congregation. Revs. A. J. Rubly and J. H. Schilmoeller 
have served as pastors. 

On September 30. 1891. Bishop Hennessy's silver jubilee was 
celebrated by all of Dubuque and vicinity. It was the twenty-fifth 
anniversary of his consecration. At this time there were in the 
Dubuque diocese 203 priests, 319 churches, 107 schools, 615 sisters 
and 12,257 pupils. The diocese was divided in 1881. 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 893 

Bishop Hennessy distinguished himself for his zeal in the cause 
of Catholic education. He was probably the foremost advocate of 
parochial schools in the country. During his long period of services 
from 1866 to 1900 here the following advances were made, largely 
through his effort and influence: \'isitation Nuns, Sisters of Mercy, 
Presentation Nuns, who arrived in 1875; Sisters of St. Francis, 
from Germany, Franciscan Sisters, from Kentucky: Sisters of 
Notre Dame, Sisters of the Holy Ghost. Sisters of Humility of 
Mary, St. Joseph's College, Visitation Academy and Monastery, 
on Alta Vista : Mercy Hospital, St. Francis' Orphanage, Mt. St. 
Joseph's Academy. Presentation Convent, and mother house of the 
Sisters of Charity on Summer Hill. 

In December. 1891. the residence of J. P. Farley, at Bluff and 
Sixth streets, was bought by the Sisters of St. Francis for $15,000. 
They had come here about 1880. had prospered and so expanded 
their good works that it was necessary now to secure much larger 
quarters. The building was at once transformed into school rooms 
and the new institution became known as St. Francis' Industrial 
School and Home for Young Ladies. 

A notable event. was the convention here of the German Roman 
Catholic Central Society of North America in September, 1892, at 
St. Mary's School hall. About 250 Catholic benevolent organiza- 
tions were represented. A plan of life insurance under the Woman's 
and Orphans' I-'und was provided. In the procession were 1,884 
men. The delegates sent here represented an immense constituency. 

St. Joseph's Mercy Hospital was opened early in the nineties. It 
cost about $25,000. St. Francis' Orphan Asylum was located near 
Linwood Cemetery. 

In December, 1892, the Archdiocese of Dubuque was created by 
the authorities at St. Louis and embraced Iowa, Nebraska and 
Wyoming. This necessitated the selection of an archbishop. The 
new Archdiocese of Dubuque embraced the sees of Dubuque, Daven- 
port, Omaha, Lincoln and Cheyenne. Bishop Hennessy was elected 
the first archbishop of this diocese. The pallium, the insignium 
of the archiepiscopal dignity, arrived from Rome in July, 1893, in 
the possession of Father Darcy, of Clare, Iowa, who deliv- 
ered it to Father Burke, of Dubuque. A pallium is made in Rome 
of lambs' wool by the Sisters of St. Agnes, and is a white woolen 
band about two inches wide worn around the shoulders and crossed 
in front. Thus Bishop Hennessy became the first Metropolitan of 
the Province of Dubuque. 

The investiture of Archbishop John Hennessy with the pallium 
September 17, 1893, was a ceremony of great digni^ty and magnifi- 
cence. It was in many respects the most notable Catholic event that 
ever occurred in the LTnited States. The array of prelates and 
priests, the beauty and solemn grandeur of the music and the pomp 
and holiness of the ceremony were impressive and soul-stirring in 



894 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

the extreme. The sermon of Archbishop Ryan was full of pathos, 
eloquence and religious power. The banquet at St. Joseph's College 
was an ever-memorable affair. Present were Mgr. Satolli, the 
apostolic delegate: Cardinal Gibbons, Archbishops Ryan, Ireland, 
Elder, Kain, Chapelle, Corrigan, Katzer, Riordan and Redwood, 
and Bishops Fitzgerald, Scannell, Ryan, Marti, Cosgrove, Scanlon, 
Chatard, Zeininger, Nugent, O'Farrell, McGovern, Burke, Cotter, 
O'Donnell, Ludden, Hortsman, Schwebach, Gallagher, Hennessy, 
Moore and Bonacum. The address, toasts and responses at this ban- 
quet were beautiful and eloquent beyond the powers of description. 

"Your presence here has made this day a joy and happiness. You 
have invested it with a prestige and eclat long to be remembered by 
the priests and people of Dubuque. We have been honored beyond 
measure. We keenly feel it and can only thank you from the bot- 
tom of our hearts. It is a great day for our city and diocese. As 
far as my judgment and knowledge lead me, the sentiments of 
Catholics at this hour are shared by the non-Catholics of Dubuque. 
They recognized when this city was raised to the dignity of a 
Metropolitan See that it was an event of very great importance. 
They rejoiced that it was so and felt proud and honored. I believe 
the day of prejudice against Catholics is waning fast. There is 
hardly a trace of it to be found among the best classes of non- 
Catholics, and by the best I mean the most intelligent. They meet 
with Catholics on the common ground governing all intelligent 
people, recognizing the enterprise, the' character and the worth of 
the man as a man. In the name of the Catholics and non-Catholics 
of our beautiful city, I bid your excellency (the apostolic delegate ), 
your eminence (Cardinal Gibbons) and you most reverend fathers 
ten thousand welcomes to Dubuque." — Archbishop Hennessy's ad- 
dress at the banquet. 

Remarks were made by Cardinal Gibbons, Monsignor Satolli, 
Archbishop Feehan, Archbishop Ireland, Archbishop Corrigan, 
Monsignor Nugent, of England, and Archbishop Redmond, of New 
Zealand. Monsignor Satolli spoke in Latin. He said: "It afifords 
me great pleasure to be with the archbishop and priests of the Arch- 
diocese of Dubuque today, honored as they are by the presence 
of so many distinguished churchmen, not only from various parts 
of the United States but also from Europe and Australia. The 
magnificent demonstration of last night, which was participated in 
by non-Catholics as well as Catholics, showed that the church of 
Dubuque has a firm hold on the affections of the people and old- 
time prejudice was here a thing of the past." 

Cardinal Gibbons said : "This is a happy day for me. and it is 
a happy day for Iowa. My heart goes out to its people on this the 
first time I have stepped upon its soil. It has reason to rejoice, for 
it has been greatly honored. The Pope in raising Archbishop Hen- 
nessy has greatly honored him, and well does he deserve the honor. 



-HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 895 

Such honors b}- Leo XIII are not lavished indiscriminately. The 
raising of Archbishop Hennessy was requested by the venerable 
archbishop of St. Louis and joined in by all the archbishops. It 
• was tlie desire of their hearts that Dubuque be so raised. The newly 
created Metropolitan is honored by the apostolic delegate's pres- 
ence. He is honored by tlie presence of nearly all the archbishops 
and twice as many bishops. The city is honored by being made the 
center of a Metropolitan See and by having an archbishop made &6 
solely on account of his personal merits. I congratulate the Catholic 
church of the United States that a new star has been added to the 
constellation." Upon the conclusion of his address he said further: 
"I have the honor to announce the receipt of a cablegram from our 
holy father, Leo XIII ; 

'■ 'Rome, Sept. 17, 1893. 
" 'Cardinal Gibbons, Dubuque, Iowa. 

" 'The holy father most lovingly sends his apostolic benediction to 
the first archbishop of Dubuque. Leo XIII.' " 

Archbishop Ireland said: "I rise to my task, strengthened and 
inspired by the purest waters, and yet I am afraid of my subject. 
(Cheers and laughter. His subject was 'The Hierarchy of the 
United States.') It is a great subject, not that its greatness alarms 
me, but it is a sensitive one — one to be handled with a great deal 
of care and reverence. (Applause.) It is well that we toast the 
hierarchy of tlie L^nited States when a new honor has come to it. 
It is the fourteenth see created. It is meet that we salute it. I am 
particularly pleased, for St. Paul was the last created and it was the 
thirteenth. Some regarded that as a most unlucky number, sug- 
gesting storms and cyclones. (Great applause and laughter.) Now 
the fourteenth is added, and we enter upon the reign of gentleness, 
benignity, justice and mercy. (Great laughter.) The great honor 
bestowed upon Dubuque brings gladness to us of the North, for St. 
Paul is the spiritual daughter of Dubuque. We received our first 
bishop from her. Bishop Loras ruled Minnesota and Dakota, as 
well as Iowa. St. Paul was always a dutiful, obedient daughter, 
but somehow she got ahead of her mother. But today the mother 
has caught up with her. ( Laughter. ) It is well that Dubuque has 
been made a Metropolitan See. It was the old see of the North long 
before that of St. Paul, or Milwaukee, or Chicago. Its priests were 
scattered far and wide and went outside of the limits to Wisconsin 
and other places in their divine work of religion." 

In addition to the above over 300 priests were present from all 
parts of America. The interior of the church was made grandly 
beautiful. The richest vestments, vessels, candelabra and ecclesias- 
tical ornamentation and livery treasured in the sacristy were added 
with impressive and awe inspiring efifect. The sanctuary and altars 
were resplendent with light and color and blossoms, and over all 



Sc/) HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

sacred imisic thre\v its lioly six>ll. Tlie procession to the church was 
stately ami cereniunious. The ceremony in the church thiring tlie 
investiture was watclied by an immense and breatliless audience. 
The enrobing of the celebrant in full pontificals, the solemn mass by 
Alonsignor Satolli, the recitations and vows of the celebrant, the 
prayers and benetliction, the elocinent sermbn by Archbishop Ryan, 
the solemn confession of faith by Archbishop Hemiessy, the signifi- 
cant and impressive consecration, the beautiful music chanted and 
sang by magnificent voices, the in\estitiu-e of the celebrant with the 
sacretl pallium, the ilistiiiguishing mark of archiepiscopal ilignity and 
the plenitude of the apostolic power by Cardinal Gibbons, the 
solemn oath of fidelity and obedience to the holy see, and the bless- 
ing of the audience by the new archbishtip, were superb events, never 
before witnessed here. 

In about 1893 the St. Klizabeth Society was established to assist 
the poor and needy. It was a branch of the Sherman Circle. In 
the spring of 1S93 a new church for St. Columbkille Catholic parish, 
on West Hill, was planned, the cost to be about $J5,ooo. The old 
frame church there, under Father Fogarty, was outgrown. In 
August, 1893, sixteen young ladies took the Franciscan sisterhood. 
On this occasion .-\rchbishop Hennessy. assisted by twelve priests, 
conducted the ser\ices in the chapel of St. Francis' convent, near 
Linwood. By No\ ember i, 1893, the mother house of the Sisters of 
Charity, on Summer Hill, was nearly completed. Rev. Father 
Burke, who had been here since 1873, was transferred to Waterloo 
in November, 1893. He was greatly respecteil and admiretl. 

In 1894 Mothers Joseph and Agatha died here in Wercy Hospital. 
They were well known and greatly belo\eil. In June, 1895, there 
were here at the spiritual retreat in St. Joseph's College 180 priests. 
The \'^isitation fair at the City Hall in October, 1895, was an im- 
mense success; $9,546.44 Uas realizeil by the X'isitation Nuns. 

The new Catht>lic Church on Couler avenue was projected in the 
autumn of 1895. It was to be 54x92 feet and to cost about $10,000. 
The corner stone of the new St. Joseph church, in West Dubuc|ue, 
was laid in Jinie, 1895. This year the Duhutiue Catholic Benevolent 
Society became the Dubuque Benevolent Society and embraced all 
denominations. This year also the new Mercy Hospital for the 
Insane, to cost about $80,000. was commenced on Mineral street, in 
West Dubucjue. St. Joseph's .Asylum for the Insane \\as located 
the ne.xt year at .Asbur\:, three miles from Duhuciue. In 1895 .Arch- 
bishop Hennessy paid the second highest indi\itlual ta.x in Dubu(|ue 
County — $2,738. In 1897 h'ather Thomas M. Linehan became 
bishop of Cheyenne. He was once an altar boy in the Cathedral. 

In 1895 the St. Joseph's Institute at Mt. Carmel had 970 mem- 
bers scattered all over the West. 

In June, 1897, Rev. Father .Ali)eric was elected abbot of New 
RIelleray and was formally blessed by .\rchbishop Hennessy, 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 897 

October 28, 1897. V'ery Rev. P. J. McGrath preached the dis- 
course. The services occurred in the church across the road, where 
women could attend. Scores of clerg}' were present. Dennis Dunlea 
was his real name. In 1898 St. Joseph's College, five female semi- 
naries and the Catholic Theological College were being erected. 
In 1899 St. Anthony's Catholic church, on the hill, was projected, 
and soon afterward work on the building was commenced. 

On Marcli 4. 1900, Archbishop Hennessy died in Dubuque and 
his funeral was held four days later. In the meantime his remains 
lay in state in the Cathedral. There gathered here a large number 
of distinguished prelates to pay their respects to the distinguished 
dead. Cardinal Gibbons was here ; also Archbishop Ryan and scores 
of clergymen from all parts of the United States. Bishop Hennessy 
left a large estate, estimated at the time of his death at $742,000. 
He bequeathed nearly all to various needy and deserving Catholic 
institutions. In July, 1900, Bishop John J. Keane was duly made 
archbishop of Dubuque. On September 27, 1900, he was duly in- 
stalled here and on April 17, 1901, was invested with the pallium. 
There were present on that occasion Cardinal Gibbons, Archbishops 
Ireland, Katzer, Kain and Elder, and twenty-two bishops. The ad- 
dresses and the music were of the highest order. 

On October 28, 1900, St. Anthony's Catholic church in West 
Dubuque was dedicated by Archbishop Keane. On December 27 
Archbishop Keane conferred the black veil on three nuns — tiiree 
novices of the professions, they were denom'inated. The mother 
house of the Sisters of the Holy Ghost was blessed by Archbishop 
Keane, November i, 1901. It stood in West Dubuque and cost 
about $50,000. In 1903-4 the Home for the Aged and the House 
of the Good Shepherd were erected. Dr. John Carroll became 
bishop of Helena in 1904. He was born here in 1864, educated at 
Father O'Reilly's school and St. Joseph's College and in Montreal. 
In 1899 he was ordained a priest, and in 1900 received the degree 
of Doctor of Divinity. He then became professor of mental 
philosophy in St. Joseph's College. 

The Sisters of the Good Shepherd founded their home in 
Dubuque in 1903. They began in a small way, but have steadily 
progressed. 

St. Francis' Home for the Aged was completed, ready for oc- 
cupancy, late in 1904. It was 124x140, erected west of the mother 
house and the Orphan Asylum. It is of red brick and Bedford 
stone and three stories high. The sisters in charge came here from 
Germany in 1875 under the direction of Mother Xaveria and first 
located in Iowa City. In 1878 the order made its home in Dubuque 
and built the beautiful mother house, connected with which is St. 
Marv's Orphan Asylum, the director being Father Johannes. 

In June, 1905, atemperance convention in Dubuque received the 
cabled blessing of the Pope. At this time Bishop J. P. Carroll an- 



898 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

nounced $25,000 in scholarships at St. Joseph's College. The Arch- 
bishop went to Rome in 1905. In 1906 Rev. Daniel M. Gorman 
became president of St. Joseph's College. In 1807 an addition to 
the Visitation convent was erected. A new infirmlary in connection 
with the mother house, to cost about $70,000, was projected about 
this time. In September, 1907, the German Catholic convention 
convened in Dubuque. Archbishops, bishops and other clergymen 
in large numbers attended. Probably 15,000 people saw Mon- 
signor Falconio, papal delegate, pass through the streets. Among 
the important Catholic improvements of 1908 were the mother house 
of the Sisters of Charity, the mother house of the Presentation Sis- 
ters, additions by the Visitation Sisters, additions to Orphans' Home 
and to St. Joseph's College. The Presentation mother house, on 
West Hill, a beautiful structure, was dedicated August 15, 1909. 
In June Archbishop Ireland delivered the commencement address 
at St. Joseph's College. 

In 1878 Rev. John J. Keane was made a bishop at Baltimore. 
Since he came to Dubuque he has effected vast advances and im- 
provements. He has doubled the building and the faculty of St. 
Joseph's College. He established a missionary band of diocesan 
priests, welcomed the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, the Sisters of 
the Order of St. Dominic and the Brothers of Mary. In 1902 the 
western part of the Dubuque Diocese became the Diocese of Sioux 
City. 



CLERGY. CHURCHES, MISSIONS AND SCHOOLS. 

CITY OF DUBUQUE. 

St. Raphael's Cathedral, Bluff and Second streets, Most Rev. 
John J. Keane, D. D., Very Rev. M. Barry, vicar general and chan- 
cellor : Rev. M. H. Carey, rector ; Revs. M. L. Kerper and Valentine 
Casey. School, sixteen Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin 
Mary, 69 Emmet street ; pupils, 531. St. Anthony's, West Dubuque, 
Rev. Peter O'Malley. School, three Sisters of the Holy Ghost; 
pupils, 75. St. Columbkille's, Very Rev. M. Barry, V. G., Rev. M. 
O'Callaghan. School connected with St. Vincent's Academy. St. 
Mary's (German), Very Rev. Geo. W. Heer, M. R. ; Revs. W. J. 
Cremer, Aug. Bomholt. High School for boys; four Brothers of 
Mary; pupils, 102; school for boys and girls; sixteen Sisters of St. 
Francis and one lay teacher ; pupils, 850. St. Patrick's, Right Rev. 
Mgr. R. Ryan, V.' G., M. R., Revs. D. Lundon, E. O'Donnell. 
School connected with St. Joseph's Academy. St. Philomena's, four 
miles west of Dubuque, Rev. A. Walsh. Sacred Heart (German), 
Revs. A. Boeding, Anton Werdehoff, H. J. Holthaus. School, si.x- 
teen Sisters of St. Francis and one lay teacher; pupils, 720. Holy 
Ghost (German), Revs. W. J. Weirich, A. J. Thole. School, nine 
Sisters of St. Francis; pupils, 350. Holy Trinity (German), Rev. 
J. A. Dupont. Chapels with residence chaplains ; Mount Carmel 
Convent, Rev. A. M. Clark ; St. Francis' Convent, Rev. J. S. 
Baumann; St. Joseph's Insane Asylum, Rev. M. McCarthy; St. 
Anthony's Home for the Aged, Rev. A. Walsh ; Mercy Hospital, 
Rev. M. C. Sullivan ; Presentation Convent, Rev. P. Leahy. 

OUTSIDE OF THE CITY OF DUBUQUE. 

Balltown (Waupeton, Route 36), Dubuque County, St. Francis', 
Rev. Jos. Schilmoeller. School, three Franciscan Sisters of the 
Perpetual Adoration (Waupeton, Route 36) ; pupils, 70. Bankston, 
Dubuque County (Farley P. O.), St. Clement's, Rev. W. A. Ban- 
field. School, four Sisters of Mercy; pupils, 100. Cascade, 
Dubuque County, St. Martin's, Rev. L. Roche, M. R. School, six 
Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary; pupils, 190. St. 
Mary's (German), Rev. John B. Albers. School, five Sisters of St. 
Francis; pupils, 140. Centralia, Dubuque County (P. O. Dubuque, 
Rural Route 3), St. John's, Rev. P. A. R. Tierney. School, three 

899 



900 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Sisters of St. Francis; pupils, 58. Mission, Lattnerville, Dubuque 
County, Annunciation. Dyersville, Dubuque County, St. Francis 
Xavier's, Very Rev. Theo. Warning. V. F., M. R., Rev. M. Am- 
brosy. Schools, Boys' High School, five Brothers of Mary ; pupils, 
165; eleven Sisters of St. Francis; pupils, 341. Farley, Dubuque 
County, St. Joseph's, Rev. D. Slattery. School, four Presentation 
Nuns; pupils, 45. Fillmore, Dubuque County (Bernard P. O., 
Route 29), Rev. G. A. Hauck. School, three Sisters of St. Francis; 
pupils, 60. Holy Cross, Dubuque County, Holy Cross Church, Rev. 
G. T. Nagle. School, six Sisters of St. Francis, one lay teacher; 
pupils, no. Mission, Buena Vista, Clinton County. Key West (R. 
F. D. Dubuque), Dubuque County, St. Joseph's, Rev. John Mc- 
Namara. School, four Presentation Nuns ; pupils, 35. Luxemburg, 
Dubuque County, Holy Trinity, Rev. F. W. Oberbroekling. School, 
five Franciscan Sisters of the Perpetual Adoration ; pupils, 1 14 ; New 
Melleray (P. O. Box 273, Dubuque), Dubuque County, Holy Fam- 
ily, attended from New Melleray Abl^ey. Rev. Father Placid, O. C. 
R., rector. New \'ienna, Dubuque County, St. Boniface's, Rev. F. 
W. Pape, M. R. ; Rev. B. Luedtke. School, five Franciscan Sisters 
of the Perpetual Adoration and one lay teacher; pupils, 130. Placid, 
Dubuque County ( Epworth P. O., Route 12), St. John's, Rev. P. 
McNamara. Mission, Epworth, Dubuque County. School, three 
Sisters of St. Francis ; pupils, 50. Rickardsville, Dubuque County, 
St. Joseph's, Rev. G. W. Clark. St. Catherine's, Dubuque County 
(Dubuque P. O., Route 6), Rev. H. Felder, D. D. School, three 
Sisters of St. Francis; pupils, 75. St. Joseph's, Dubuque County 
(P. O. Zwingle, Route i ), Rev. L. Burke. Mission, Silva, Dubuque 
County. Sherrill's Mound, Dubuque County (Durango P. O., 
Route 34), SS. Peter and Paul's. Rev. Jos. Hagemann. School, 
three Franciscan Sisters of the Perpetual Adoration; pupils, 76. 
Station, Durango, Dubuque County. Worthington, Dubuque 
County, St. Paul's, Revs. J. Zigrang, N. Homan. School, five Sis- 
ters of St. Francis; pupils, 170. 



INSTITUTIONS IN CHARGE OF RELIGIOUS ORDERS. 

ORDERS OF MEN. 

Dubuque. New Melleray Abbey, situated about twelve miles 
from Dubuque (P. O. Box 273, Dubuque), Rt. Rev. Alberic Dun- 
lea, O. C. R. abbot ; Rev. Father Patrick, prior ; Rev. Father Fran- 
cis, sub-prior ; there are 35 members in the community, 8 of whom 
are priests. High School for Boys, four Brothers of Mary; Bro. 
Francis Wohlleben, principal; pupils, 102. 

Dyersville. High School for Boys; five Brothers of Mary; Bro. 
Charles, director; pupils, 165. 

ORDERS OF WOMEN. 

Dubuque. St. Joseph's Convent of Mount Carmel, mother house 
and novitiate of the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary ; 
Mother Mary Cecelia, mother general ; Sister M. Esther, local 
supr; in community, Sisters, 1,045; novices, yj; postulants, 
35. Mt. St. Joseph College, boarding school for young ladies, con- 
ducted by Sisters of Charity, B. V. M. ; 39 Sisters; Sister M. Ber- 
trand, supr.; pupils, 202. St. Joseph's Academy, 1,265 Main 
street, 19 Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary; Sister 
M. Flavia, supr. ; pupils, 482. St. Vincent's Academy, Rush street, 
10 Presentation Nuns ; Sister M. Immaculata, dir. ; pupils, 300. 
Convent of the Nuns of the Visitation of the B. V. M., Alta Vista 
street and Julien avenue. Sisters of the Visitation ; 34 Sisters ; Sister 
M. Antonia Ring, supr. ; connected with the convent is a boarding 
and select day school ; pupils, 160. St. Mary's Orphanage, under the 
management of the Sisters of St. Francis, for the orphans and 
friendless children of the Diocese of Dubuque; school for orphans 
only; 24 Sisters of St. Francis ; 180 orphans. St. Francis Home for 
Young Ladies, 605 Blufif street, for the protection of young girls 
and women of good character; 10 Sisters of St. Francis; Sister M. 
Benedict, supr; inmates, 95. St. Joseph's Mercy Hospital, West 
Third street (125 beds), Sisters of Mercy, a branch of the order 
from Davenport, established a house in 1879 in Dubuque, Iowa. 
The institution comprises three departments, an infirmary for the 
sick and the aged, an orphanage for the education of destitute chil- 
dren, and a House of Providence where homeless and unemployed 
girls are provided for ; 25 Sisters, 1 5 novices, 3 postulants ; Mother 

901 



902 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Mary Pius, supr. ; inmates, 200. St. Joseph's Mercy Asylum (200 
beds), West Dubuque, Iowa; conducted by the Sisters of Mercy; 
in this institution acute and chronic forms of insanity are treated 
and cared for, also the epileptic and feeble minded ; number oi 
patients, 280; Sister M. Rose, supr.; 16 Sisters. St. Anthony's 
Home for the Aged (West Dubuque, R. F. D. ), 8 Sisters of Mercy; 
Sister M. Elizabeth, supr. ; inmates, 120. St. Francis' Home for 
the Aged, 10 Sisters of St. Francis; inmates, 90. Industrial School, 
7 Sisters of St. Francis ; inmates, 60. The Marine Hospital of the 
city is in charge of the Sisters of Mercy. House of the Good Shep- 
herd, Alta Vista street. Sister Mary de Lourdes Henry, supr. ; 7 
Sisters; inmates, 50. 



RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES IN THE DIOCESE. 

COMMUNITIES OF MEN. 

Trappist Fathers, New Melleray Abbey, Dubuque. Brothers of 
Mary (St. Louis province), Dubuque, Dyersville. 

COMiMUNITIES OF WOMEN. 

Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Dubuque, Iowa), 
mother house, college, academy, two schools, Dubuque, Ackley, 
Cascade, Cedar Falls, Cedar Rapids, Clinton, Cresco, Garryowen, 
Lyons, Waterloo. Sisters of St. Francis (Dubuque, Iowa), mother 
house, academy, orphanage and St. Francis' Home, Industrial 
School, three schools, Dubuque, Alta Vista, Brown Station, Cas- 
cade, Centralia, Dyersville, Fillmore, Garnavillo, Haverhill, Holy 
Cross, Independence, Ionia, La Motte, Lyons, Meyer, North Wash- 
ington, Norway, Ossian, Otter Creek, Petersburg, St. Catharine, 
Stacyville, Templehill, Waterloo, Worthington. Sisters of St. Fran- 
cis (Clinton, Iowa), mother house, novitiate, academy and schools, 
Clinton, Epworth, Lourdes, New Hampton, Petersville ; Tama City. 
Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration (La Crosse, Wisconsin), 
Balltown, Bellevue, Festina, Guttenberg, Lansing, Luxemburg, New 
Vienna, Roseville, St. Lucas, Sherrill's Mound. 




^ 



EDUCATION. 

WISE provision was made at an early day for the support of 
public schools, so that it is possible for every community 
in the state to maintain a free school at comparatively rea- 
sonable expense to the taxpayers. The public schools are 
supported by funds derived from various sources. The general 
government set apart the sixteenth section of every congressional 
township, or one thirty-sixth of the state, for school purposes. The 
government fixed the minimum price at $1.25 per acre. Congress 
made a further donation of 500,000 acres to the state, and in addi- 
tion thereto an appropriation to the school fund of 5 per cent on all 
the sales of public lands. To the fund thus created the state added 
the proceeds of the sales of all lands which escheat to it ; the fund 
is further increased by the proceeds of all fines for the violation of 
the liquor and criminal laws. The money obtained from the above 
named sources constitutes the permanent school fund of the state, 
and cannot be used for any other purpose. The moneys collected 
for fines and forfeitures go to the school fund of the counties in 
which collected. Proceeds of land sales and the 5 per cent appro- 
priation go into the state treasury, and are distributed among the 
counties as may be requested, which in turn loan the money for long 
terms. The interest on all these loans is paid into the state treasury, 
and constitutes the available school fund of the state. Every county 
is responsible to the state for the money so loaned, and the state 
is in turn responsible to the school fund. The interest secured from 
said loans is apportioned semi-annually among the counties of the 
state in proportion to the number of children between five and 
twenty-one years of age. For many years the amount thus dis- 
tributed has averaged a little more than one dollar per head of the 
ages named. The city of Dubuque last year received $14,536.35. 
and the entire county, $23,512.15. 

Other funds needed for the support of a school are obtained 
from a local district tax levied by the board of supervisors as esti- 
mated by the board of directors of each school district. 

The happiness and prosperity of any community depend upon its 
citizenship, which is largely governed by the character of its schools. 
The real value of a school is in turn dependent upon the interest 
manifested by the people. A progressive community demands good 
schools, and is willinj^ to support them liberally. One of the first 
thoughts of every community of pioneer settlers in Iowa was to 

903 



yo4 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

provide a little schoolhouse for the children. Within a few years 
a system was provided for the entire territory, which has devel- 
oped with the passing years until today it stands forth the proudest 
boast of all Iowa. 

Statistics are said to be cold ; . they may nevertheless be interest- 
ing, and exhibit at least comparative effort and results. The fol- 
lowing statistics gathered from reports of the state superintendent 
of public instruction show the great growth of the system, and the 
liberality of the people is indicated by the large amount paid annu- 
ally for the free education of the children of the state. These sta- 
tistics are for the years i860. 1885 and 1910, and show the changes 
by periods of twenty-five years each. It is interesting to note the 
fact that though there was only a slight increase in the enrollment 
and daily attendance of pupils from 1885 to 1910, the amount of 
money paid for the support of the schools in 1910 was more than 
twice as great as the amount paid in 1885. It is also somewhat 
significant that while there were a few more male teachers in i860 
than female teachers, in 1885 the number of female teachers was 
three times as great as the number of male, and in 1910 nine times 
as great. It will also be noted that there was a remarkable increase 
in the number of volumes in the school libraries from 1885 to 
1910, and it may appear strange that of the total number in 1910, 
644,588 belong to the rural schools, and 441,699 to the city and 
village schools. 

i860. 1885. 1910. 

Permanent school fund $4,788,818 

Interestofperma- 

nent school fund $142,151 $248,260 $215,832 

'"Assessed valuat'n state. $193, 385,000 $488,953,000 $693,859,714 

Number school houses. . 3-2o8 12,309 

Value of school houses. . $1,206,840 $12,690,326 $27,233,239 
Number of school rooms. 4.927 14,109 19,667 

Amount teachers' salaries. $445,468 $3,777,092 $8,335,917 
Amount paid for school 

houses, grounds, library 

and apparatus $158,291 $1,227,815 $1,135,522 

Amount fuel and other 

contingencies $52,179 $1,049,406 $4,240,027 

Total am't paid for sch'ls $655,938 $6,054,313 $13,711,466 
No. volumes in libraries. 2,325 57.095 1,086,287 

Number male teachers. . 3.219 5.809 2,689 

Number female teachers. 3>ii5 17,906 24,909 

Total number teachers . . 6,334 23,715 27,598 

Av. salary male teachers . $23.76 $37-95 $72.01 

Av. sal'y female teachers $15-28 $29.45 $45-21 



^Actual value in 1910, $2,775,438,856. 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 905 



Av. salary all teachers . . . 
Av. No. months' school. 


$19.56 


$31-53 


$47.82 
8.6 


Total population state. . . 
No. persons 5 to 21 years 
No. enrolled in Pub. Sch. 
Av. daily attendance. . . . 


674,913 
244.938 
167,869 

77,113 


1,753,980 
634,407 
477.663 
281,794 


2,224,371 
677,004 
510,661 
360,178 



The schools of Iowa have been under the general management of 
a superintendent of public instruction ever since its admission into 
the Union as a state, December 28, 1846, with the exception of the 
years 1859- 1864, when the duties were performed by the State 
Board of Education, of which Thomas H. Benton, of Dubuque, 
acted as secretary. Indeed, there was a superintendent for the 
Territory of Iowa during the years 1841-1842, but not after that 
until the time named above. 

In like manner, the schools of a county are under the general 
management of a county superintendent of schools, elected by the 
people for a term of two years. The law creating this position was 
enacted in 1858. The prescribed duties of a county superintendent 
are to hold teachers' institutes as prescribed by law, conduct the 
examinations of teachers under direction of the State Department, 
which now grades all papers submitted by applicants for certificates, 
visit schools, hear appeals, and make an annual report to the State 
Department. 

STATISTICS FOR DUBUQUE COUNTY. 

1887. I9IO. 

Number of school houses 134 ^49 

Value of school houses $316,885 613,340 

Number of schoolrooms — 

Rural 119 127 

Graded 86 130 

Amount teachers' salaries — 

Male teachers $18,993.92 $23,090.80 

Female teachers $49,991.83 $106,795.07 

Amount paid for school houses and 

grounds $448.83 $459-30 

For fuel, repairs, insurance and janitors. .$21,338.36 $25,535.40 

Salaries of secretaries and treasurers $3-179.37 $3-3-1 -97 

For records and apparatus $1,309.42 $213.41 

For library books $5-75 $158.33 

For free textbooks $97-65 

For general supplies $1,123.40 $2,160.80 

School building bonds and interest $495-00 $18,578.00 

For other purposes $3-359-16 $9,174.19 

Total amount paid for schools 

Total $100,245.04 $189,584.92 



9o6 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Number volumes in libraries 2,220 10,630 

Value of appartus $3,095 $12,197 

Number male teachers. ., 38 24 

Number female teachers...., 213 282 

Total number teachers 251 306 

Average number months taught by males . . 8.8 9.2 

Average number months taught by females 8.8 8.5 

Average salary male teachers $56.80 $104.76 

Average salary female teachers $26.53 $44-72 

Average salary all teachers $31.12 $49.78 

Total population of county 45,496 57.450 

Number persons, 5 to 21 years old. . . 1 7.741 17.352 

Number enrolled in public schools ( 1888) . . 8,106 7.032 

Average daily attendance S>425 4,960 

A careful study of the tables above reveals, a number of inter- 
esting facts. We call special attention to two of them: (a) The 
first table shows that the increase in the total number of persons of 
school age — 5 to 21 — has kept pace with the increase in the total 
population of the state, but the second table shows that though there 
was an increase of considerable in the total population of Dubuque 
county, there was a decrease of 389 in the number of school age. 
The figures are, of course, wrong and misrepresent the real facts. 
It is quite evident that there has been marked inefficiency or care- 
lessness in taking the school census. 

(b) Another and more important fact lies in the enrollment. 
The first table shows that the actual enrollment in the state is 75 
per cent of the total number of persons of school age, and the 
average daily attendance, 53 per cent ; the second table reveals the 
fact that only 40 per cent of the total number of persons of school 
age in Dubuque county are enrolled in the public schools, and only 
28 per cent in daily attendance. A natural inference is that there is 
but little interest manifested in the education of the children of this 
county. Both city and county have frequently been misrepresented 
in journals published elsewhere, but the writers drew their con- 
clusions solely from the state superintendent's reports of the public 
schools which state the truth but by no means the whole truth. 
There is no other county in the state, and there are but few in 
any other state, in which so large a i>ercentage of the children 
attend church or parochial schools. Outside of the city of Du- 
buque there are in this county eleven parochial schools of the 
Roman Catholic church with an enrollment of 1,600 pupils taught 
by forty-six sisters. 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 907 

When No Total 
School Established. Teachers. Enrollment. 

St. Boniface, New Vienna. .. . 1847 8 250 

St. Francis, Dyersville.. 1865 8 350 

St. Francis H. S., Dyersville.. 1903 4 55 

Holy Trinity, Luxemburg.... 1866 4 95 

St. Martin's, Cascade 1870 4 183 

Holy Cross, N. Buena Vista.. 1874 3 125 
St. Peter and Paul, Sherrill's 

Mound 1876 2 80 

St. John, the Baptist, Centralia. 1879 2 55 

St. Mary's. Cascade 1883 4 150 

Presentation, Farley 1888 2 56 

St. Paul's, Worthington 1889 4 180 

St. Francis, Balltown 

In addition to above there are in the city of Dubuque a few Ger- 
man Lutheran and nine Roman Catholic parochial schools with an 
enrollment of approximately 3,500 children. These schools to- 
gether with the higher institutions of learning will be found listed in 
the latter part of this chapter. By adding the 5,000 to the 7,032, 
we have an enrollment of 12,000 pupils acquiring a common school 
education. The real enrollment in this county, then, is about 70 
per cent of the number of persons of school age. This is the basis 
on which comparison with other counties should be made. 

County Organization. — There is great lack of uniformity in 
organization of the school system, and an unnecessarily large num- 
ber of officials. There are independent city districts of first and 
second class, independent town and village districts, independent 
rural districts, and school townships with sub-districts. An inde- 
pendent district of a city of the first class has a board of seven mem- 
bers : an independent district of a city of the second class, or town, 
or village, has a board of five members; an independent rural district 
has a board of three (in some instances, five) members; school 
townships have boards of as many members as there are schools or 
sub-districts. On the first day of July they meet to organize by 
electing a president, a secretary and treasurer. A school township 
may, however, have one or more independent districts, as any sub- 
district may become independent by vote of its people. 

There are eighteen townships in the county. Julien township 
(city of Dubuque) is an independent district with a board of seven 
members. Table Mound township is an independent district with 
a board of five members. There are ten townships organized as 
school townships: Center, Jefferson, Vernon, Mosalem, Cascade, 
Dodge, Prairie Creek, Whitewater, Washington and Liberty; the 
first four have no independent districts, but Cascade. Dodge, Prairie 
Creek and Whitewater have each one independent district with a 



9o8 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

board of five members ; \\"ashington has one independent district 
with a board of five and two with a board of three each ; and 
Liberty, one witli a board of five and three with boards of three. 
Concord township has two independent rural districts with boards 
of five members each and five with boards of three each ; Dubuque, 
one of five, and six of three each; Iowa, one of five, and four of 
three each; New Wine, three of five and five of three each; Peru, 
four of tliree each; and Taylor, two of five and six of three each. 
This calls for an official force of 260 directors, 62 of whom serve as 
presidents, 62 secretaries and 62 treasurers. — a total of 384 officials 
for 306 teachers and 7,032 pupils. 

Following are the names of the directors in the various town- 
ships in the order as listed above : 

Julien (City of Dubuque) — H. E. Tredway, John T. Adams, W. 
H. Meuser, F. E. Bissell, T. J- Fitzpatrick, F. N. Schroeder, J. J. 
Murray. 

Table Mound. — Jerome Feeney, Stephen O'Hea, James Mullen. 

Center. — Wm. Straub. Jake Schmitt, Nick Schrobilgen, Peter 
McGrath, Andrew Humke. John Baumgartner, George La Page. 

Jefferson. — W. C. Rumpel, G. Datisman, Albert Cummer, Tom 
Atkinson, Joe Blocklinger, Nick Fries, F. E. Boyes, H. C. Mori- 
hart, John Rowles. 

Vernon. — J. W. Brummer, M. M. Cottingham, W. J. Burns, 
R. C. Rosser, L. Schenimel, Robert Hall. John Logan, W. Weydert, 
Peter Ganson. 

Mosaleni. — Tom Schuster, Valentine Kies, E. J. Pilard, S. B. 
Preston, Anton Kemp, C. L. Hilkin, Conrad Reeg. 

Cascade. — W. C. Aitchison, Michael Less, Chas. Sullivan, John 
Cavanaugh, Geo. D. Jones, Jacob Gearhart, Geo. Brookings, Peter 
Kurt, John Bessler. West Cascade, (Ind.) — Jas. T. O'Brien, J. L. 
Fober, Henry Pinnell, Matt Bisenius, J. T. Dunigan. 

Dodge. — Jacob Krapfl, Frank Funke, Robt. Sherlock, Maurice 
Breen, J. W. Cropp, M. Lehmann, John Hogan, John Bergfield. 
IVorthington (Ind.) — P. A. Besler, Chris. Baehler, Peter Baum, 
Geo. Hostert, John Kraus. 

Prairie Creek. — James Moloney, John Carr. Vincent Driscoll, 
John McCann, Patrick Kane, James Lynch, Nicholas Knepper, Mike 
Callahan, Joseph Klocker. Bernard (Ind.) — C. F. Smyth, P. C. 
Maloy, Ben Flannagan, Patrick McCarthy, Wm. Cannon. 

lVhiteti>ater. — Wm. McMullen, Thos. P. Carr, Peter Klein, 
Henry Gehl, D. Coohey. East Cascade (Ind.)—L. W. Will, Thos. 
Loham, W. A. Fairbum, E. Vogel, C. J. Winters. 

Washington. — R. J. Kennedy, Wm. Higgins, John McKittrick, 
Ed. Sweeney. Zzvingle (Ind.) — E. E. Alspach, Jacob Kemmerer, 
Avei-y West, R. J. Lembart, Frank Chesterman. St. Joseph's 
(Ind.) — Chas. Herzog, Michael Welsh, Matt Fagan. Washington 
Mills (Ind.) — James Melloy, James Cannon, Francis Ronek. 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 909 

L/&rr/v.^Matt Weber, James Kearns, Louis Noeses. St. Mary's 
(Ind.) — Henry Fangman, Barney Herbers, Wm. Segbers, Henry 
Klosterman, John Nillenbring. Douglas (Ind.) — John Mories, 
John Griener, Joseph Froeble. Jackson (Ind.) — Anton W. Steffen, 
Frank Kkiesner, John Ries. Webster (bid.) — Theo Zewen, Jos. 
Nieses, Nick Bries. 

Concord. Cottage Hill. — Nick Wilwert, Herman Wilkenbush, 
Beecher Boyes, Peter Grippes, Geo. Pfeiler. Flanagan — Sumner 
Stuart, Charles Ager, F. W. Haselow, Frank Reagen, Jonathan 
Paisley. Floyd — Peter Meyer, Matt Pfeiler, Charles Davidschoefer. 
Germania. — Peter Disburg, P. P. Schniitt, P. M. Schmitt. Holy 
Cross. — Matt Theisen. J. P. Sweeney, George J. Maiers. Plimi 
Creek. — Nick Jecklin. Peter Breimeyer, Matt Gager. St. John's. — 
Peter Clemens, Henry Schulte, Lewis Sweeney. 

Dubuque. Stone Hill. — Wm. Avenarius, Wm. Handel, Arnold 
Muntz, Sam Cartigny, Charles Dubler. Asbnry. — Frank Gladwin, 
Geo. Lewis, Edw. Lewis. Center Grove. — ^Thos. Winders, Ray- 
mond Daykin, A. J. Lampe. Dirby Grange. — Peter Weiland, 
Peter Majerus, George Jungwirth. Julien. — Jas. F. Crider, J. T. 
Daykin, George Roussel. Oakz'ille. — H. J. Jecklin, Wm. Gregory, 
Jas. Larkin. JVilton. — T. E. Kingsley, Ralph Spensley, J. J. Noel. 

lozea. Tiz'oii. — Chas. Pins, M. A. Duggan, Geo. Miller, Frank 
Osterhouse, Frank Klosterman, Jr. Lincoln. — Michael Wolf, Chris 
Baier, John Strief. Millvillc. — Thos. Beresford, Samuel Strief, H. 
M. Bradley. Bankston. — James Kierman, John McMahon. Eagle. 
— N. M. Smith, J. Ilgen. 

New Wine. Dyersz-ille. — J. C. Muehe, S. L. Vickers, Henry 
Goerdt, Sr., Henry W^ilhelm, Peter Esch, Sr. Nev.' Vienna. — John 
Ahlers, Henn,- Mescher, C. J. Vaske, Ferd Freking, Jno. Ploessel. 
Union. — Chas. Kramer, Barney Fortman, Tony Kramer, Geo. 
Kramer, Jas. Stratton. Carro//.— Michael Ries, Jos. Hoefer, Nic 
Hennen. Columbus. — Wm. Hullermann, Andrew Recker, Barney 
Menke. Hickory. — J. H. Koch, Frank Bunker, Bernard Noethe. 
Rock.— Geo. Naderman, B. Beckmann, John Hille. St. Francis.— 
Frank Kruse, Joseph Thier. Caspar Klostermann. 

Peru. Bloody Run. — Cornelius Ball, John Harvey, Louis 
Spoerl. Knollz'ille.— Ernest Hammerand, John Banworth, Valen- 
tine Lochner. Riverside.— Henry Henkels, John Thiltgen, J. A. 
Mueller. S ag evil I e.—Emi\ Hedrick, Louis Foell, Leo Hedrick, 

Taylor. Epivorth.—C. W. Moore, Thos. J. Hinde, Frank C. 
Edwards, E. W. Brown, Frank Wilkinson. Farley.— R. E. Knapp, 
John B. \\^alter. Chas. L. Kay, Jas. O'Connell, A. F. Reichmann. 
Burr Oa)t.— Nat. Bradfield, Wm. King, Robt. Woodhouse. Hogan. 
—John Walsh. Michael Griffin, John Duenser. Pleasant Grove.— 
John Healey, Sr., John Healey, Jr., Michael McDermott. Pleasant 
I'ictv.—l H. Greenwood, Jas. Gibson, Hugh Coyle. Scott.— Mar- 



9IO HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

tin Burge, Martin Hurley, James Greenwood. Taylor. — David 
Chapman, James Casey, Morris Urban. 

At date of writing this chapter, June, 191 1, the first-named in 
each of above sixty-two lists was president of his board. Following- 
are the names of the teachers of the county, outside of the city of 
Dubuque, for the year 1910-1911 : 

Tabic Mound Tozvnship — Mary F. Kane, Verna H. Smith, Viv- 
ian I. Powers, Caroline E. Fritz, Mamie Woodhouse, Mae Mc- 
Donald, Vetura C. J. McCabe, Mary Sweeney, Marie McCullough, 
Sister V. Albie, Sister Philomena Hayes. 

Center Tozvnship — Caroline L. Kotze, Margaret Rooney, Neva 
M. Hoes, Euphemia Cox, Margaret A. Kile, Louise Roussel, Tessie 
E. Hauser, Ethel A. Lewis. 

Jefferson Tozvnship — Regina R. Wand. Edna Voss, Dora Jecklin, 
Catherine McNamara, Isabella Rupp, Grace Chalfield, Minnie 
Schepple, NelHe Triek. 

Vernon Tozvnship — Sophia Toennes, Leona Breitbach, Ella 
Greenley, Mollie Miehe, Irene Rooney, Kathryn Bradley, Anna 
Casey, Virginia Noonan, Corena J. McGinnis. 

Mosalem Tozvnship — Marie Zernecke, Mabel Dolan, Mary A. 
McGovern, Fannie J. Klein, Bernice M. Ehret, Sister M. Francisco. 

Cascade Tozvnship — Mary Zoller, Anna M. Aitchison, Elizabeth 
Aitchison, Rose Printy, Rose A. Hemmer, Clara G. Loy, Margaret 
Callahan, Florence Brown, Mary Schwind, Celestine C. Faber. 

Dodge Tozvnship — Mary M. Wuchter, Marguerite Bell, Madge 
Waterhouse, Rita Bailey, Irene Hogan, Mary Krinkner, Agnes 
Hogan, Clara Mieding, Edna B. Pitman. 

Prairie Creek Toumship — Lizzie M. Feeney, Lizzie McClain, 
Mary Carman, Josephine E. Grace, Loretta Larkin. Marguerite 
Moloney, Nellie Powers, Sister M. Anna, Mary A. Molony. 

Whitezvatcr Tozvnship — Mary E. Horsfield, Marjorie Henne- 
berry, Anna T. Murphy, Rita Brown, ]\Iarjorie Goggin, Genevieve 
Conlin, Blanche L. Pierce, Florence Curoe. 

Washington Tozvnship — Edna Donahue, Mary Sullivan, Irene 
Sullivan, Mary Cannon, Rita Sweeney, Mary M. Moloney, Grace 
I. Cannon, U. J. Barkel, Gertrude Sullivan, Ada Bradley. 

Liberty Tozvnship — Florence McGovern, Sister M. Eugenie, 
Evelyn Blake, Mary G. Hoefer, Mary Fitzgerald. 

Concord Tozvnship — Loretta C. Regan, Gertrude Niedemer, 
Stella B. Blake, Katherine Cooney, Sister M. Adele, Sister M. 
Scholastica, Rose M. Flanagan, Christian Davidsaver. 

Dnbuqne Tozvnship — Sara Larkin, LeVerne Bennett, Mary 
Byrne, Agnes McCaffrey, Helen M. Clark, Caroline Hussey, Jen- 
nie E. Welsh, Leila M. Mink. 

lozva Tozvnship — Nona Daly, Frances Noesges, Anna Phillips, 
Hannah Spear, Leila Armstrong. 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 911 

Nezv Wine T oimship— Kathtr'wK Hoefer, Theresa M. Wuchter, 
E. C. Greene, Antoinette M. Streit, Tessie Westemyer, Annella C. 
Rohenkahl, George F. Gerken, Emma Goerdt, Anna Schenner. Nel- 
lie Bahning. 

Peru Toivnship — Frances McGovern, Marcella Dunn, Marv Bis- 
anz, Katherine Sauer. Susie M. Haggerty. 

Taylor Tozviiship — Maria Downey, Bertha C. McNeill, Anna F. 
Jackson, Mae Cecil Tench, Ella Burrell, Alice Strather, Vivian Pal- 
mer, Sister M. Michael, Alice Connolly, Katherine B. Dufify, Anna 
Hurley. Mary Devaney. 

The City of Dubuque — To maintain an institution after it has 
been well established and after it has secured such a strong hold on 
the affections of the people that they want the best and are willing 
to pay for it, is comparatively easy. To lay the foundations when 
there is absolutely nothing to encourage or to impel but a sense of 
duty is another matter. The first settlers of 1833 were surely brave 
and endured many hardships. They had barely built the cabins for 
the protection of their families when some of them declared their 
next business must be to provide some means for the education 
of the children. A subscription paper was circulated and money 
raised to put up a building which was the first in the state to be 
used for school purposes. It was an unpretentious log building in 
what is now known as Washington Square and on Sundays was 
used for church purposes. For twenty-five years the masses were 
not disposed to make provision for free schools. There were, how- 
ever, enough men here like the Langsworthys, the McCraneys atid 
others who even in that first year were inspired with the necessity 
of laying the foundation without even dreaming of the Dubuque 
of 191 1 as an educational center with a system of public schools 
ranking with the best in the state, a large number of excellent pri- 
vate and parochial schools, well-known academies, colleges and the- 
logical seminaries — nearly all with modern commodious buildings, 
the pride of the city. 

To George Cubbage must be awarded the honor of having been 
the first teacher in Dubuque and probably the first in the state. He 
taught a school of thirty-five pupils in the little log building in the 
winter of 1833-34. An old citizen says he was bald headed and 
that, after having been captured by the Indians, he was exchanged 
by them for a plug of tobacco because he presented no scalping iiv 
ducements. Barrett Whittemore taught a school here in 1834. The 
next year Mfs. Caroline Dexter taught a school in a little building 
on the corner of Sixth and Locust. She had classes in reading, 
arithmetic, writing and needlework. Mrs. Dexter was doubtless 
Iowa's first female teacher. She taught but a short time, as she 
married a Mr. Graves and lived till 1879. On the first Monday 
of November, 1837. Mrs. Louisa King, who had taught near Balti- 



912 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

more with Miss Louisa C. F. King as assistant, opened the Du- 
buque Academy, offering a "good Enghsh education to young peo- 
ple of either sex and instruction in needlework and on piano for 
ladies." Like the other early pioneer educational institutions, it 
had a brief existence. The Dubuque Seminary was incorporated 
January 15, 1838. The incorporators were P. A. Lorimier, Ezekiel 
Lockwood, Joseph T. Fales, Patrick Quigley. Benjamin Rupert, 
Thomas S. Wilson and Lucius H. Langworthy. Alonzo P. Phelps 
opened the seminary in September. 1838, in the Methodist chapel 
and advertised to teach all branches of a liberal education. In No- 
vember. 1839, Mrs. O'Reilly opened "a school for the instruction 
of young ladies in all the branches of an English and ornamental 
education." She had the endorsement of Rt. Rev. Dr. Loras, Rev. 
Mazzuchelli. Patrick Quigley, George ^\^ Jones and others. T. B. 
Burr, a graduate of Yale, opened a school in the basement of the 
Presbyterian church, July 29, 1840. He had a lady assistant and 
admitted both sexes. A few years later the first brick schoolhouse 
was erected in Dubuque. It was built mainly at the expense of 
the Langworthy brothers and Thomas McCraney and was located 
near Seventeenth and White. Mrs. Ada Langworthy Collier in 
describing the school says : "A long red bench ran around the sides 
and one end. Long and low it was for upon it the smaller ones sat, 
while the older ones filled seats placed where space could be best 
utilized. There are still among us a few of its boys and girls." 
Tom and Bud Shields, the McCraneys, Thompsons, Langvvorthys 
and many more added to the hubbub of the little school and loved 
the little teacher, who was a very young, blonde and pretty widow, 
Mrs. Margaret Carter, daughter of old Squire Bemis and sister of 
Mrs. Lucius Lang^vorthy. How she ruled her scholars many of 
whom looked down upon her from a physical standpoint, no one 
knew, but she did rule them. I never knew her authority defied 
more than once, and that was by one of the big boys. "Billy T." 
For some repeated offense she told Billy he must remain after school 
for punishment. Billy vaulted through the window, ran up to the 
top of the "burial mound" (Jackson Square) and executed a de- 
risive war dance. The teacher was "game" and followed in hot 
pursuit ; the boy made a bee line for home and took refuge under 
the family bed. She panted after him; his father appearing on the 
scene, the boy was drawn from his retreat and made to stand up 
and take his "punishment like a man." Then, too. he was required 
to ask her pardon before the awe-struck school. Years afterwards, 
when the little teacher was a happy wife in another town, Billy went 
many miles to do her a kindness and to testify to his unchanging 
regard for her. Not long after Mrs. Carter married T. J. Chew 
and the house was sold. Part of it still stands, but "mound" and 
nearly all the scholars are gone. Of the boys in that school "Bud," 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 913 

for many years the Hon. J. H. Shields, is the only remaining one 
in Dubuque. 

In October, 1847, Mr. and Mrs. P. Wiley announced the open- 
mg of a "high school" for both sexes in the basement of the Meth- 
odist church. 

In the spring of 1849 there were six private schools here, but not 
one public school. In 185 1 J. Nichols opened a private school in 
the Baptist church. He had been a teacher in Manchester. England, 
and in New Orleans. In this year B. McGowan, A. M., conducted 
a young men's school, and a Miss Cutter had a school for voung 
ladies on the second floor of a home on Main street. 

In 1853 AlexanderCollege was projected under Presbyterian man- 
agement in the Langworthy block at corner of Twelfth and Iowa 
streets, now Rowan's dry goods store. Dr. Phelps was president 
and was a popular lecturer at state teachers' institutes. He resigned 
in 1857 and was succeeded by Rev. V. D. Reed. A three-story 
stone building was erected near where Finley Hospital now stands. 
The college closed in 1859, after which the building remained un- 
occupied. The walls fell in September, 1874. Three years ago a 
middle-aged man of New York came to Dubuque and surprised 
some of the old citizens by telling them he had come to pay some 
debts contracted by his father while a professor in this college fifty 
years ago. The father had been unfortunate and could not pay, 
but the son had prospered and could and would pay. 

City's Public Schools — Iowa's first school law was enacted Jan- 
uary I. 1839, "proznding for the establishment of common schools." 
A second act was passed January 16, 1840, "establishing" a system 
of schools. Under these acts the schools were to be for all ivhite 
citizens from four to twenty-one years of age. The people of Du- 
buque paid no attention to the law until 1844, when at a meeting 
of citizens it was decided to organize. A small tax was levied for 
school purposes and the following were chosen directors : Warner 
Lewis, president; J. J. E. Norman, secretary; William A. Carter; 
Timothy Mason, treasurer. The board had no buildings, no lots 
on which to build and but little money. They accordingly arranged 
with some private schools then in the city for them to regard their 
schools as public schools and to receive all who might apply, the 
board to pay per capita. At the close of the year the balance in 
the treasury was used to buy lot 602. part of the ground on which 
Franklin school now stands, and the north fifth of lot 447, south- 
west comer of Twelfth and Clay streets. Nothing more was done 
until 1849, when at a meeting of the citizens it was decided to levy 
a tax of two and a half mills on the dollar for the purpose of build- 
ing three schoolhouses — one in each of the three wards of the city. 
The amoimt realized was $1,396.59. The next year, 1850, it was 
decided to build onlv two schoolhouses — one in the first and one 



914 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

in the third ward. They were built on the lots named above at 
a contract cost of $500 each. The directors failed to pay the bill 
of $275 for seating the buildings and the houses were sold under 
the lien law. 

In 1 85 1 the city was divided into three districts coterminous with 
the then three wards of the city. The officers of District No. 3, 
H. A. Wiltse. Edward Langworthy and James Burt, redeemed the 
house in that district and maintained a school for a few years. Dur- 
ing this period there was sustained a small school in some base- 
ment of the second ward also, partly with public and partly with 
pri\ate funds. Between 1849 ^^"^1 1856 there was shown but little 
if any interest in public education; no local tax was levied; the only 
money received by the directors of the several districts was obtained 
from the annual state appropriation. Thomas H. Benton, state 
superintendent of public instruction, said: "In March, 1849. Du- 
buque had a population of about 3,500 and the assessed value of 
its real estate and capital invested in merchandise was about $500,- 
000, and yet it is destitute of even one public schoolhouse." A pub- 
lic meeting was held May 14, 1849, ^t which, chafing under criti- 
cism by the state, a committee was appointed to prepare plans for 
a schoolhouse. At a subsequent meeting the committee, consisting 
of J. J. Dyer, David Jones, J. J. E. Norman, Henry A. \\'iltse, 
Benjamin Rupert, M. Mobley and Lincoln Clark, reported that there 
were nearly 1,000 children of school age in the city and that a suit- 
able schoolhouse would cost from six to eight thousand dollars and 
that the funds would have to be raised by taxation or voluntary 
contributions. The committee, furthermore, recommended the pub- 
lic square as the site for the schoolhouse. After a prolonged dis- 
cussion, it was decided the amount required was too much. The 
chase after the almighty dollar outweighed decent consideration 
for the welfare of the children. The few small schools that were 
maintained part of the year were denounced as "poor schools," "god- 
less schools," etc. Their condition was expressed in the following 
sentence from the Express and Herald of September 11, 1855: 
"The condition of the public schools of our city is a subject to which 
strangers turn with astonishment and citizens of Dubuque with 
shame." 

In 1855 a few public-spirited citizens induced the legislature to 
pass an act constituting the city of Dubuque a school district and 
authorizing the city council to provide for a board of education. 
The three districts were thereupon united and some interest in 
schools began to manifest itself. The council appointed a board of 
five members — one from each ward. The city had been redistricted 
into five wards. The new board, consisting of D. A. Mahony, 
James A. Reid, James Burt, James R. Goodrich and R. C. Waples, 
met in the council chamber, February 7, 1856. D. A. Mahony was 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 915 

chosen president pro tempore and P. W. Crawford, city recorder, 
was ex-officio secretary. R. C. Waples was authorized to buy the 
fifth of lot 447 adjoining the fifth then owned at the comer of 
Twelfth and Clay streets. The purchase was made subsequently 
at a cost of $2,000. On the third of March the board voted to 
open schools in the third and fifth wards with two teachers each. 
At this time a serious clash occurred with the council. Upon ask- 
ing the council for a statement of the amount of money at the dis- 
posal of the board of education the council, through Ben M. Sam- 
uels, chairman of its committee on schools, replied that there had 
been a fund of $7,000 which had been used for other than school 
purposes, but would be restored as soon as a loan for $100,000 could 
be negotiated. The board of education then adopted the follow- 
ing resolution : "Resolved, That under the construction put upon 
the power and duties of this board by the city council, we see no 
prospect of effecting anything for the establishment of public schools 
in this city by any work this board can do and that we adjourn sine 
die." 

The council on March 10 adopted a new ordinance and appointed 
H. A. Wiltse, F. E. Bissell, S. M. Case, J. J. E. Norman and J. A. 
Reid as a new board to serve until the regular election in April. 
Although they were in office only a month, they started something. 
They voted to open schools in the first ward, West Dubuque, and on 
Dodge street in rented rooms, reported plans and specifications for 
a school building in the third ward and asked the council for $10,000 
for such building. At the April election the following were chosen 
members of the new board, one from each ward : J. A. Langton, 
C. Childs, H. A. Wiltse, F. E. Bissell and John King. The council 
levied a tax of $8,810 for teachers and a tax of $17,620 additional 
to a regular appropriation of $30,000 for schoolhouses. Plans for 
three-story, twelve-room buildings in the first and third wards were 
drawn by J. F. Rague and contracts let to Berry, Playter & 
Longhurst. 

Previous to this year Dubuque owned but two schoolhouses, nei- 
ther of which could seat comfortably more than seventy pupils, al- 
though the city claimed a population exceeding 12,000. The school 
census of 1856 showed 2,808 of school age, but there were only 
264 in school. These were taught by eight teachers, two male and 
six female, in the two buildings owned by the city and in several 
rented rooms. The Express and Herald, February 27, 1856, said: 
"There is at last a prospect that public free schools will soon be es- 
tablished in this city. At present there is not a single school build- 
ing worthy of the name at the disposal of the board." 

In 1857 the buildings in the first and third wards were completed 
and another of the same size and style was erected in the fifth ward. 
The complete cost of first ward building was as follows : 



9i6 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Building $17,114.93 

Filling lot 717-50 

Protection wall 1,197.66 

Sewer 161.50 

Inside walk 78.75 

Furnishing 5,351.92 

$24,622.36 

The total cost of the third ward building, including furniture, 
was $27,067.91, and of the fifth ward building, $23,026.56. The 
building in the third ward is still in use and apparently as strong 
as ever. Those in the other two wards gave way in 1906 to beau- 
tiful, modem, well-lighted, well-ventilated and well-furnished 
structures. School opened in the first ward in June, 1857, with 
the following corps of teachers : George VV. Hough, principal ; Ad- 
die Warner, Mrs. Helen S. Allen, Sarah E. Cantillon, Hannah A. 
Gillingham, Anna E. Childs, Eliza M. Rogers, Jane M. Butler and 
Lizzie M. Cantillon. The principal received $100 and the teachers 
from $30 to $45 per month. 

In the third ward school was opened February 2, 1857, with the 
following corps of teachers : A. F. Townsend, principal ; E. Jane 
Thomas, Melissa Eggleston, Frances A. Cogswell, Eliza Hawley, 
Mrs. Sarah J. Taylor, Josephine L. Dorr, Lois Bissell, Sarah E. 
Weston and Daphne L. Churchill. The fifth ward school was 
opened in September, 1858, with the following corps: I. C. Sny- 
der, principal ; Emily A. Temple, Eliza A. Phipps, Harriet D. Bul- 
lard and Jane Thomas. The principals of these first three schools 
have been, first ward, now called Franklin school : 

George W. Hough June, 1857-June, 1858 

J. J. Jewett September, 1858-June, 1859 

H. H. Belfield September, 1859-June, i860 

Charles McKenzie September, i860- June, 1861 

No school September, 1861-December, 1861 

H. H. Belfield January, 1862-June, 1863 

J. H. Sanborn September, 1863-June, 1864 

O. A. Brownson September, 1864-June, 1878 

James E. Welsh September, 1878-December, 1903 

Annie A. O'Shea January, 1904 

Third ward, now called Prescott school: 

A. F. Townsend February 2, 1857-June, 1858 

S. M. Case September, 1858 

Jasper Fisk October, 1858-March, 1859 

Miss E. A. Phipps April, 1859-June, 1859 

A. F. Townsend September, 1859-March, i860 

J. M. WoodrufT April, 1860-June, 1861 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 917 

No school September, 1 861 -December, 1861 

Albert Stebbins January, 1862- June, 1863 

J. H. Goodrich September, 1863-April, 1864 

David Parsons May, 1864-September, 1865 

H. H. Belfield October, 1865-June, 1866 

C. W. Demon September, 1866- June, 1867 

Thomas M. Irish September, 1867 

Fifth ward, now called Audubon school: 

I. C. Snyder September, 1858-January, 1859 

H. H. Belfield February, 1859-June, 1859 

Charles G. Kretschmer September, 1859-December, 1897 

B. J. Horchem January, 1898 

In the spring of 1858 a high school was opened in the upper 
room of the third ward school. "This school, as we understand, 
is opened as an auxiliary, or rather a higher department of the 
public schools of the city." (E. and H., May 22, 1857.) 

The school was in charge of the principal of the third ward 
school until October, when S. M. Case was made principal of the 
high school department with one assistant. In January, 1859, the 
high school department was transferred to the female seminary 
building on Seventeenth street at the head of Iowa. The board 
had purchased this building for $12,000. The school opened with 
110 students in charge of S. M. Case and two assistants. Charles 
G. Kretschmer, who had been teaching a private school, taught 
the German classes throughout the year and then was appointed 
principal of the fifth ward (Audubon) school. In April Mr. Case 
was succeeded by Dr. W. C. Catlin. who resigned after two weeks 
of service on account of ill health. A, F. Townsend served as 
principal during the remainder of the year. On account of lack 
of funds the high school was discontinued in 1859 and the build- 
ing on Seventeenth street reverted to former owners. The teach- 
ers were paid in scrip and salaries were reduced about 50 per cent. 
From 1859 to 1865 principals received from $40 to $50 per month 
and teachers from $20 to $30. The high school course of study 
in 1859 was : 

FIRST YEAR. 

First Term. Second Term. Third Term. 

Higher arithmetic, Algebra, Algebra completed. 

Analytical grammar, Bookkeeping, Geometry, 

Word analysis. Language analysis, Language analysis, 

English history, English history, English composition, 

Latin lessons, English composition, Latin lessons, 

German. Latin lessons, German, 

German, Review of all. 

Constitution U. S. 



9i8 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 



Composition and declamation by sections once in three weeks ; 
penmansliip twice a week ; vocal music once a week ; lectures by 
the principal on common things, morals, manners, etc., once a 
week. 

SECOND YEAR. 



First Term. 


Second Term. 


Third Term. 


Geometry, 


Geometry, 


Higher algebra, 


Natural philosophy. 


Natural philosophy, 


Natural philosophy, 


Physical geography. 


Physical geography. 


General history, 


General history. 


General history. 


Botany, 


Physiology, 


Physiology, 


Virgil, 


Latin, granimar and 


Latin, grammar and 


German, 


Csesar, 


Caesar, 


Greek (optional). 


German. 


German. 


Review of year's 




Bookkeeping (double 


studies. 




entry). 





Composition and declamation, penmanship, music and lectures 
as in first year. ( It should be said that the class in physiology re- 
cited only twice a week.) 

THIRD YEAR. 



First Term. 

Higher algebra. 

Mensuration, 

Plane trigonometry. 

Astronomy, 

Chemistry, 

Critical readings, 

Virgil. 

Greek ( optional ) . 

French ( optional ) , 



Second Term. 

Spherical trigonom- 
etry. 
Surveying, 
Astronomy, 
Chemistry, 
Geology. 

Moral philosophy, 
Virgil, 

Greek (optional), 
French (optional). 



Third Term. 

Sunxying, 
Geology, 

Agricultural chem- 
istry, 
Moral philosophy. 
Intellectual 

philosophy. 
Review of ancient 

history, 
Cicero's orations, 
Anabasis (optional), 
French (optional). 



Moral philosophy and intellectual philosophy, each twice a week. 
Compositions and critical readings by sections once in three weeks, 
original addresses once in three weeks, vocal music once a week. 

Those who complain of the present "crowded" courses of study 
should read the above. What shall be said about the three teachers 
of 1859? Perhaps it was fortunate that the board was compelled 
to close the school after an existence of one year. 

Candidates for admission to the high school were required to 
pass an examination (ten questions each, approved by the board) 
in definitions, geography, mental arithmetic, principles of arith- 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 91., 

metic, written arithmetic, English grammar, U. S. history, general 
history. The text books used in the grades were Sanders's read- 
ers and speller, Sanders & Merrill's elocutionary chart, Sargent's 
charts for teaching the alphabet, W'ebster's dictionary. Davies's 
series of arithmetics, Cornell's series of geographies, Pa'yson, Dun- 
ton and Scribner's penmanship. Green's series of English gram- 
mar, W'illson's history of the United States. 

Among the rules of the board were the following: 

"The teachers shall meet on Saturday forenoon of each week 
and occupy three hours in receiving instructions from the board, 
discussing methods of teaching and in exercises in the branches 
taught in their respective schools, with a view to the introduction 
of uniform and the promotion of better methods of instruction 
and in hearing reports and essays on educational topics." 

"Any teacher who shall fail to be present at the time for open- 
ing school or be absent from a teachers' meeting shall forfeit the 
amount of one-half day's salary." 

"Principals shall render to the board of directors a weekly list 
of all pupils in their respective schools who have been absent five 
hours during the preceding week without having been excused. 
Such pupils may, at the discretion of the board, be dismissed from 
school for the remainder of the term." 

"The school year shall commence on the last Monday in August 
and shall consist of forty-four weeks of five days each week and 
six hours each day. The fall term shall commence with the school 
year and close on December 24; the winter term shall commence 
on the first school day after the January i and close on the first 
Friday of April; the summer term shall commence on the first 
Monday after the second Friday in April and close precisely six 
weeks before the last Monday in August." 

"The several teachers may open their respective schools by read- 
ing either the Protestant or Douay version of the Bible, by repeat- 
ing the Lord's prayer in concert and by singing, the exercise to 
be limited to eight minutes. In case a majority of the parents or 
guardians of the pupils under the instruction of any particular 
teacher shall remonstrate in writing against the use of the Bible 
and repeating the Lord's prayer, such teacher shall intermit these 
exercises. The Bible shall be read without note or comment." 

The last rule quoted caused a tempest. The Bible accompanied 
with prayer and psalm singing was introduced in September, 1858. 
A call for a meeting of all those opposed to such introduction 
and in favor of a purelv secular education to be held in the court- 
house on the evening of September 18 was signed by forty of the 
most prominent citizens. 

Gen. George W. Jones called the meeting to order and General 
Hodgdon was called to the chair. Speeches in opposition to the 
new rule of the board of directors were made by General Hodg- 



920 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

don. Judge Corkery, General Jones and B. M. Samuels. Strong 
resolutions were adopted unanimously and a committee consisting 
of Ben M. Samuels, George W. Jones, Charles Corkery, Warner 
Lewis and D. A. Mahony appointed to interview the board of 
directors. The members of the school board replied, trying to 
justify their action on religious grounds. 

Great confusion was caused in 1858 by a strange order of the 
board calling the school in the third ward the first public school, 
that in the first ward the second public school and that in the fifth 
ward the third public school. 

An important movement was started May 19, 1858, at a meet- 
ing of the county board of directors, composed of the presidents 
of the boards of directors of all school districts in the county. 
Judge Lovell was chairman. The object of the convention was 
to consider the best course of instruction, methods of school gov- 
ernment and qualifications of teachers. Before the convention 
some one suggested a county high school. A committee was ap- 
pointed to consider the propriety of establishing such a school. 
The next day the committee, through its chairman, reported in 
favor of the proposition and suggested the city of Dubuque for 
its location. Delegates were present from every township in the 
county. There was considerable enthusiasm and a board of trus- 
tees, one from each township, was chosen. The convention ad- 
journed to meet at Caledonia at the call of the chairman. In July 
C. Childs, secretary, called for sealed proposals from towns or in- 
dividuals offering lands or buildings for a county high school, said 
proposals to be in his hands by August 10. Offers were made by 
Caledonia, Epworth, Cascade, Dyersville, Farley and the Lang- 
worthy brothers. At a meeting of the trustees in September, all 
the proposed plans were voted on and every one failed to secure 
a majority. The vote on Dyersville was a tie, five to five, and there 
was a majority against Cascade, Epworth, Farley and Caledonia. 
By a vote of six to four the whole matter was finally postponed 
until April, 1859, and by that time the proposition was killed by 
the rivalry as to location, contemplation of increased taxation and 
the full realization of the financial panic. The idea, however, was 
so good that the writer wishes he could give the name of the man 
who first suggested it in that Dubuque convention. Yet there are 
in various sections of the country advocates of such a school to- 
day who believe they ha\e a panacea entirely new and modern. 

All schools were suspended in the fall of 1861 on account of 
lack of funds, but reopened in January with the exception of the 
high school. In 1864 a tornado unroofed the fifth ward building, 
causing the district an additional expense of $3,000; this building 
was again hit by a tornado in April, 1869, partly unroofing it, re- 
pairs for which cost $625. 

In 1865 the board purchased Turner Hall at the northeast corner 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 921 

of Twelfth and Clay streets for $6,000; the board also paid $500 
for a five-year lease held by a theatrical manager and nearly $7,000 
for reconstructing and furnishing the building, making the total 
cost of the property $13,500. It and the old third ward school, 
built in 1856 at the southwest corner of these streets— the two to- 
gether now known as the Prescott school — are the only old large 
school buildings in the city. 

The location of the proposed county high school caused a spir- 
ited controversy in the newspapers. County members objected to 
sending children to the city on account of exposure to temptations. 
The Langworthy brothers otfered a site free in the northwestern 
part of the city and F. E. Bissell and W. Spaulding, trustees of the 
Female Seminary, offered their building at less than cost. Mr. Bis- 
sell said, "County people should send their children to the city for 
the very purpose of exposing them to temptation so they may try 
to resist temptation ; that virtue exists only in the man who wanted 
to sin but dare not." Some said, "Whether in city or county, do 
not buy the Dubuque Female Seminary with its martello towers. 
The people of the county should not be saddled with the mistakes 
in school architecture of a few gentlemen in the city who wish to 
get out of an unpleasant predicament." 

In March, 1866. the school board established a school for negro 
children in the basement of the Methodist church on Seventh street. 
This action was taken in response to a petition circulated by some 
negroes. 

A writer in the Herald of February 2 said: "If such a school 
is established here, niggers will flock here in swarms to get 'larnin',' 
and the gas will have to be kept lighted all day to enable one to 
find his way through town." Miss McLaughlin was the first teacher. 
The Herald of March 7 says: "The school numbers seventeen 
scholars of all sizes, ages and shades of complexion, straight hair, 
curly hair and wool. The largest in attendance are a couple of 
barbers who are pitching in on A, B, C." In 1870 a petition signed 
by fifteen colored citizens asking to have their children admitted 
to the ward schools and the separate negro school discontinued 
was granted Julv 25, but on August 25 on account of emphatic 
opposition among the whites, the question was reconsidered and 
the negro school continued. The school was ordered discontinued 

February 22. 1877. . , , . , . 1. 1 

The State Teachers' Association met in the third ward school 
building in August, 1864. The high school department which had 
been discontinued in 1859 was reopened in September, 1866 with 
T M Brainerd as principal, in a room on the second floor of iur- 
ner Hall, which became known as the High School building, and was 
so used until 189s. A three-year course of study was adopted and 
embraced the foflowing: Mathematics (three years) : Algebra, 
.geometry, trigonometry, navigation and surveying; science (three 



■922 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

years), natural philosophy, botany, geologj-, chemistry; history 
(one year). United States histor}% universal: Latin (two and a 
half years), Greek (one and a half years), German (one and a 
half years), French (one year), English (one-half year). 
Principals of the high school ha\e been : 

Number 
assistants. 

S. M. Case October, 1858-March, 1859 i 

A. F, Townsend April. 1859-June, 1859 2 

J. M. Brainerd September, 1866-June, 1867 i 

M. H. Beach September, 1867-June, 1875 i to 2 

J. D. Wells September, 1875-June, 1877 2 to 3 

H. L. Peet September, 1877-June, 1885 3 to 4 

F. A. Parker September, 1885-June, 1888 4 to 5 

D. Compton September, 1888-June, 1895 5 to 7 

E. D. Walker September, 1895-June, 1896 8 

F. L. Smart September, 1896- June, 1900 10 to 14 

J. S. Gochenauer September. 1900-Tune. 1902 14 

F. L. Smart September. 1902- June, 1906 15 to 18 

J. A. Anderson September, 1906 17 to 18 

The growth of the high school is indicated in the following fig- 
ures of total enrollment: 1870, eight-one: 1880, 175; 1890, 256; 
1895-6, 372; 1900-01, 487; 1905-06, 575; 1910-11, 477. The pres- 
ent high school building, one of the finest looking school buildings 
in the state, was erected in 1894. Bonds for $75,000 were voted in 
March, 1893; ^^e last one was redeemed July 11, 1905. In 1870 
the high school graduated its first class, consisting of two mem- 
bers, Sarah M. Belden and Mary A. Dorgan. From 1870 to 1876 
there was a three-year course and the number graduating dur- 
ing that time was twenty-five. From 1877 to 1885 there were three 
courses — a four-year classical, a four-year Latin scientific and a 
two-year business — and the number graduating in those years was, 
classical, nineteen; Latin scientific, 100; business, 100. From 1886 
to 1895 there were but two courses — a four-year Latin scientific 
and a two-year business — and the number graduating in those 
years was, Latin scientific, 171 ; business, 207. When Superintend- 
ent Oldt took charge of the schools in 1895 and discovered that 
the great majority of the pupils were enrolling in the two-year 
course, he arranged five parallel four-year courses with the hope of 
inducing pupils to remain longer in school by selecting one of the 
new courses. Three years later all pupils were in a four-year 
course, and the two-year course was discontinued. The number 
graduating from the two-year course in 1896- 1898 was loi, and 
from a four-year course in 1896-1911, 685. The total number of 
graduates from the high school to July i, 191 1. therefore is: Orig- 
inal three-year course, twenty-five: two-year business course, 408; 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 923 

four-year courses. 975, or a grand total of 1.408. The school is 
well equipped and has a good corps of instructors; its graduates 
are accepted without examination by the great majority of our 
colleges and universities. 

On May 21, 1868. Dr. H. Rischatsch and John Ruegamer ap- 
peared before the board of directors with a petition from a number 
of German Catholics, asking to have their school recognized as a 
public school and to have a portion of the school fund set apart 
for its support. The petition was referred to a committee com- 
posed of John Hodgdon, J. P. Ouigley and J. H. Thedinga. At 
the next meeting, June 18. the committee made a lengthy report, 
concluding as follows : "The school fund and the school taxes are 
by law devoted to the support of the public schools, open and ac- 
cessible to all youth between the ages of five and twenty-one years, 
irrespective of their religion, nationality or social standing; to di- 
vert the same to any other purpose would be, as your committee 
believe, a violation of existing laws. Your committee, therefore, 
are constrained to report adverse to the prayer of petitioners." The 
report was adopted unanimously. 

In 1863 the Dodge street school was opened in a room fur- 
nished free of rent. In this year two acres of land were purchased 
in West Dubuque for $750 and a one-story, two-room frame build- 
ing put up for $4,000; this school is now called the Irving school; 
in the same year a house just like the West Dubuque house was 
built on land the board had owned for many years at Wilde street 
near the end of South Dodge. The cost was $4,000 and the 
school was called the South Dodge (now Bryant) school. In 1866 
the board built the old (front) part of what is now known as 
the old Lincoln school at a cost of $18,000 and the school was 
opened February 11, 1867, with T. M. Irish as principal; at the 
end of the year he was transferred to the third ward (Prescott) 
school and lias remained there to date. In October, 1868, the board 
purchased a lot on Fremont avenue near Dodge street for $250 
and in 1870 built a one-room brick house for $2,000. This school 
was called Dodge street school, now the Morse. In May, 1870, the 
board bought the lot adjoining the old high school building for 
$2,000. On September 22. 1870. the board rented a room on Couler 
avenue from J. Zugenbuehler for $11 per month, including jani- 
tor service. The committee was "pleased to report that it was 
not necessarv to buv any new furniture except a clock, two chairs 
and a stove.'" September 26, 1871, the board voted to build an 
additional room to the one-room frame building on the fifth ward 
(Audubon) grounds. It was built by Bell, Holland & Green at a 
cost of $584.25. 

In March. 1874. a tax of $3,500 was voted for a buildmg on 
Couler avenue. The board purchased three lots on which the pres- 
ent old Fulton school stands for $1,000 and erected a buildmg 



924 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

( the rear part of w liat is now known as the old Fulton) for $7,780. 
School opened November 16, 1874. In October. 1877, the board 
completed the purchase (begun in 1858) of lot adjoining the third 
ward school for $2,500. In 1879 the two lots in the rear of the 
original fourth ward (Lincoln) school were purchased for $2,000. 
It was then thought they had exceptionally large playgrounds. In 
December, 1880, the West Dubuque school was destroyed by fire; 
in July, 1881, the contract for a new and larger building was let 
to James Howie, the cost to be $6,697. This building was also 
burnt, March 11, 1892: the present building was erected the same 
year by G. S. Weaver at a cost of $17,404. The contract for 
building the Marshall school was let to Reford & Johnson April 
23, 1883, for $11,240. In 1886 the rear part of the present old 
Lincoln school was built by A. Ney & Co. for $7,400; the fur- 
naces cost $950. In 1889 the Peter Cooper school on the corner 
of Cedar and Seventeenth streets was built by H. Geiger for 
$2,340 ; in the same year the Jackson school on \Vest Locust street 
was built by James Crawford at a. cost of $15,075; the additional 
cost for the heating plant was $2,198. In 1891 the front part 
of what is now known as the old Fulton was built by Oeth aud 
Hartman for $12,890. In 1894 the high school was built. 

In March, 1901, the people voted in favor of an extra tax of 
$18,000 for an addition to the Fulton school. The board did not 
think it advisable to build an addition to the Fulton on account 
of lack of limited room, and therefore bought land on the opposite 
side of the street for which they paid as follows : C. J. Even, 
corner lot, $1,650; George and Theodore Schrup, lot No. 2, $1,400; 
Alphons Schmid, lot 3, $1,400; Mrs. Louisa Traut, lot 4, $1,400; 
C. J. W. Saunders, two lots, one of which to be used for the Even 
residence on the corner lot, $2,100, a total of $7,950. The con- 
tract with L. Hartman & Son for the building, smokestack and tun- 
nel was $25,633; steam heating and plumbing for both buildings, 
$7,000; retaining wall, $894.85; grading, $357; sodding, $179.28. 
The total cost slightly exceeded $40,000. 

The Franklin and Audubon buildings, built in 1856 and 1857, 
being deemed unsafe and the Lincoln school being in need of addi- 
tional accommodations, the people voted in 1905 to empower the 
board to issue bonds for $120,000 to erect three new buildings; a 
few months later an additional issue of $25,000 was authorized. 
Recognizing the need of larger playgrounds at Lincoln and Frank- 
lin, the board made the following purchases: 

LINCOLN. 

September i, 1902, Elizabeth Henion et al.. Dilranz 

property $ 2,700.00 

May 24, 1905, Elizabeth Hitchins. Zangrneister property 1,040.00 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 925 

Augusf 21, 1905. F. W. Coates and Mrs. Kiesel, adjoin- 
ing lots 2JOO.OO 

February 22, 1907, F. W. Coates and Mrs. Kiesel, ad- 
joining lots 3,400.00 

October 17, 1910. F. \\'. Coates and Mrs. Kiesel, adjoin- 
ing lots 1 ,100.00 



$10,340.00 

FRANKLIN. 

November 24, 1905, James Hayes and Henn,' Gehrig, 

adjoining lots $ 3,250.00 

December 31, 1907, James A. Hayes, adjoining lots. . . . 1,300.00 

May 9, 1908, James A. Hayes, part of lot to square 

ground 7.60 

May 9, 1908, Mrs. Mary Collins, part of lot to square 
ground 28.00 

May 9, 1908, Jolm F. Sloan, part of lot to square ground 49.00 



$ 4.634-60 
Contracts for the new buildings were let as follows : 



'&- 



C. Burdt & Son, Audubon building $47,027.00 

C. Burdt & Son, Franklin building 31,022.00 

F. AV. Brunkow & Sons, The New Lincoln 23,566.50 

Hartman & Sons, alterations, old Lincoln 3,496.80 

Linehan and Molo, heating the four buildings and plumb- 
ing and gas fitting Franklin and Audubon 23,508.00 

Gow & Curtis, plumbing and gas fitting, Lincoln 3,211.00 

E. P. Smith, hiring for lights, telephones, four buildings 2,059.40 

Architect's plans and specifications 2,677.80 

Architect's superintendence 2,008.35 

These buildings and grounds rank among the finest grade schools 
in the state. The board has already taken up fifty-seven of the 
bonds and therefore at this time (June, 191 1) owes only $88,000. 



TEXT BOOKS. 

The selection of text books seems e\er to have been a delicate 
problem. It is interesting to note that on this question at least 
the people of today do not differ from those of forty or fifty years 
ago. The writer happens to have in his possession a copy of a re- 
port published in the local papers in 1867 by Thomas Hardie, sec- 
retary of the board of directors. It seems that a very general 



926 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

change of text books had been made by the board and that the fault 
finder was abroad. Mr. Hardie says : "As some of the patrons 
of the public schools are disposed to cavil at the recent exchange 
of school books on account of the supposed great expense the peo- 
ple are put to by such an operation, I will state the changes that 
have been made, the terms, the number and value of the books." 
He then gives a statistical table showing that a grand total of 
10,350 books — readers, spellers, arithmetics, geographies, gram- 
mars and algebras — having a total value of $7,530, had been se- 
cured for a like number of the old books having an estimated value 
of $2,070. The only money patrons had to pay was fifty cents 
for an exchange of Peter Parley's history of the United States 
for Willson's history. It is also interesting to note the prices then 
and now : 

Then. Now. 

First reader 25 .32 

Second reader 40 .40 

Third reader 60 .50 

Fourth reader 75 .60 

Fifth reader $1-25 .60 

Speller 20 .20 

Grammar 75 .60 

Geography 2.00 1.20 

Algebra 1.50 i.oo 

Arithmetics i-50* i.2ot 



$9.20 $6.42 

Prior to 1895 the Dubuque schools were without a superintend- 
ent, the affairs being managed directly by the board of education; 
every school had a principal subject only to the board. In 1893 
one of the members of the board declared the schools needed a 
superintendent. The proposition was discussed for about a year; 
the Herald opposed and the Times and Telegraph favored the plan. 
After having decided to choose a superintendent, a number of 
months were lost in discussing the question of local man or out- 
sider. It finally ended in the election of F. T. Oldt, of Freeport. 
Many expressed the fear there would be much trouble in inaugu- 
rating the new order of things, that the superintendent would soon 
wish he had remained in some more congenial field and that his 
official life here would be short. Mr. Oldt. however, was the su- 
perintendent from 1895 to 1910, when he was succeeded by J. H. 
Harris, who had been superintendent of several cities in Michigan 
and at the time of election here was supervisor of the grammar 



* Two books, t Three books. 



HISTOKV OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 927 

grades in Minneapolis. Tlie idea of supervision seems to have be- 
come popular, as now the board employs not only a superintendent, 
but also seven supervisors, additional to the principals, as follows : 
Drawing, kindergarten, music, physical training, domestic science, 
manual training and penmanship. The schools have undergone 
many changes since 1895. Much attention has been given during 
all these years to the physical comfort of the childreij. The water 
pails were banished and every school supplied with nmning water; 
the old desks gave way to new. most of the rooms with sufficient 
adjustable seats and desks to accommodate pupils not of the nor- 
mal size; the walls tinted and woodwork painted; playgrounds en- 
larged and beautified : new buildings with the latest improvements 
erected; all rooms liberally supplied with slate blackboard; the walls 
decorated with beautiful pictures and statuary. The natural grad- 
ual improvement in methods of discipline and instruction are largely- 
due to faithful teachers, whose honest, intelligent efforts are nec- 
essary to make of real value any plans or methods, be they ever 
so good; they are reading professional books, studying methods; 
many attend the state and section meetings and a few of them 
national. 

In the fall of 1899 the superintendent arranged for an exhibit 
of pictures in Temple Hall to which an admission of ten cents was 
charged. The net proceeds were $185, which amount was ex- 
pended for pictures ; they were framed by the board at a cost of 
$225 and distributed among the schools. This was the beginning 
of better things in schoolroom decoration. A few months later 
casts were presented to all the kindergartens. In the winter of 
1900-01, the educational committee of the Dubuque Women's Club, 
then consisting of but three members. Mrs. J. I. Mullany. Mrs. 
F. T. Oldt and Mrs. F. D. Stout, planned an entertainment called 
"A Trip Around the World." The Daughters of the Revolution, 
the D. L. L. A.. Friday Music Club, the Conversational Club and 
the Monday Afternoon Club united with the educational division 
in giving the entertainment in the parlors and Sunday school and 
classrooms of St. Luke's M. E. church, May 11-12, 1901. The 
entertainment was the most successful ever given in Dubuque and 
netted $810, all of which was spent for pictures and statuary; 
every schoolroom in the city shared in the distribution. 

The conversion of a dingy room in Prescott into a "model" room 
was desired in August, 1900. Mrs. F. D. Stout said, "Do it; I'll 
pay the bills." It was done at an expense of $400. 

Prior to 1867 all examinations in the schools were conducted 
by members of the board and citizens appointed by the board ; from 
1867 to 1895 all the examinations were conducted by the principals, 
but citizens were appointed to visit and assist the principals. One 
of the old citizens related many interesting incidents to the writer. 



928 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

He took special delight in telling the following : "One day while 
conducting an examination in geography I asked a boy, 'Where is 
Key West and for what noted ?' The boy replied : 'Key West is 
near Dubuque and noted as the burial place for dead Catholics.' 
I gave him lo; how would you have marked him?" "lo plus." 

As the board had been employing as teachers, graduates of the 
high school without experience or normal training the superin- 
tendent organized a two-year training course for high school grad- 
uates in 1895. The total number of graduates of this course is 
ninety-four. Of this number forty-nine are now teaching in the 
Dubuque schools ; fourteen are teaching elsewhere ; twenty-four 
are married. 

There are now employed in the city schools a superintendent and 
seven supervisors, seventeen for the high school faculty, nine grade 
principals, 104 grade and kindergarten teachers, and two special 
teachers of German. The amount of money paid teachers for the 
year ending June 30, 191 1, is as follows : 

Superintendent and supervisors $ 9450 

High school faculty 17.300 

Grade principals 10,600 

Grade and kindergarten teachers 51 '945 

Special German teachers 500 



$89,795 

For many years the salaries in this city were lower than in other 
cities of like rank. There has been gradual improvement, however, 
during the past ten years. A schedule giving some increase was 
adopted July 27, 1903; then again, September 2^, 1907; and again, 
May 9, 191 1. Under the last schedule kindergarten directresses 
will receive a maximum salary of $550, and kindergarten assistants, 
$400 ; teachers below the seventli grade, holding a grammar certifi- 
cate, will receive a minimum of $400 with an annual increase of $40 
until the maximum $600 is reached : teachers of these grades hold- 
ing a secondary certificate will receive a minimum of $350 and a 
maximum of $550; teachers of seventh and eighth grades have a 
minimum of $400 with an annual increase of $50 until the max- 
imum of $650 is reached ; first assistant principals will receive $700. 
Following is a statement of the total expenditures for the past year: 

Teachers and superintendent $ 89.023.48 

Bonds and interest 18,220 

Secret'ry, treasu'er, stenogr'pher, truant ofiicer 2,330 

High school librarian 375 

Janitors 8,490 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 929 



-> 



Insurance 4,214.72 

Fuel 4.969.41 

Building repairs and grounds i ,804.60 

Water 759-31 

Office rent 600 

Manual training department 649.05 

Domestic science 283.73 

Supplies for high school laboratories 299.58 

Kindergarten supplies 114.78 

Maps 269.25 

Typewriters for liigh school 400 

Books 235. 1 5 

Miscellaneous 5,628.80 



$138,666.86 



Three public demonstrations by the schools which attracted marked 
attention must be noted. On October 16. 1899, President and Mrs. 
McKinley and the president's cabinet spent a few hours in Dubuque. 
The city superintendent had all the students of public and parochial 
schools, academies and colleges on both sides of Main, Ninth and 
Locust street, from corner of Eighth and Main to corner of Seventh 
and Locust on June 2, 1903. President Roosevelt visited the city. 
At this time all the schools were arranged in Jackson Square where 
the president briefly addressed the very enthusiastic and inspiring 
throng. Li June, 1908, the state encampment of the Grand Army 
of the Republic was held here. All the school children were massed 
on Clay street from Eleventh to Fifteenth, every one supplied with 
a flag. Many an old veteran in the long procession was moved to 
tears by the children's hearty greeting with songs and cheers and 
waving of flags. 

The superiority of work done in these schools was shown in the 
competitive exhibition at the St. Louis World's Exposition in 1904. 
All the cities of the state were represented but only five of them 
received gold medals, and Dubuque was the only city which received 
more than one. 

While it is true that exactly two-thirds of the present teachers 
began service within the past sixteen years, it is doubtful whether 
there is another city that has a larger proportion distinguished for 
length of faithful service,— a matter of no little moment to teachers. 
There are fifteen who began before 1880. two in 1875, two in 1867, 
one in 1868, two in 1872. one in 1874, three in 1875, two in 1878 
and two in 1879. 

Following is a list of names of the presidents, secretaries and 
treasurers of the boards of directors. There was no city school 
organization between 1840 and 1856. 



930 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 



Year. 


President. 


Secretary. 


Treasurer. 


1840 


Warner Lewis 


J. J. E. Norman Timothy Mason 


1856 


H. A. Wiltse 


C. Childs 


Timothy Mason 


1857 


J. D. Jennings 


C. Childs 


Timothy Mason 


1858 


H. A. Wiltse 


P. B. Cook 


Jas. Mullen 


1859 


H. A. Wiltse 


T. C. Snyder 


J. W. Tavlor 


i860 


Dr. C. W. Belden 


A. F. Townsend J. W. Taylor 


1861 


Dr. C. W^ Belden 


G. B. Grosvenor J. W. Taylor 


1862 


Dr. C. W. Belden 


G. B. Grosvenor D. K. Cornwell 


1863 


John Hodgdon 


Thos. Hardie 


D. P. Noyes 


1864 


J. D. Jennings 


Thos. Hardie 


M. H. Beach 


1865 


Austin Adams 


Thos. Hardie 


M. H. Beach 


1866 


Patrick Robb 


Thos. Hardie 


M. H. Beach 


1867 


Dr. C. W. Belden 


Thos. Hardie 


Timothy Mason 


1868-70 


John Hodgdon 


Thos. Hardie 


H. P. Ward 


1871 


John Hodgdon 


Thos. Hardie 


Timothy Mason 


1872-73 


John Hodgdon 


Thos. Hardie 


H. P. Ward 


1874-75 


Christian MilhveberThos. Hardie 


H. P. Ward 


1876 


J. D. Jennings 


Thos. Hardie 


Joseph Herod 


1877-79 


AI. M. Ham 


Thos. Hardie 


Joseph Herod 


1880 


J. D. Jennings 


Thos. Hardie 


Joseph Herod 


1881 


Jno. H. Thompson 


Thos. Hardie 


Joseph Herod 


1882 


D. C. Cram 


Thos. Hardie 


Joseph Herod 


1883 


P. J. Ouigley 


Thos. Hardie 


Joseph Herod 


1884 


S. S. W'emott 


Thos. Hardie 


Joseph Herod 


1885-6-7 


J. K. Graves 


Thos. Hardie 


Joseph Herod 


1888-89 


Alphons ]\Iatthe\vs 


Thos. Hardie 


Joseph Herod 


1 890- 1-2- 


3 F. B. Daniels 


Thos. Hardie 


Joseph Herod 


1894-95 


Paul Traut 


Thos. Hardie 


Joseph Herod 


1896 


Dr. C. J. Peterson 


Thos. Hardie 


Joseph Herod 


1897 


N. J. Schrup 


Thos. Hardie 


Joseph Herod 


1898 


Dr. Allen Staples 


Thos. Hardie 


Joseph Herod 


1899 


D. D. Mvers 


T. C. Murphy 


Joseph Herod 


1900 


L. G. Hurd 


T. C. Murphy 


Joseph Herod 


1901 


H. J. Fuchs 


T. C. Murphy 


Joseph Herod 


1902 


J. R. Lindsay 


T. C. Murphy 


Horace Poole 


1903 


Jno. L Mullany 


T. C. Murphy 


Horace Poole 


1904 


J. K. Deming 


T. C. Murphy 


Horace Poole 


1905 


Glenn Brown 


T. C. Murphy 


Horace Poole 


1906 


J. J. Murrav 


T. C. Murphy 


C. W. Walton 


1907 


A. Y. :\IcDonald 


T. C. Murphy 


C. W. Walton 


1908 


W. H. Meuser 


T. C. Murphy 


C. W. Walton 


1909 


T. J. Mulgrew 


T. C. Murphy 


C. W. Walton 


1910 


John T. Adams 


T. C. Murphy 


C. W. Walton 


1911 


H. E. Tredway 


T. C. Murphy 


C. W. Walton 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 931 



After 36 years of most faithful and intelligent service as secre- 
tary. Mr. Hardie died April 12, 1899. at the age of 80 years 2 
months and 17 days. During the four months of his illness and 
for two months succeeding his death, the city superintendent acted 
as secretary pro tem. 

In 1897 an unwritten law went into effect by which every member 
becomes president for one year. The list of presidents from that 
year to the present therefore is a complete list of the members 
of the board during the past fourteen years with the exception of 
F. E. Bissell. F. N. Schroeder, and T. J. Fitzpatrick who were 
but recently elected. 

STATISTICS FOR 1857-58. 

Admitted Av. No. 

during year. Att. Teachers. 

First public school (Prescott) 1.285 613 12 

Second public school (Franklin) 500 311 8 

Third public school (Audubon) 163 53 i 

West Dubuque school (Irving) 87 72 2 



2,035 1-049 2^ 

There were four male and nineteen female teachers. The aver- 
age compensation of male teachers was $25 per week, and of female 
teachers, $9.27. 

The following table shows the total enrollment in 1866-67 ^nd 
1910-1 1. 

1867 191 1 

High school 61 477 

First Ward school (Franklin) 683 312 

Third Ward school ( Prescott) 852 600 

Fourth Ward school (Lincoln) 428 574 

Fifth Ward school (Audubon) 699 474 

West Dubuque school (Irving) loi 337 

South Dodge St. school ( Bryant) 115 29 

Dodge street school (Morse) 39 20 

Negro school 18 

Fulton school • ■ 5^3 

Jackson school • • ^33 

Marshall school 224 

Peter Cooper school 61 

2.996 3.744 

As the population in 1870 was only 18.434 and in 1910, 38,494, 

the above table does not indicate a satisfactory increase. The reader, 

however, must not lose sight of the fact that Dubuque is a city 

of parochial schools. Within the past fourteen years seven large 





Total 


Teachers. 


Enrollment, 


13 


531 


12 


700 


II 


268 


6 


247 


6 


224 


15 


687 


8 


287 


7 


300 


7 


140 


4 


100 



932 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

school buildings have been erected by the Roman Catholics. These 
schools use the public school course of study and with a few ex- 
ceptions have used the outlines and test questions prepared by the 
city superintendent. Following is a statistical report of their 
schools : 

Schools. Established. 

St. Raphael's 1846 

St. Mary's 1866 

St. Joseph's 1867 

St. Patrick's 1867 

St. Mary's Orphanage 1878 

Sacred Heart 1880 

St. Columbkill's 1880 

Holy Ghost 1896 

St. Anthony's 1899 

St. Mary's high school .... 1906 

89 3,484 

The St. Paul's German Lutheran school has an enrollment 0/ 
thirty-six. There are, therefore, 7,264 pupils enrolled in the public 
and parochial schools of Dubuque. 

The reader may wonder whether there were any parochial schools 
here in 1867. The Hebrews had a small school on Bluff street; 
the German Lutherans had two schools with a total enrollment of 
yy; and the Roman Catholics had two with a total enrollment of 400. 

St. Joseph's College was founded by the most Rev. Archbishop 
Hennessy, September 8, 1873. It is beautifully located on West 
Fourteenth street, between Henion and Walnut streets, and com- 
mands a magnificent view of the city, river and surrounding coun- 
try. The new College, built in 1878, was soon found inadequate to 
accommodate the increasing number of students, and in 1884 the 
east wing was added. In 1902 the west wing was erected, and in 
1910 the new Chapel and Auditorium, making St. Joseph's one 
of the finest and best equipped colleges in the state. The grounds 
are well laid out. with three baseball fields, running track, tennis 
courts, walks, etc., to furnish opportunity for sports and for the 
pliysical development of the students. There are two departrpents, 
the academic and the collegiate, each covering a period of four 
years. The academic corresponds to the full four-year high school 
course, while the collegiate comprises the regular classical and sci- 
entific course, including two years of philosoph}-. The corps of 
teachers consists of sixteen professors and seven instructors, and 
the enrollment for 1910-1911 was above 300. The class graduat- 
ing from the collegiate department in June, 191 1, numbers eighteen, 
while fifty will graduate from the academic department. 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 933 

Gcnitaii Presbyterian College and Seminary — In 1852 Rev. Ad- 
rian Van Vliet, pastor of the German Presbyterian church of Du- 
buque, feeling the need of an educated ministry in our German 
settlements, conceived the idea of starting a school for the train- 
ing of young men willing to devote themselves to that cause. The 
school began with two students and became known as the German 
Theological School of the Northwest. In 1872 the female semi- 
nary at the head of Iowa street was purchased for $10,000. This 
building was used till 1907, when the school was removed to the 
beautiful building on Dehli street, erected in 1906 largely through 
tiie efforts of the president, Dr. C. M. Steffens. The building is 
well equipped, has all the modern conveniences and is located on 
the highest ground in the city. 

This institution has three departments — academy, college and 
seminary. The college course leads to the degree of A. B. After 
graduating from the college department, the great majority take 
the seminary course of three years to prepare for the ministry — 
German, Bohemian or English. There are more nationalities rep- 
resented than in any other school in the West. Besides the stu- 
dents from many of the states and Mexico, the institution draws 
many from Europe who desire to locate in America because of the 
superior opportunity afforded for the study of the German and 
Bohemian languages. The curriculum is being constantly improved, 
the faculty enlarged and the standard of scholarship raised to meet 
the demands of the day. The attendance has doubled within the 
past three years. 

Mt. St. Joseph's College and Academy — This is one of the finest 
schools for young women in the state and draws students from 
all sections of the United States. It has commodious and well 
equipped buildings on an imposing site at the intersection of Semi- 
nary and West Locust streets. It was founded in 1868 and is 
conducted by the Sisters of Charity. The attendance is large and 
increasing so rapidly that a new building or addition is required 
frequently. One of the finest conservatories in the country was 
built recently. The institution has three departments — preparatory, 
academic and collegiate. 

Academy of Visitation — A little band of six sisters from the 
Monastery of the Visitation in St. Louis arrived in Dubuque Au- 
gust 26, 1 87 1, to found a new community and open an academy 
for the education of young ladies. The school was established in 
a small brick house near St. Raphael's cathedral, where it remained 
till 1879, when it was removed to General Jones's home on the 
present site of the school. In 1883 the first wing of the present 
academy was built; a second wing was added in 1886; in 1890 a 
very commodious structure was erected; in 1907 another addition 
was built. These facts clearly indicate its popularity and prosperity. 

Wartbiirg Theological Seminary — This institution was estal>- 



934 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

lished here in 1856 and is therefore one of the oldest educational 
institutions in the city. The object of the institution is to prepare 
young men for the German Lutheran ministry. Three years are 
required for the completion of the course. The preparatory work 
is done in the preparatory seminary at Waverly, Iowa, and in the 
Lutheran college at Clinton, Iowa. Most of the students in the 
seminary come from these two schools. Rev. Max Fritschel is 
president of the seminary. 

Academy of the Iiiuiiaciilate Conception — This institution was 
established in 1907 and is conducted by the Sisters of St. Francis 
in the building occupied a few years by the Dubuque Female Semi- 
nary and for many years by the German Presbyterian Theological 
Seminary. The Sisters of St. Francis greatly improved the build- 
ing and grounds and the school is prospering far beyond the most 
sanguine expectations of its founders. 

The Cutler Business School is located at the southeast corner 
of Ninth and Main streets and is under the sole management of 
Mrs. Ida McLenan Cutler, principal. The school does superior 
work and is rapidly increasing in popularity. 

Epii'orfh Seminary is one of the oldest educational institutions 
in the state. It is located at Epworth and is under the control of 
the Methodist church. It is a good preparatory school and has 
academic and music departments. 

Dubuque Female Seminary — Though no longer in existence, so 
frequent reference has been made to it in this chapter that a short 
account seems advisable. In February, 1853, Catherine Beecher, 
sister of Henry Ward Beecher, visited this city to establish a fe- 
male seminary. The -proposition was well received and Asa Horr, 
L. H. Langworthy, H. S. Hetherington. F. E. Bissell and H. A. 
Wiltse were prominent in the movement. The cornerstone was 
laid in July and a school was begun in 1854. Miss Beecher again 
visited the city in December, 1855, and explained the conditions 
of the promise of an endowment of $20,000 and library and ap- 
paratus. The conditions were never fully met and the endowment 
was not given. Though there were eighty students in the year 
1857-58, the trustees decided they could not maintain the school 
and sold the property to the board of directors of the public schools 
in 1859 for $12,000. On account of the inability of the board 
to pay for it the property reverted to the trustees the next year. 
In July, 1863, the trustees of Griswold college, Davenport, pro- 
posed to buy the building and grounds and establish a seminary 
under the auspices of the Episcopal church. The institution was 
maintained till 1872, when the property passed into the hands of 
the Presbyterians and was used as a theological school till 1907. 
Since that year it has been the home of the Academy of the Im- 
maculate Conception. 



MISCELLANEOUS EVENTS. 

THE CARNEGIE-STOUT FREE LIBRARY is the joint 
gift of Andrew Carnegie, Frank D. Stout and the citizens 
of Dubuque represented by the Young Men's Library As- 
sociation. In 1899 the latter association made the follow- 
ing proposition to the city : ( i ) City to raise $50,000 for a library 
building; (2) city to raise $7,000 at once for' a lot; (3) Young 
Men's Association would surrender all its possessions to the pro- 
posed new library; (4) city to levy annually one- fourth of a mill 
for the support of the library. This offer substantially was ac- 
cepted by the city. Committees began work and in the end se- 
cured the following donations : Sixty thousand dollars from An- 
drew Carnegie; building site valued at $17,000 from Frank D. 
Stout; $12,500 from the citizens of Dubuque; $10,000 from the 
old subscription library fund. The present building, one well 
adopted for its intended uses, was commenced and completed in 
1902. Mr. Carnegie's donation was conditional on an annual levy 
of a tax of one-tenth of his donation ; the vote whether to accept 
his offer was 2,356 in favor of acceptance out of 3,238 votes polled. 
Women cast 1,224 votes for acceptance and only forty-seven against 
it. The library is in excellent working condition. The art room 
was furnished by donations. In 1909 the library had 28,164 vol- 
umes and had an income from taxation of $8,201.93; its circu- 
lation in 1909 was 102.710. In 1910 bequests of $1,000 were re- 
ceived from each W. B. Allison and John B. Glover. 

In 1910 there was an enrolled membership of 825. the full mem- 
bership being 13,112. The total expenditures were $8,673.95; total 
receipts, $11,955.17; total tax collections, $8,090.64; total circula- 
tion, 99,484 ; accessions, i ,989 volumes ; volumes in the librarj', 
29,793: total books, including pamphlets and unbound books, 41,- 
950. The library received valuable gifts from Judge O. P. Shiras. 
Mrs. Emma Ward and others. Special attention is paid to the 
children's department. Jacob Rich is president of the board of 
trustees and Miss Lillian B. Arnold, librarian. 

The public schools' exhibit in the spring of 191 1 was a most 
praiseworthy success ; it covered three departments of school work : 
Art, penmanship, domestic science. The exhibit was made in the 
art rooms of the public library. 

The Dubuque Town Clock Company was organized December 

935 



936 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

II. 1865. The officers elected were: P. Smith, president; R. A.- 
Babbage, secretary and treasurer; Dr. Asa Horr, regulator; trus- 
tees. Dr. Horr and G. D. Wood. The clock was regulated every 
Saturday evening by means of a well-mounted astronomical in- 
strument and seldom varied five seconds in a week. The latitude 
of Dubuque was determined as 42° 30' at a point near the junc- 
tion of Iowa and Seventeenth streets, and the longitude as 90° 39' 
50.7" at the center of the crossing of Main and Seventh streets. 

In 1855 C. H. Rodgers & Co. began building a shot tower on 
Commercial avenue, or Seventh street extension, at side of one of 
the yards of the Standard Lumber Company. The new enterprise 
did not prove to be very successful. Up to this time Chadbourne 
& Foster, of St. Louis, enjoyed a monopoly of shot manufactur- 
ing. The smelters of Dubuque had to send their lead by lx)at to 
St. Louis, where the shot was made. When Chadbourne & Lewis 
learned of their Dubuque competitor they reduced the price of shot 
in order to crush the rival concern here; for a time they actually 
sold at less than cost. No "trust" today can work more effectively. 
Cnder the circumstances Rodgers & Co. did not continue the busi- 
ness. In the spring of 1859 it was leased to Peleg Tallman & Co., 
who conducted the business for only a few months, after which 
Cook & Langworthy managed the industry for the rest of the 
year, when it fell into the hands of J. K. Graves, who proved him- 
self equal to a contest with the St. Louis firm. He manufactured 
shot on a large scale for a time, when the St. Louis people again 
reduced the price to a losing basis. Mr. Graves then advised all 
customers who quoted the St. Louis prices to buy of those people 
at prices named. Chadbourne & Lewis soon grew tired of the 
losing venture and bought the local tower for $3,000, after which 
not a shot was made in that tower. In 1874 Mr. John Deery ob- 
tained permission from the new owners to place on top of the tower 
an equestrian statue of Andrew Jackson, made by Thomas Kav- 
anaugh, father of J. J. Kavanaugh, the artist. The statue was 
placed on the tower by John Dreyhouse and remained there till 
1881. The tower was destroyed in the disastrous fire in the Stand- 
ard Lumber yard on the morning of May 27, 191 1, so that noth- 
ing now remains but the bare walls. When Chadbourne & Lewis 
bought the tower simply to crush the local industry they had no 
thought of the possibilities of a mineral shaft. J. K. Graves, Will- 
iam Carter, Gen. C. H. Booth and Richard Cheney erected a build- 
ing over the 157- foot mineral shaft on the south line of Highland 
farm on Asbury road and conducted the business from 1861 to 
1886. Graves, however, soon disposed of his share to Carter, who 
then owned half the stock and was known as the superintendent, 
with E. J. Royce actively superintending the work. 

In 1863 "Jim" Hughes began making shot in a similar way 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 937 

near where now stands a brick house near the junction of West 
Fifth and Dellii streets, a few rods west of the West Dubuque 
engine house. 

LOCATION OF CHURCHES IN 1859. 

St. John's Episcopal, corner Locust and Ninth streets. 
Congregational, corner Locust and Tenth streets. 
First Presbyterian, corner Locust and Eleventh streets. 
Second Presbyterian, Ninth between Locust and Bluff streets. 
German Presbyterian, corner Iowa and Seventeenth streets. 
Methodist Episcopal, Main between Eleventh and Twelfth 
streets. 

Centenary, corner Locust and Seventh streets. 

German Methodist, Clay between Twelfth and Thirteenth streets. 

Baptist, corner Main and Tenth streets. 

Christian, Locust between Sixth and Seventh streets. 

Universalist. Globe building, corner Main and Fifth streets. 

German Lutheran, Clay between Eleventh and Twelfth streets. 

The Bishop's church. Bluff between First and Second streets. 

St. Patrick's, corner Iowa and Fourteenth streets. 

German Catholic, corner White and Eighth streets. 

PUBLIC HALLS IN 1 859. 

City hall, southeast corner Iowa and Thirteenth streets. 

Globe hall, northeast corner Main and Fifth streets. 

Julien theater, corner Locust and Fifth streets. 

Lorimier hall, southwest corner Main and Second streets. 

Masonic hall, southeast corner Bluff and Eighth streets. 

Odd Fellows" hall, southeast corner Bluff and Eighth streets. 

Turners' hall, corner Iowa and Sixth streets. 

People's theater, southeast corner Bluff and Eighth streets. 

Postoffice, corner Bluff and Eighth streets. 

On Sunday, January 29, 1899, there was published in the Chi- 
cago Tribune an account substantially as follows : There was then 
living at 310 South Illinois street, Belleville, 111., a lady named Mrs. 
Adeline (La Croix) Chandler, who was born at Marievoais Ferre, 
near the present site of Peoria, 111., on December 6, 1806, and was 
the daughter of Michael and Catherine (Dubuque) La Croix. 
She was reported to be the granddaughter of Julien Dubuque, the 
founder of Dubuque. Iowa, her mother, it was alleged, being Cath- 
erine Dubuque, daughter of Julien. Michael La Croix was an 
Indian agent at Peoria before Thomas Forsythe received the ap- 
pointment and after that date kept a store there. With other 
French settlers he left that locality in 1812 and established him- 
self at Cahokia and there soon died. In 181 7 his widow, Catherine, 
married Governor John Reynolds, moved to Belleville in 1832 and 
there died about 1834 or 1835, aged forty-five years. Adeline was 



938 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

sent to school at Kaskaskia and came to Belleville with her mother 
and stepfather in 1832. and two years later, January 21. 1834, 
married Samuel Chandler and resided at Belleville until her death. 
Upon receiving the above information the publishers of this book 
wrote a letter of inquiry to Belleville, 111.., and received the fol- 
lowing reply: 

1512 East St. Louis Ave., East St. Louis, June 10, 191 1. 
Dear Sirs : Your letter was turned over to me to answer by my 
son. Judge Boneau. I am the great-grandniece of Julien Dubuque. 
John Baptist Dubuque, a brother of Julien Dubuque, was my great- 
grandfather. The family came to Cahokia in very early times and 
there John Baptist Dubuque passed the remainder of his life, but 
Uncle Julien went to Iowa and there lived and died ; he was never 
married ; this fact we know. Adeline Chandler and my father, 
Rene Lacroix, were the children of Catherine Dul^uque and Michael 
Lacroix. The father of Catherine was John Baptist Dubuque. 
Grandmother Catherine was born in Cahokia September 13. 1783, 
and moved here in 1805. Aunt Adeline and my father were born 
at a trading post on the Illinois river at a place called Marievois 
Terre near Peoria. Their father (Michael Lacroix) was an In- 
dian trader. Aunt Adeline died eleven years ago. having lived with 
me twenty years, being ninety-five years old at the time of her 
death. My stepgrand father, Governor John Reynolds, as you know, 
wrote one of the earliest histories, if not the earliest history, o^ 
Illinois ; so we have always kept in touch with its history. Yours 
truly, 

(Mrs.) H. a. Boneau. 

Missing Its Aim? — Is this Greater Dubuque movement to be 
converted into a city beautiful movement? Are we forgetting 
that the Dubuque Industrial Corporation was organized primarily 
to secure new industries and not to convert every possible factory 
site into a park? Now at all. There is no danger whatever that 
the main purpose of the Dubuque Industrial Corporation will be 
overlooked. The directors are giving their attention primarily to 
the matter of securing new industries. The matter of civic im- 
provement is getting most attention in the newspapers because this 
is a matter that rests with the community itself, requires commu- 
nity co-operation, and for this purpose a general community knowl- 
edge of the aims of the committee. One thing which cannot be 
too strongly impressed on the public mind is the value of a clean, 
sanitary and attractive city, considered as a commercial asset. If 
we had the best kept town in the state we couldn't provide the 
ground demanded by manufacturers in search of new locations. 
The manufacturer is interested in labor supply and therefore in 
the attraction the city offers the working people. Finding the town 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 939 

well kept puts his mind at ease on this point. He knows he will 
have no trouble finding help in a town in which it is a pleasure to 
live because it possesses natnral beauty, river and dale, good public 
institutions, well-kept public resorts, adequate transportation to 
places of amusement and is up to date in the matter of public com- 
fort, sanitation and civic cleanliness. Dubuque has between ninety 
and 100 miles of improved streets. {Tiuics-Jounial, May 10, 191 1.) 

A- Memorial Hall — It is said that patriotic societies other than 
the Grand Army and the Spanish-American \\'ar Association would 
use a new building, but they don't need it. The town is already 
full of halls suitable as meeting places for such societies and the 
building of more would be a pathetic waste of good money that 
could more profitably be employed in beautifying the city. The 
fund the Soldiers' Memorial Association has on hand should be 
turned over to the library trustees for the institution and perma- 
nent maintenance of a war relic room at the public library. Here 
the owners could deposit all war relics they desire preserved for 
the benefit of posterity. Such a room would be open at all times 
for the benefit of visitors to the library and would be visited pe- 
riodically by the history classes in the schools. If it were pro- 
posed to build an auditorium and armory and call it a memorial 
hall that would be another matter. Dubuque needs an auditorium. 
{Times-Journal, May 10, 191 1.) 

In the annual contest of the students of the German department 
of St. Joseph's college, held in May, 191 1, John Theobold captured 
the first prize, a gold medal. The second prize, a silver medal, was 
awarded to Casper Brenner. There were four contestants, Will- 
iam Goetzinger and Stephen Mauer being the other two. All the 
young men acquitted themselves in a most creditable manner and 
displayed a familiarity and knowledge of the German language 
remarkable in American born students. The judges were: Rev. 
N. J. Ries, of Bellevue; Rev. Fr. Holthaus, assistant pastor at the 
Sacred Heart church, and Mr. N. C. Gindorf. 

In 191 1 Henry Riker bequeathed his home and eight lots at 305 
Wilde street "to' be used and appropriated to either of the follow- 
ing purposes: A college of learning or academy of learning, or a 
home devoted to charity for the needy." 

Earninqs of the Water Works — The revenues of the water de- 
partment will this year (1911) approximate something over $60,- 
000 and the operating expenses $40,000, insuring net earnings of 
about $20,000. This is equal to 4 per cent on the purchase price 
of $545,000. If the city were paying, less taxes that would be re- 



940 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 

ceived, what it would be paying a private company for the water 
used for fire purposes, street sprinkhng, sewer flushing, etc., the 
net revenue would be a sum about equal to 73/ per cent on the 
purchase price. From the dollars and cents viewpoint municipal 
ownership is paying. Tliere is a surplus of some $40,000 in the 
city treasurer's hands to the credit of the water department. It 
is the purpose to use $5,000 of it in the retirement of outstanding 
water bonds and thus reduce the city's interest obligation. Exten- 
sions of mains already planned will take a good many thousand 
dollars more. A new pump for use in furnishing water to the 
hill districts will be bought soon. Then there is in prospect a res- 
ervoir to create a high pressure downtown system and which shall 
hold from four to si.x million gallons of water and will cost per- 
haps $10,000 per million gallons to build. A reservoir must be 
complemented with a new 20-inch or 16-inch main laid through 
town and feeding other smaller mains, the cost of which will ap- 
pro.ximate $50,000 — the two items together involving an outlay 
of some $100,000 more or less. The idea is that these improve- 
ments should be paid for out of the net revenues of the water de- 
partment, and not from the proceeds of new taxation. With these 
objectives in view the trustees will from year to year slightly in- 
crease their surplus, but all the time meet demands for main ex- 
tensions where the conditions the trustees impose preliminary to 
the making of extensions are complied with. It ought to be very 
gratifying to the people of Dubuque that the water works is be- 
ing so admirably managed, and it ought to suggest to them the 
wisdom of broadening the application of the principle of honorary 
service. (Times-Journal, May, 191 1.) 

On May 27, 191 1, an extensive fire probably of incendiary origin 
destroyed in the eastern part of the city five to seven blocks of 
finished lumber mostly, the Standard Lumber Company being the 
heaviest loser. The next day another incendiary fire, still more dis- 
astrous, swept the Standard company's yards at the south. The 
estimated loss at both fires aggregated over $500,000. Other losers 
were Conklin & Kearn, Star Brewing Company, telephone and 
telegraph companies, several house boat owners, etc. A reward 
of $5,000 was offered for the arrest and conviction of the in- 
cendiary. The fire department did desperate work, but could not 
wholly stop the conflagration. Immense crowds witnessed both 
fires. The cause of the fires was a matter of conjecture; several 
arrests were made. 

Dubuque many times in the past and at present has been torn 
with labor dissensions and troubles; it is not improbable that re- 
cent fires and other disasters are the misdirected and ungoverned 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 941 

outgrowth of the differences here between labor and capital, or 
perhaps between anarchy and capital. 

The Dubuque County Medical Society held its annual meeting in 
191 1 and elected officers for the coming year. The reports of the 
officers were given and then the election took place. The officers 
named follow : President, Dr. E. R. Lewis ; vice-president. Dr. 
J. R. Guthrie; second vice-president, Dr. McNeil, Epworth; secre- 
tary, Dr. M. J. Moes; treasurer. Dr. Joseph Loes; delegate. Dr. 
H. B. Gratiot; librarian, Dr. H. G. Langworthy. Dr. Kime, of 
Fort Dodge, lectured before the society on Thursday night on 
"Tuberculosis." 

The recent organization and activities of the Dubuque Industrial 
Corporation are events of great importance. The board of trade 
subscribed about $170,000 to aid the objects of the organization. 
Clarence A. Cotton, an expert in industrial work, was secured to 
act as secretary. He said : "The leading men of the commercial 
world are coming to know that cities which are beautiful, well 
governed, healthful and generally attractive to live in and visit 
are the ones which will do the business of the future. There is 
a wave of sentiment along the line whereby good citizenship will 
come to be necessary to good business. Everything else being 
equal, buyers will make their purchases in the city which is the 
most pleasant to visit, conventions will go to the town which is 
the most beautiful and has the most points of interest; while there 
is no question that as labor becomes more advanced intellectually 
factories will find it more difficult to obtain enough satisfactory 
help in communities which are lacking in which is ideal. Men are 
coming, more and more, to believe that life itself and happy living 
come first of all." 

In the early part of 191 1 the people of Dubuque looked forward 
with pleasurable anticipation to the coming regatta in July under 
the auspices of the Mississippi Valley Power Boat Association. 
Trophies and prizes were offered and a large reception fund was 
raised. The acquirement by Dubuque in 191 1 of the works of the 
Bnmswick-Balke-Collender Company was a triumph of the indus- 
trial movement actively at work in this city. 



POPULATION OF DUBUQUE COUNTY. 

1910. 1900. 1890. 
Cascade Township, including part of 

Cascade town i-i79 

Cascade tozvn, part of 583 

Total for Cascade tozvn in Cascade 
and White Water Toivnships, and 

Richland Totvnships, Jones County. i ,268 

Center Township i ,046 

Concord Township, including Holy 

Cross town 960 

Holy Cross tozvn 143 

Dodge Township, including Worthington 

town and part of Farley town 979 

Farley tozvn, part of .29 

Total for Farley tozvn in Dodge and 

Taylor Tozvnships 676 

Worthington tozvn 314 

Dubuque Township i-5i7 

Iowa Township 688 

Jefferson Township 1,200 

Julien Township, coextensive with Du- 
buque City 38.494 36,297 2,0,2,11 

Dubuque City — 

Ward 1 5,454 

Ward 2 5.240 

Ward s 6,627 

Ward 4 7.719 

Ward 5 13.454 

Liberty Township 806 955 940 

Mosalem Township 724 942 814 

New Wine Township, including Dyers- 

ville and New Vienna towns 2,829 2,724 2,579 

Dyersvillc tozvn 1,511 1.323 1,272 

Nezv Vienna tozvn 188 245 

Peru Township 848 976 1,020 

Prairie Creek Township, including Bern- 
ard town 735 872 803 

Bernard tozvn 95 113 

Table Mound Township 973 951 1,068 

942 



1,250 

584 


1,196 
514 


1,266 
1,210 


955 
1,165 


1.049 


1,005 


115 




1,062 


1,048 


513 
288 


582 


1,510 

738 


1,484 
703 


1,300 


1,491 



HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 943 

Taylor Township, including Epworth 

town and part of Farley town 1,888 1,884 1,606 

Epzi'orth tozvii 520 549 348 

Farley town, part of 647 513 582 

Vernon Township 812 853 882 

Washington Township, including part 

of Zwingle town 692 j^j 749 

Zzvingle fozvn, part of 46 

Total for Zzvingle tozvn, in Washing- 
ton Tozvnship and Otter Creek 

Tozimship, Jackson County 69 

White Water Township, including part 

of Cascade town 1,080 1.093 9^4 

Cascade tozcn, part of 533 534 441 

Dubuque County total 57.450 56,403 49,848 



<,5 ■% 



